Three things I liked—and three I didn't—in Arkansas’ blowout over A-State

Arkansas’ 56-14 victory over Arkansas State on Saturday in War Memorial Stadium was another expected win for the Razorbacks before heading into Southeastern Conference play. With how impressive the offense has been to kick off the year, I did notice there were some moments where I was a bit concerned. For the most part, it was a dominating victory, but the Hogs are going to have to prepare for the third-hardest schedule in the nation, according to Phil Steele.

Arkansas vs Arkansas State: Three things I like and disliked

I liked the quick drives Arkansas put together in the first quarter.

Arkansas opened up the game by receiving the ball first and putting up a quick lead 39 seconds into the game. QB Taylen Green started the drive by completing a 22-yard pass to WR O’Mega Blake, and RB Mike Washington Jr. went off with a 53-yard touchdown run to give the Hogs a 7-0 lead on just two plays.

After the Razorback defense forced a three-and-out, Arkansas had a more lengthy drive by running six plays. The first two plays accounted for 20 yards with a 14-yard run by Washington and a six-yard catch by WR Jalen Brown. After an incompletion, Green connected with WR CJ Brown for 18 yards to pick up a first down at the Arkansas State 48-yard line. One play later, the Hogs were back in the end zone with Green throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to WR Raylen Sharpe to extend the lead to 14.

After kick returner Clayton Amaya returned a kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown to put the Red Wolves back in the game, 14-7, the Arkansas offense was right quick to strike again. The Razorbacks started the drive with a five-yard penalty for an illegal motion that moved them back to their own 20. The flag did not matter as Green dotted up Jalen Brown for a 16-yard gain to give the Hogs a fresh set of downs at the 36. Green followed up by breaking off for a 64-yard run for a touchdown to put Arkansas back up by 14, 21-7, with 8:59 left in the opening quarter.

I disliked that the game was only on ESPN+.

Arkansas’ historic, first-ever meeting against Arkansas State was not televised on free TV. Instead, Arkansans had to tune in to ESPN’s subscription streaming service to catch the game.

This contest has been in the making for a long time, even though the Razorbacks are playing a team out of the Sun Belt Conference. People around Arkansas were eager to watch this play out, but were held back by having to pay for ESPN+. This should have been broadcast on the SEC Network. Instead, No. 13 Florida and USF took up the slot. I understand that the Gators are a Top 25 team, but this game had more impact than two schools that have played each other three times already. By the way, Florida was upset by USF, 18-16.

I liked how many turnovers the Arkansas defense created.

I remember how I stated last week that the Razorback defense did not cause many turnovers against Alabama A&M. Arkansas picked up two interceptions in a much improved performance from last Saturday.

The first interception came with 4:08 left to go in the first quarter when QB Jaylen Raynor was picked off by LB Xavian Sorey Jr. Sorey returned the ball 25 yards to the 30-yard line in opposing territory.

The second interception came on Arkansas State’s opening drive of the second half with Arkansas leading, 35-14. On the fifth play of the drive, Raynor overthrew his man down the left side. The ball fell into the hands of a waiting DB Julian Neal, with 13:30 left in the third quarter. The turnover led to Arkansas scoring again to extend the lead to 28, 42-14, with 11:20 left in the third quarter.

I also liked how the Razorbacks logged four sacks, 10 tackles for loss and five pass breakups. The defense still needs to work on some things, but Saturday’s performance should be a sign that they are heading in the right direction.

I disliked the number of interceptions Taylen Green had.

After a six-touchdown game last weekend against Alabama A&M with just seven incompletions, Green had a tougher time dealing with Arkansas State. His first interception came right after LB Xavian Sorey Jr. picked off Arkansas State QB Jaylen Raynor with 4:08 left to go in the first quarter. On the first play of the drive at the Arkansas State 30-yard line, Green threw an interception to LB Terry Kirksey, who returned it 18 yards to the 38-yard line.

Green’s second pick happened with 10:30 left in the second quarter after the Razorback defense made the Red Wolves miss a 53-yard field goal to preserve their 21-point lead, 28-7. After Green ran for seven yards on the first play of the drive and Washington picked up the first down on a four-yard run to the Arkansas 47, Green’s pass was intercepted by DB Avante Dickerson. Arkansas State seized the opportunity by putting together a 14-play, 62-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown to cut the lead to 28-14. Green was also 10 of 18 passing in the first half but still had 144 yards through the air and two touchdown passes.

I liked how the run game looked.

With the passing game being a little iffy, I saw a lot of promise with the run game. Green posted a career-high 151 rushing yards on nine carries with a touchdown and Washington also had nine carries for 116 yards and a score.

There were plenty of times when someone broke out with a huge run for a touchdown or set up a scoring drive. Washington ran for a 53-yard touchdown on the second play of the game, and Green scrambled for a 64-yard score with 8:59 left in the first quarter, as previously mentioned. The Hogs ran for 321 yards for an average of 11.1 yards per carry with four touchdowns.

Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is known for his Power Spread and pass-heavy offensive scheme, but it looks like he is really utilizing Green's dual-threat ability and Washington’s explosiveness.

I disliked that this game even happened.

Now listen, it was a historic moment that this game finally happened. But the deal is that this game divides the fans. It is like watching a family be split apart. Personally, I would like to see all the schools in Arkansas succeed.

This in-state matchup also did not have the feeling of two huge fanbases that may or may not be in the same conference. Usually, in-state games are big rivalries that are basically 50-50 among fan support. The Iron Bowl rivalry between in-state opponents Alabama and Auburn both have huge fanbases. So do other rivalries like Georgia-Georgia Tech, South Carolina-Clemson, Texas-Texas A&M and Florida-Florida State. Whether you are a Razorback or Red Wolves fan, you should root for both programs as someone who is an Arkansan.

It was cool to see both of these schools finally compete on the field, with this being 114 years in the making, but it was more bittersweet to have to sit and watch Arkansas teams have to go up against each other. Brother vs. Brother.

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