This is reaching historical numbers for Arkansas football. Not in the positive either, following a 52-37 loss to Texas, its ninth consecutive. In what some see as a positive change, there have been consistent losses from the program, no matter who the coach is. We at Last Word will have more on the depths of these losses soon, but, for now, we issue the weekly report card for Arkansas football.
Another Report Card After Another Arkansas Loss
What Were The Keys?
Before we begin grading, we want to remind you of the keys to success for Arkansas. First was to start fast and get on the scoreboard first. Secondly, we tasked the team with winning vital battles within the game. Lastly, we asked that the Hogs play carefree and attempt to ruin the day and season for the Longhorns.
Start Red Hot
Arkansas needed to start fast for immediate success. In a sense, this was done. Arkansas took a 3-0 lead on its opening drive, which was a promising start. We then saw the Longhorns and Hogs trade blows offensively as the score was 24-20 at the break. This is where this season has seemingly been all season. Close and promising,g headed to the locker room for adjustments.
Again, disappointment strikes as Arkansas stalls in the second stanza. Yes, they scored 17 second-half points, but the mistakes cost them, again. If you have been following our coverage of this program, this has been a constant topic of conversation. We tasked the team with a fast start, and they did, to a point. Because of this, we present the opening grade on the report card for Arkansas football, a B.
Win The Battles
The second key to success was to win the small battles within the game. What are these, you may ask? Arkansas needed to win the time of possession and turnover battle in order to have success. On Saturday afternoon in Austin, Arkansas, one of these battles was won. The Hogs won the time of possession battle over Texas, 34 minutes to 25 in the end. While this was a small victory, the score reflected such.
The second battle is the same Achilles heel since Bobby Petrino has been back on campus: turnovers. This stat cost Arkansas another loss in what has been an abysmal trend for this offense. First, Hogs quarterback Taylen Green threw an interception intended for Rohan Jones, which swiftly turned an 11-point lead to 18 for Texas. Green again made a blunder with the pigskin as he was under pressure and shotput a pass directly to Texas. The was also the play where Green came up holding his hamstring, and was replaced by KJ Jackson. Arkansas split the key as they won one and lost the second. With this, our second grade on the report card for Arkansas is a C.
Take A Chance
The final key was to take a chance and play freely. Arkansas did this minus the above miscues, which have hurt the program constantly. Yes, Texas won big behind Arch Manning and had a historic day. Manning became the first Longhorns quarterback to throw, run, and catch a touchdown in a game. With these moments taking place, Arkansas was up against a great challenge. With this, Arkansas fought through and made the game respectable for a half.
The final key would not be achieved as the Hogs lost. Yet, even in the loss, Arkansas may have found something. That is Jackson at quarterback, in place of Taylen Green. Entering the game late, Arkansas received a jolt of energy from his play, grit, and determination. With all of this, we give the final grade on the report card for Arkansas, a D, as the result was another loss.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Well, Arkansas heads back to Fayetteville, as now essentially cooked bacon. The Hogs will welcome Missouri, their bitter rival for ages, to Donald W Reynolds Stadium for the annual ‘Battle Line Rivalry’ with the Tigers. Along with this, based on reporting from Pete Thamel, Arkansas appears to be near the naming of its 34th head coach. Could this news change the program’s future? Or, will Hunter Yurachek and all his hats make a hire that will continue this pattern of losing? We will soon find out.
Main Image: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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