Although Arkansas outgained No. 16 Oklahoma State 648-385 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Razorbacks squandered the upset opportunity with several costly mistakes, often unforced, including three turnovers. While the Hogs proved they’re a talented football team capable of winning more games than most experts predict, this loss continues last season’s heartbreaking theme: the Hogs’ failure to win close games.
As Razorback Nation knows well, the Hogs lost several razor-thin games last season: BYU (38-31), LSU (13-10), Alabama (24-21), Ole Miss (27-20), and Mississippi State (7-3). Therefore, when one evaluates last season’s 4-8 record, consider how differently we would view the Hogs’ performance last season had they won those games. They didn’t, though. As disappointing as this loss is for the Razorbacks, with this team performing the way it is, fans can reasonably expect to see some exciting football from their team and more wins.
This article provides a quarter-by-quarter recap of the contest between Arkansas and No. 16 Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to help fans who watched the game relive what occurred and provide those who didn’t watch a digestible summary.
Arkansas Dominates First Quarter
For those who watched the Razorbacks annihilate the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions 70-0 to start the season, it primarily appeared that Arkansas was picking up right where it left off against the Golden Lions. In the first quarter, Ja’Quinden Jackson rushed for two touchdowns to give the Hogs a 14-0 lead to end the first quarter. The Razorbacks’ offensive line overpowered the Oklahoma State Cowboys, which is welcome news for Arkansas fans, and appeared to maintain the same dominance exhibited against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Razorbacks Win Second Quarter
Arkansas defensive back Jaheim Singletary intercepted a pass from the Cowboys’ starting quarterback Alan Bowman. Ja’Quinden Jackson added his third rushing touchdown, which gave the Razorbacks a 21-0 lead. However, Keyshawn Blackstock was beaten on the right side of the offensive line, resulting in Taylen Green being hit as he threw a pass and surrendered a 73-yard pick-six to the Cowboys’ Kale Smith.
The Razorbacks carried a 21-7 lead into halftime. However, the score didn’t truly evidence how dominant the Hogs played against the Cowboys. The score should’ve been much worse for the Pokes. Arkansas squandered opportunities with careless mistakes. At halftime, the Hogs outgained the Pokes 351-77.
Cowboys Win Third Quarter
Oklahoma State seemed to make some necessary adjustments as they emerged from the locker room. The Pokes entered the Hogs’ red zone; however, the team only scored a field goal. Next, Taylen Green’s pitch to Ja’Quinden Jackson was mishandled, leading to a recovered fumble by the Cowboys at the Razorbacks’ 49-yard line. The Cowboys thought they had a touchdown, but a personal foul erased it, leading to another field goal. The Razorbacks’ lead was reduced to 21-13 as both teams entered the fourth quarter.
Pokes Win Fourth Quarter
The Cowboys had the hope and momentum they needed entering the fourth quarter. Arkansas and Oklahoma State traded field goals before Taylen Green connected with tight end Luke Hasz for a 43-yard touchdown pass. The Pokes scored two touchdowns, including one made possible by an Isaiah Sategna muffed punt. The game moved to overtime.
Double Overtime
In double overtime, the Hogs continued to commit unforced errors. The game ended with Ollie Gordon II rushing for a 12-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion. The Hogs’ defense smothered Gordon the entire game; he only had 49 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Parting Thoughts
Based on his coaching history, one can reasonably expect Bobby Petrino to eliminate many of the careless errors on the offensive side of the ball. Even though this game must be frustrating for Arkansas fans, players, and coaches, they have an excellent football team. To amass 648 yards against No. 16 Oklahoma State on the road offers robust evidence that this team has the potential to do some great things this season—at minimum, win a few more games than last season. No one in Razorback Nation should panic after this game.
The Pokes should feel fortunate to have won this game, which exposed them in several important areas. However, Mike Gundy and his team deserve much credit; they capitalized on the Hogs’ miscues and came away with a crucial win against a talented SEC opponent.
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