The Hogs dropped another close game on the road, falling 32-31 to Memphis in heartbreaking fashion. The Razorbacks had a chance late in the game to pull off the win, but a lost fumble inside the red zone in the final two minutes ended their hopes.
Game Summary
The Razorbacks started strong when quarterback Taylen Green connected with tight end Rohan Jones for a 62-yard touchdown on the opening drive. Memphis answered quickly, scoring 10 straight points to take a 10-7 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Arkansas’ offense came alive. The Hogs scored 21 points before halftime, led by explosive plays through the air and a balanced attack on the ground. They entered the break with a 28-17 advantage.
The second half told a different story. After forcing a punt to open the third quarter, Arkansas had an opportunity to extend its lead but went three-and-out. Memphis capitalized with a field goal, cutting the deficit to eight. Arkansas responded with a field goal of its own to push the lead back to 31-20, but that would be the Razorbacks’ final points of the day.
Memphis chipped away, scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter and took the lead of 32-31 with just under five minutes left. The Razorbacks answered with a promising drive, moving 68 yards in nine plays while chewing up clock. With the ball at the Memphis 9-yard line and under two minutes to play, disaster struck. A fumble gave possession back to the Tigers, who ran out the clock to secure the win.
Who Stood Out for the Hogs
Tight end Rohan Jones was a bright spot, hauling in two receptions for 102 yards, including his long touchdown catch in the first quarter. On defense, Quincy Rhodes Jr. provided rare pressure up front and recorded two sacks, the only consistent disruption of the Memphis offense.
What Went Wrong for the Hogs
Defense and turnovers once again plagued Arkansas. The Razorbacks surrendered 489 total yards, the second straight week they have given up 475 yards or more. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis caused problems with both his arm and legs, throwing for 199 yards and adding 103 rushing yards with three total touchdowns. Running back Sutton Smith also found success, rushing for 147 yards on just 12 carries and scoring once.
Turnovers sealed the Hogs’ fate. After losing the turnover battle against Ole Miss the week before, Arkansas once again came up short in protecting the football. The final fumble in the red zone was the decisive blow.
Looking Ahead for the Hogs
Arkansas returns home next week for one of its biggest matchups of the season, hosting Notre Dame in Fayetteville on Sept. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CST, as the Hogs look to bounce back in front of their home crowd.