By Chris Marler
Former Southwest Conference foes Arkansas and Texas faced off Saturday in Fayetteville with the Longhorns coming away with a 20-10 win. Texas moves one step closer to securing a spot in Atlanta for the SEC Championship and for the College Football Playoff.
The offense was stagnant at times, and Quinn Ewers was held to just 5.5 yards per pass attempt on the day. But, the Longhorn defense was fantastic all day forcing Arkansas into a litany of mistakes including two crucial turnovers.
Arkansas’ first eight offensive drives of the game ended in a punt or turnover, and they trailed 13-0 early in the second half. However, the Hogs managed to make it a game in the third quarter with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, which was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run from running back Ja’Quinden Jackson.
Arkansas then forced a three-and-out on the next series and pulled within three points after a 44-yard field goal from Matthew Shipley. But, that was all the fight the Hogs could muster against Texas and this stifling defense, as they fumbled away their only other real opportunity to score with just under seven minutes left. The Hogs never got the ball back.
The Texas defense came into Saturday leading the SEC in total yards allowed with just 251 per game. They looked as advertised, allowing just 231 yards of offense to Arkansas and only 82 yards rushing on 34 attempts. The Texas offense wasn’t great at times, but they were good enough to get a double-digit win. The biggest statement was taking the football back while up ten points with six minutes and 49 seconds left and never giving it back to Arkansas.
Texas is now 9-1 to start the season for the second consecutive year, and will host Kentucky next Saturday.
