MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Arkansas looked in control for most of the first half Sunday.
By the end of the afternoon, the Razorbacks were left searching for answers after a 32-31 loss to Memphis.
The Tigers gashed Arkansas for nearly 500 yards of offense and forced a decisive fumble in the final minutes, handing the Razorbacks a second straight close defeat.
Arkansas jumped out to a 28-10 advantage behind quarterback Taylen Green’s arm and running back Mike Washington Jr.’s balance in the backfield. The offense was rolling, and the Razorbacks looked ready to bounce back from their loss at Ole Miss.
But Memphis methodically chipped away. The Tigers finished with 290 rushing yards, controlled the clock, and found holes in the Razorback defense.
By the time the game reached the fourth quarter, Arkansas’ cushion was gone.
The biggest moment came with just over a minute left. Arkansas, down one, was driving inside the 10. Washington carried to the 7-yard line before safety Chris Bracy knocked the ball loose and recovered it.
Pittman critical of defense
“I didn’t even know I punched it out until I saw it on the ground,” Bracy said. “Once I saw it, I just hoped his knee was down. But it wasn’t.”
That turnover ended Arkansas’ last chance. Memphis kneeled out the clock and celebrated on its home field.
Hogs coach Sam Pittman did not hide his frustration with the way his team tackled or the lack of energy he saw on defense.
“We’ve got to simplify some things,” Pittman said. “Let’s don’t cut somebody loose. Let’s don’t miss 10 tackles.”
Former Razorback tight end DJ Williams, now an analyst, echoed the concerns. On local radio, he called out senior lineman Cam Ball and said the defensive line’s effort was “subpar.”
Offensive flashes not enough
Green threw for 325 yards and added 53 more on the ground. He connected with receiver Rohan Jones for a 62-yard touchdown that put Arkansas in control early.
But Memphis adjusted in the second half, tightening coverage and forcing Green into an interception. Washington finished with 118 rushing yards, but his fumble became the game-changing play.
The Razorbacks’ offense had enough success to win, but scoring just three points in the final quarter underlined how Memphis dictated the pace.
Arkansas’ inability to finish drives in the second half marked a repeat issue from its loss at Ole Miss, when promising possessions stalled late.
Bigger picture for Arkansas
Arkansas is now 2-2, with two consecutive games slipping away in the final minutes. The program has lost four of its last five games decided by one score.
Pittman faces increasing pressure to get the defense right before a matchup with Notre Dame next weekend in Fayetteville.
Athletic director Hunter Yurachek said recently the program is “not set up to win a national championship,” but close losses like Sunday’s are compounding frustration among the fan base.
For Arkansas, the coming weeks will define whether this season turns into a salvageable run or a string of missed chances.
Key Takeaways
-
Defensive collapse: Memphis rolled up 489 yards, including 290 on the ground, exposing Arkansas’ tackling issues.
-
Late fumble: Mike Washington’s turnover inside the 10-yard line sealed the Razorbacks’ defeat.
-
Trending concern: Arkansas has now lost two straight games in the final minutes, raising questions about execution and depth.