When it was communicated that the Arkansas Razorbacks football team (2-0, 0-0 SEC) is too explosive offensively for Arkansas State, many Hogs fans, especially on social media, found such an assertion laughable. However, now that the game is over and the Hogs ran wild against the Red Wolves, whipping them 56-14, Arkansas' players are the ones who are enjoying the last and most important laugh.
Most of Sam Pittman's tenure as Arkansas' head football coach has been so deeply dissatisfying that many fans have genuine anxieties about playing a significantly overmatched opponent like Arkansas State. To be frank, it's unreasonable to have such anxieties about a team as inferior as Arkansas State compared to the Hogs. As the present writer has argued, for a systems theory approach to improving the entire Razorbacks athletics department to be implemented successfully and comprehensively, Arkansas' fans must play a crucial role in their support of all Razorbacks sports, including expressing as many positive sentiments about Razorbacks athletics as possible.
Although the Razorbacks made a couple of ugly mistakes, they showed progress from their performance in the first game against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, and the Arkansas State Red Wolves have significantly more talent than the Bulldogs. Therefore, Arkansas deserves much credit for its strong performance against the Red Wolves. If the Hogs had played a close game against the Red Wolves and God forbid had lost, they would be receiving endless negative reactions. Given this, when they meet or exceed expectations, they should receive public acknowledgements equal to or greater than those negative reactions.
After an impressive performance against Arkansas State, the Arkansas Razorbacks deserve to have several studs highlighted for their excellent work, though two players and one area that needs to improve must be noted.
Arkansas vs. Arkansas State: Studs vs Duds
Studs
Xavian Sorey Jr.
Although the Razorbacks' defense still needs to make significant improvements to be successful against the No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels next week, senior Arkansas linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. proved that he can be one of the reasons that the defense can rise to the occasion against the Rebels. He was a tackling machine against the Red Wolves. According to ESPN, Sorey Jr. had 15 total tackles, including six solo tackles. His fellow defensive teammates need to follow his model of smart aggression next week against the Rebels.
Rohan Jones
Senior Arkansas tight end Rohan Jones led the Hogs in receiving yards against the Red Wolves. He had 74 receiving yards on two receptions and a touchdown. Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who did an incredible job against the Red Wolves, loves to employ tight ends in his offensive schemes, and Jones showed that he's ready to play a vital role in those schemes.
Taylen Green
Although Arkansas starting quarterback Taylen Green had two unexplainable interceptions against Arkansas State, he still showed why he's ready to be one of the first five quarterbacks taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. Green completed 17 of 26 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns. He was also amazing with his legs, carrying the ball nine times for 151 yards and one touchdown.
The Arkansas Razorbacks offensive line
Although the Hogs' offensive line doesn't often receive positive comments, the offensive line was excellent against the Red Wolves. One of the keys to the game against Arkansas State was for the Razorbacks' offensive line to dominate the Red Wolves, and it did. The offensive line will need to continue to improve as it faces the Rebels next week. However, it merits much praise for its excellent protection of Taylen Green. When defenders came close to Green, it was a resulted from holding the ball too long.
Duds
Jaheim Singletary
Arkansas junior defensive back Jaheim Singletary had an awful game against Arkansas State. He doesn't seem to have a clue about what he needs to do on the field. If he fails to show Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams that he can dramatically improve his performance, Williams needs to leave him on the sidelines.
Cameron Ball
Arkansas senior defensive lineman Cameron Ball must realize that the season has already started, and his team needs him to cause havoc on the defensive line for opposing offenses. Unfortunately, he had only one tackle in this game. One can only hope that with the stiff competition beginning next week against Ole Miss, he will emerge as a true force on the defensive line.
Arkansas' kickoff coverage team
The Hogs' special teams coordinator, Scott Fountain, must ensure that the 98-yard kickoff return that the Razorbacks surrendered to the Red Wolves is an anomaly, especially as Arkansas heads into Oxford, Mississippi, to battle Lane Kiffin's Rebels. That 98-yard kickoff return was simply ugly and unacceptable. Period.