Arkansas' Jekyll and Hyde performance still nets halftime lead

Sep 20, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. (10) and linebacker Bradley Shaw (7) celebrate a defensive stop during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. (10) and linebacker Bradley Shaw (7) celebrate a defensive stop during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Arkansas football goes into halftime up 28-17

The Razorbacks opened the first half like a true Jekyll and Hyde act. After a flawless opening drive capped by Taylen Green’s strike to tight end Rohan Jones—his second touchdown of the season on just his fourth catch—the offense fell flat. Arkansas put up back-to-back poor drives with a three-and-out and a one-play drive with Green throwing up an ugly interception.

Memphis showed some teeth early in the game, moving with ease against the Razorbacks' defense on the first drive. The Hogs held Memphis to a field goal, but after Green's interception, the Tigers finished the first quarter with an 11-play 71-yard touchdown drive, burning six minutes off the game clock.

Finally, in the second quarter, Arkansas reverted to Jekyll and scored on three of its five possessions, extending its perfect redzone streak to 16 of 16—all touchdowns.

The Tigers didn't head to the locker rooms without taking another jab at Arkansas. With a minute and 35 seconds left in the half, Memphis executed a 6-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 38-yard touchdown reception from Cortez Braham Jr. However, it was a very controversial call as Braham Jr. pushed off on Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal, but for some reason, Neal was called for the pass interference.

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