No. 3 Texas football triumphed over Arkansas in a 20-10 battle in Fayetteville in what could only be described as a game of revenge for the Longhorns. The Texas offense, however, once again struggled while the defense thrived.
“I was telling the guys that (were) here today, that when we’re going out the tunnel, ‘2021, just remember it’” senior defensive back Jahdae Barron said, referencing Texas’ loss to Arkansas in 2021. “Remember what we went through and things like that, and not to let that happen again. So, it was a good road win.”
Texas led with 158 total yards to Arkansas’ 74 and a 10-0 lead going into halftime; however, the offense found little success in converting points. Junior quarterback Quinn Ewers looked panicked in the pocket, showed little ability to scramble and with Arkansas’ intense safety defense, had no deep ball passes. However, Ewers, while admitting his frustration at times in the matchup, is still proud of the offense.
“You’re going to have games like this,” Ewers said. “At the end of the day, I think we did a good job of staying poised and composed.”
Ewers threw two passing touchdowns, extending his streak of throwing a touchdown in 21 consecutive games he’s played, the second-longest streak in Texas history behind Colt McCoy with 29.
Both Texas touchdowns of the day came from a precise pass from Ewers to junior wide receiver Matthew Golden wide open in the first quarter and again, but heavily guarded, in the fourth. After Arkansas was able to obtain a touchdown and a field goal making it a close three-point game, 13-10, the Longhorns knew they needed to score to have security. Cue Golden.
“He’s playing really good, I mean, he’s got such strong hands,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I think there’s a great deal of trust between Quinn and Matt, and he’s definitely extremely effective in the red area when you have to make those catches in tight quarters. Now, the first one was pretty easy. Got wide open on that one, but it was sure a heck of a catch there in the fourth quarter for the touch.”
The running back duo of sophomore Quintrevion Wisner and junior Jaydon Blue also came in clutch for Texas, helping in the running game when the passing game was lacking. Blue and Wisner held 83 and 59 rushing yards, respectively.
However, the stars of the matchup weren’t the offensive playmakers, but instead the defense. The group that Nick Saban, former Alabama head coach and College GameDay host, called “The best defense in the SEC” only gave up one score to the Razorbacks.
The defense showed out in the first half with four sacks, an impressive interception by Barron, his fourth of the season, and only allowing Arkansas to cross midfield into Texas territory once. While some Razorback plays managed to slip through the cracks due to the dual threat of redshirt junior quarterback Taylen Green, the defense proved that once again they are one of the best in the country.
On top of his interception, Barron had seven tackles, including two TFLs and a sack. The defense finished the game with 68 total tackles.
“I know he had a heck of a game,” Sarkisian said about Barron. “He’s such a versatile guy because he’s savvy in his coverages and his blitzing and things, but he’s got a knack for the football. His football IQ is really high, his awareness is high. And I think he provides that something for our guys on defense.”
This is the Longhorn’s 10th consecutive road win since the 2022 season, proving that they are a threat in a conference where it has been deemed so difficult to win in an away environment. However, with inconsistencies still present, Sarkisian and his players know they must continue to work to reach their ultimate goal this season.
“I think we all know what our goals are for the season. We want to be in Atlanta, and in December, compete for an SEC championship. And we want to be playing January 20th but I don’t have to belabor the point, I don’t have to talk to it all the time with our guys. They know.”
