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Rapid Reaction: No nail-biter in this one as Arkansas rolls past Texas State
By Brad Joyal
Published:
After the Razorbacks needed late-game heroics to earn victories in their first two games, there was never any doubt on Saturday night.
From the time quarterback Austin Allen opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Keon Hatcher 5:45 into the game, to the moment the clock hit zeros, Arkansas cruised to a 42-3 victory over visiting Texas State.
What it means: Arkansas proved it can take care of inferior opponents as it improves to 3-0 before beginning its SEC schedule next week. The Razorbacks’ defense also showed it can limit an explosive offense. Perhaps more importantly than all, the team didn’t look ahead to next weekend’s SEC showdown against Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
What I liked: The Razorbacks’ dominance on the defensive side of the ball. Although Texas State is hardly one of the best offensive teams in the nation, the Bobcats’ offense did have an impressive showing when they manufactured 546 yards of total offense in a Week 1 victory at Ohio. However, on Saturday night, Arkansas held Texas State to 105 yards and a mere 3 points. Sophomore cornerback Ryan Pulley was a bright spot for the unit, intercepting Tyler Jones and returning it for a touchdown.
What I didn’t like: It’s tough to nitpick in this blowout win as the Hogs were clicking on all cylinders in this one.
Who’s the man: A trio of running backs, Rawleigh Williams III, Devwah Whaley and Kody Walker. Walker gave the Razorbacks a 13-0 lead when he capped off a 5-play, 87-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown with 4:36 remaining in the opening quarter. He finished the night with only 23 yards, while Williams ran for 121 yards and touchdowns from 1 yard and 15 yards out, respectively. Even though Whaley didn’t find the end zone, the true freshman did finish with 50 rushing yards on 11 carries.
Key plays: Although Allen capped off the opening drive with his touchdown pass to Hatcher, the entire drive was impressive for the Razorbacks’ offense. They set the tone for how the remainder of the game would go after marching 82 yards in 10 plays and 5:45. Defensively, Pulley’s 25-yard interception for a touchdown seemed huge, especially considering the secondary has been a question mark for the defensive side of the ball.
What’s next: The Razorbacks will head to Dallas to meet SEC West rival Texas A&M at 9 p.m. ET next Saturday. Just as Arkansas started its season 3-0, the Aggies will also head to AT&T Stadium with an unblemished record after they improved to 3-0 with a victory at Auburn on Saturday.
