Razorbacks’ strong first half fades in 52-37 loss to Texas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas stayed within a point late in the first half but could not keep pace after halftime in a 52-37 loss to Texas on Saturday at Razorback Stadium.

The Razorbacks dropped to 2-9 overall and 0-8 in the SEC with one regular-season game remaining.

Arkansas trailed 21-20 in the final minute before halftime. Texas then closed the half with a score and added more points early in the third quarter.

That run grew to 17 straight and turned the game toward the Longhorns.

Interim coach Bobby Petrino said the second half was the difference.

“I felt like in the second half out there was an old-fashioned ass-kicking,” Petrino said. “They got after us. You know, we couldn’t stop them.”

Texas used explosive plays to break open the game. The Longhorns finished with 11 passes of at least 15 yards and two runs of more than 10 yards.

Most came after halftime as Arkansas’ defense struggled to match routes and fill lanes.

Petrino pointed to breakdowns in coverage and tackling.

“They made the big plays,” he said. “They protected it, threw it down the field. We had a couple where we were able to catch up and break the ball up, but in the second half, those we didn’t. They got by us and made the catch.”

Arkansas continued to move the ball in stretches, but mistakes changed field position.

Quarterback Taylen Green extended a play early in the third quarter before an off-balance throw was tipped and intercepted. Texas turned that play into more points.

Petrino said Arkansas had chances to stay close but could not avoid key errors.

“In the first half, we did a pretty good job of keeping up offensively,” he said. “Then in the second half, those two turnovers just kill you.”

Turnovers widen the Texas lead

Backup quarterback KJ Jackson entered the game and provided early positive signs. Jackson completed tight-window passes and used his legs to extend drives.

But midway through the third quarter, Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons beat a blocker and strip-sacked him. Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau returned the fumble 52 yards for a touchdown to push the score to 52-23.

Petrino still saw encouraging signs from the freshman quarterback.

“I did like the way KJ came in and played and competed,” he said. “He showed toughness. He gave us a spark when he came in.”

Petrino added that the sack came on a difficult look.

“We had a real conscious effort all day long to make sure No. 1 didn’t get after us,” he said. “That one, they brought them all and he ends up one-on-one, and he got us.”

Jackson later led two scoring drives to trim the margin, but by then Texas had already built a large cushion.

Arkansas struggled to get stops on early downs, faced deep coverage gaps and allowed receivers to find space.

Despite the final score, Arkansas had stretches where its offense found rhythm. Green made key throws in the second quarter, and the Razorbacks used quick passes to keep drives alive.

The offensive line held up on several plays against pressures that had caused issues earlier in the season.

Still, the same second-half problems that have appeared throughout the year resurfaced. Texas used long gains and takeaways to swing momentum, and Arkansas could not recover in time to create a late threat.

Razorbacks turn toward regular-season finale

Arkansas now prepares to host Missouri in the Battle Line Rivalry. The Tigers enter the game 7-4 overall and 3-4 in the SEC. The matchup is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.

The Razorbacks will attempt to secure their first conference win of the year. Petrino said the team wants to finish with a cleaner performance and limit the errors that have repeatedly shifted games this season.

Texas improved to 9-2 and strengthened its position heading into postseason play.

Arkansas, meanwhile, continues to work through a difficult year marked by second-half struggles and quick swings in momentum.

The Razorbacks will try to correct issues, including explosive plays allowed and turnovers, before taking the field again.

They will also look for consistent drives and sustained defensive stops after showing early signs of improvement but falling short after halftime.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas trailed by only one late in the first half before a 17-0 Texas run shifted the momentum.

• Texas used 11 explosive passing plays and two runs of more than 10 yards to take control.

• Turnovers, including a strip-sack returned for a touchdown, ended Arkansas’ comeback hopes.