From the opening drive, the Hogs came out swinging and dominated Arkansas State in a 56-14 win in the first-ever matchup between the in-state programs. Arkansas’ offense exploded for 630 total yards, while quarterback Taylen Green totaled 239 passing yards and 151 rushing yards.
Game Summary
Arkansas scored three touchdowns in its first 10 offensive plays and racked up 290 yards of offense in the first quarter alone. The Red Wolves broke their drought with a 98-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. After an action-packed opening frame, the second quarter slowed for both teams.
Arkansas State pieced together a 14-play touchdown drive to cut the deficit to two scores, but the Hogs answered to take a 35-14 lead into halftime. From there, Arkansas settled in, shutting out the Red Wolves in the second half and cruising to a 56-14 victory in what could be its final game at War Memorial Stadium.
The Razorback defense looked much improved from the opener, especially along the front line. The Hogs recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss while limiting the Red Wolves to just 125 passing yards.
Who Stood Out for the Hogs
Quarterback Taylen Green was a nightmare for Arkansas State’s defense. Despite throwing two interceptions, he passed for 239 yards and four touchdowns and added 151 yards and a score on the ground. His 64-yard touchdown run in the first quarter came just two plays after the Red Wolves’ kickoff return touchdown.
Tight end Rohan Jones bounced back from a quiet opener, leading the team in receiving yards on just two catches. Both went for big gains, including a 33-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. disrupted the Red Wolves’ passing game, finishing with two sacks and six total tackles. His pressure consistently rattled quarterback Jaylen Raynor.
Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. lived up to his captain status after a slow opener. He tallied a team-high 15 tackles, including six solo, along with a half sack, two tackles for loss and an interception.
Concerns Addressed
Arkansas’ defense looked sharper across the board. The line’s aggressiveness forced Arkansas State into quicker plays, preventing longer-developing routes. After throwing for 345 yards in Week 1, Raynor managed just 125 against the Hogs with two interceptions. Defensive backs Julien Neal and Caleb Woodard combined for five pass breakups as the secondary locked down the Red Wolves’ receivers.
Looking Ahead
Arkansas now turns to SEC play, traveling to Oxford, Miss., for its first conference test of the season against Ole Miss. The Rebels are coming off a 30-23 win at Kentucky. Kickoff at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is scheduled for Sept. 13, with the time set for either 6 p.m. or 6:45 p.m. CST.
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