Follow along as our Devon Messinger jots down notes from the press box during today’s matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Longhorns.
First Quarter:
Well, it didn’t take long for the Razorbacks to put points on the board… actually less than 2 minutes. After Arkansas running back Mike Washington marched his team down the field on a 41-yard rush, the team ultimately settled for a 51-yard field goal.
Later, on Texas’ first offensive possession, the team found the end zone on a Arch Manning 46-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. In just four plays, the Longhorns were able to take a lead over Arkansas. On the touchdown pass, Manning looked great in the pocket – facing pressure and stepping up to deliver a catchable ball to Moore over the middle.
Entering Saturday’s game, it was clear that Arkansas’ offense was their strong suit and their defense has been the weak link. That has been apparent early through this fourth quarter as the offense has had no trouble gaining yards against the Longhorns. However, the team has been unable to end their drives in touchdowns, having to settle for field goals on their first two possessions. Meanwhile, defensively, the Razorbacks have not posed much of a matchup against Arch Manning and Texas’ weapons on the outside.
To end the quarter’s scoring action, Steve Sarkisian dug into his bag of tricks. With 2:32 remaining in the quarter, Arch Manning caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Parker Livingstone. Manning’s touchdown reception was the first by a Texas quarterback since the David Ash era.
Second Quarter:
After a 22-yard rushing touchdown by Arkansas running back Mike Washington cut Texas’ lead to just one point, Texas answered back. Rewarding Parker Livingstone for the touchdown earlier in the game, Manning found his wideout on a 54-yard touchdown throw.
Then, afterwards, Arkansas answered with a touchdown of their own – this time on a Taylen Green 4-yard quarterback rush. Unfortunately, Arkansas’ drive was aided by a holding penalty against defensive back Warren Roberson.
Clearly, this contest is bound to be high-scoring. Both defenses are struggling to get stops while the offenses are looking like well-oiled machines. As mentioned in this week’s prediction, despite Texas’ solid defense, Arkansas is no slouch despite their 2-8 record. What the Razorbacks lack defensively, they make up for with an offense that has averaged 34.1 points per game this season.
Third Quarter:
A Texas Trifecta! To kick off the scoring action for the second half, Arch Manning found the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown rush. The score was notable because it completed the trifecta – a passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, and receiving touchdown. Furthermore, the offense around him started off humming with multiple receivers creating ample space for Manning.
Finally, after approximately 34 minutes of play, the Longhorns created a tackle for a loss. Shortly afterwords, Texas safety Jelani McDonald, who was responsible for the TFL, forced an interception.
Following the Texas’ defense big stop, Arch Manning tallied his fifth touchdown of the game on a 8-yard pass to DeAndre Moore.
It looks like this Arkansas defense was exactly what a struggling Longhorns offense needed. Through three quarters of play, four Texas pass-catchers have amassed over 70 yards receiving. Additionally, DeAndre Moore has tallied three receiving touchdowns on the night.
What a game so far for Arch Manning. The Longhorns quarterback has six(!) touchdowns and has looked incredible in the pocket navigating pressure.
Fourth Quarter:
After Ty’Anthony Smith was disqualified from the game earlier for a targeting call, Liona Lefau made it up for the linebacker room with a defensive touchdown. With 11:30 left in the game, Texas EDGE Colin Simmons forced an Arkansas fumble which was recovered by Lefau for the score.
