Arkansas (5-5, 3-4 SEC) looks to bounce back after a 20-10 loss to No. 3 Texas at home. The Razorbacks will play their final home game and last nonconference matchup against Louisiana Tech (4-6, 3-4 Conference USA). Head coach Sam Pittman discussed the upcoming game against the Bulldogs and provided injury updates.
Arkansas Injury Updates
Defensive back Jaylon Braxton is not expected to return this weekend for the Razorbacks. He has appeared in just one game this season and was expected during the preseason to be one of the team’s top pass defenders. Pittman is doubtful Braxton will return this season.
“You know, we’re running out of time,” Pittman said. “I’m saying possibly the bowl, but it’s just not getting better.”
Pittman shared positive news about defensive backs Anthony Switzer and Selman Bridges, confirming that both would be available this week. Bridges has played in one game this season, while Switzer has appeared in seven games and has 17 total tackles and a forced fumble.
“From what I was told this morning in our staff meeting,” Pittman said, “both of them will be back.”
Running back Braylen Russell, who has dealt with injuries recently, could see action if he regains full health. Russell had a strong performance against Mississippi State on Oct. 26 but had just four carries against Ole Miss the following week and did not play against Texas.
“If he’s healthy,” Pittman said, “we’ll certainly use him. He’s a good player.”
Previewing Louisiana Tech
A win against Louisiana Tech would make Arkansas bowl eligible. Pittman noted the Bulldogs are playing some of their best football of the season after a recent victory over one of Conference USA’s top teams, Western Kentucky.
“You know we’re catching them when they’re playing their best football,” Pittman said. “They’ve got a lot of speed at wide out, so I think they’re gonna come in with a lot of confidence, obviously, after last week and their win, and so we’re excited about having them here and on senior day for us.”
While the Bulldogs enter with a 4-6 record, Pittman emphasized that three of their losses came in overtime, meaning they could easily be 7-3 heading into Fayetteville.
“We’ve done well at times, we’ve done not well at times against teams that aren’t in our league,” Pittman said. “We have two games left, not just one, so we have to continue to try to improve, and then our consistency has to be there.”
The Razorbacks will host Louisiana Tech at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Nov. 23, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.
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