A rivalry was renewed on Saturday when No. 3 ranked Texas football (9-1, 5-1 SEC) traveled to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-5, 3-4).
Texas football and Steve Sarkisian emerge victorious over rival Arkansas
The Longhorns have dominated this rivalry throughout its history, coming into the matchup with a 56-23 advantage. However, the last time Texas entered Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in 2021, they were blasted 40-21. Eleven Longhorns from that team, including nine starters, are on the 2024 squad.
Saturday's 20-10 win over Arkansas was far from perfect, but the Longhorns did what they had to do to take down an SEC rival on the road.
The Texas defense was lights out for most of the day, allowing only 231 total yards and 3.9 yards per play. Ten points was over 18 points less than the Razorbacks came into this game averaging.
Jahdae Barron was all over the field, finishing with seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. No. 7 is making that jersey proud, staking himself as a prime candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award.
On the offensive side of the ball, Quinn Ewers and company struggled to find a consistent rhythm. The Longhorns could not consistently run the ball until it mattered most, averaging 5.8 yards per carry on 13 attempts.
The win puts Texas at 9-1 for the second season in a row. The Longhorns welcome the Kentucky Wildcats to DKR next Saturday for senior day before traveling to Texas A&M during rivalry week.
Here is everything Steve Sarkisian said after Texas's win over Arkansas.
On the win
Coach Sarkisian said they are a different team than the one that traveled to Fayetteville three years ago.
“It was a tough night here a few years ago. So to be in this locker room now and hearing the music playing and the guys celebrating is awesome.”
On the offense
Said the offense found their rhythm better in the second half, but had minimal possessions.
"I thought [Quinn Ewers] played pretty efficiently." Said the offense needs to maximize opportunities when the possessions are limited. Was pleased with the late TD drive and the conversion to ice the game.
On Ewers' fourth-down rush: “Don’t let these moments go by without taking it in, because these are the moments that last a lifetime.”
Said Arkansas made it difficult to hit shots down the field; Arkansas played exclusively in a three-safety defense. Said the offense adjusted at halftime and decided to focus on running the ball.
On the defense
Coach Sarkisian said he's proud of his defense. Said the defense traveled well today.