Arkansas Weathers Early Storm, Survives UAB Scare

© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

It wasn't always pretty, but the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-1) sealed the deal late, beating the UAB Blazers (1-2) 37-27 on Sept. 14 in Fayetteville, Ark.

The Blazers took an early 10-0 lead, but a strong rushing attack from Arkansas helped the Hogs tie up the score at 20 apiece by halftime. UAB stayed competitive in the second half, but a strong scoring drive led by quarterback Taylen Green helped Arkansas shut the door on a pesky UAB squad.

Green accounted for 257 total yards with running back Ja'Quinden Jackson collecting 147 on the ground for his third consecutive 100-yard game. Receiver Andrew Armstrong put together a second straight strong performance, catching 8 passes for 137 yards.

Game Summary

It was UAB who took the football on the opening possession with the Blazers putting together a solid opening drive that culminated in a 27-yard field goal. Arkansas' first possession would end in a turnover as Green threw the ball right into the waiting hands of Michael Moore, who returned the ball deep into Arkansas territory.

The Blazers turned the turnover into a touchdown as a push pass from quarterback Jacob Zeno to Kam Shanks got the Blazers into the end zone. UAB tried to capitalize on their momentum with an onside kick, but it was picked up by Arkansas' Monte Harrison Jr. He returned it inside the UAB 30-yard line. The Razorbacks got down to the UAB 11-yard line, but two consecutive overthrows by Green forced Arkansas to settle for a 28-yard field goal.

On the first play of the second quarter, Zeno found Amare Thomas on a slant route, with Thomas out-running the Arkansas defense into the end zone to give UAB a 17-3 lead.

The Razorbacks would respond, however, marching down the field on a run-heavy drive that was punctuated by a rushing touchdown from freshman running back Braylen Russell.

Arkansas' defense got a huge stop on UAB's next possession, with linebacker Brad Spence sacking Zeno to force the first Blazers punt of the day. For the second consecutive drive, Arkansas moved the football with ease as Green scored on a 14-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17-17.

UAB marched into the red zone on its ensuing drive. But a third-down stand from Arkansas held the Blazers to a 23-yard field goal that gave UAB a 20-17 lead.

© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Arkansas' next drive stalled out in UAB territory, forcing Arkansas to attempt a 51-yard field goal that snuck through the uprights to tie the game at 20-20.

Arkansas' first drive of the second half was the smoothest series of the day. The Razorbacks went on an 11-play, 84-yard drive to take a 27-20 lead. The drive was capped by a 16-yard touchdown run from Jackson, who went over the 100-yard mark on the carry.

After a UAB punt, Arkansas moved the ball deep into UAB territory. However, a holding penalty and a sack forced a 45-yard field goal attempt that was missed.

Arkansas Defense Delivers

Arkansas' defense was able to force another punt. But the Razorbacks' offense stalled out in UAB territory for the second consecutive possession. Kicker Kyle Ramsey was true from 40 yards out, giving Arkansas a 30-20 lead.

UAB marched right down the field on their next possession, converting two fourth downs on a 12-play drive. It ended with a touchdown toss from Zeno to Dallas Payne. Arkansas' lead was cut to 30-27 with 6:55 remaining.

Green then orchestrated perhaps the most important drive of his Arkansas career thus far. He got the Razorbacks into the red zone before scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run, giving Arkansas a 37-27 lead with 3:36 to play.

An interception from TJ Metcalf on UAB's final possession was the final nail in the coffin for the Blazers.

Turning Point

With 6:55 to play, a defensive stop by UAB would've given the Blazers an opportunity to take the lead. However, Green and the Arkansas offense responded just like they needed to do. They marched down the field on a pivotal drive capped by a touchdown run from Green. Arkansas' defense turned over UAB on the ensuing drive, but the game was essentially over after Green found the end zone.

What it Means

Arkansas must play better if it wants to win games in Southeastern Confence play, but the Hogs did an admirable job of bouncing back from early adversity. A pivotal SEC opener on the plains of Auburn looms on Sept. 21—a game that could determine the fate of both teams' 2024 seasons.

UAB has now lost two games in a row and a bye week will have head coach Trent Dilfer searching for answers. The Blazers put forth a commendable performance on Sept. 14, but with American Athletic Conference play coming up, there are plenty of issues to clean up.