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Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record
Arkansas report card | Grading the Hogs after Vanderbilt triumph
- Story byFt. Smith Southwest Times Record
- Arkansas report card | Grading the Hogs after Vanderbilt triumph
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two years later, the SEC losing skid is over for Arkansas football .
The Razorbacks went on the road and knocked off Vanderbilt 31-21 on Saturday, October 17. The victory ended a 14-game losing streak in the SEC and a 12-game drought against Power 4 opponents. The last league win for Arkansas (3-4, 1-3 SEC) came in 2024 against Mississippi State.
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Cam Settles ran for two touchdowns, KJ Jackson had another score on the ground and the Hogs forced a pair of turnovers in the win. Vanderbilt (3-4, 0-4) was driving late in the fourth quarter when Miguel Mitchell came up with an interception that ended up sealing the result.
Below is our report card for Arkansas after the first SEC victory of Ryan Silverfield's tenure.
Offense grade: B
The Hogs couldn't get much going until their final drive of the first half, but they consistently picked up first downs and strained the Vanderbilt defense across the final two periods. The running game was strong with 4.6 yards per carry, and the coaches were rewarded for starting sophomore Kash Courtney at center. Most importantly, Arkansas did not commit a turnover.
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Defense grade: B
A couple of NFL-worthy throws from freshman Jared Curtis set up both of Vanderbilt's touchdown drives before halftime, but Arkansas was solid when it limited big plays. The highlight of the night was a 25-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Joker Johnson, which complimented Miguel Mitchell's game-changing pick.
Special teams grade: C
Punter Gavin Rush continues to struggle and was benched during the second half. Max Gilbert missed a 51-yard field goal that would have given Arkansas a two-score lead in the third period. He did make a 39-yarder in the fourth quarter, but this unit still needs to clean things up.
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Coaching grade: B
Arkansas managed the clock well to score before halftime, and this was one of offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey's better games this season as a play-caller.
Game MVP: Antonio Jordan
Wide receiver Chris Marshall was unavailable for the entire second half, but Jordan stepped up in his absence and led the Hogs with five catches for 74 yards. He had a couple of receptions that led directly to Arkansas touchdowns. All of a sudden, the Hogs have a second option at wide receiver.
Overall team grade: A
Do these grades add up? No, but this team gets an 'A' after ending the SEC misery and giving Silverfield the first meaningful win since his arrival. Now, Arkansas has momentum heading into the open week.
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Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas report card | Grading the Hogs after Vanderbilt triumph
