Report Card For Arkansas Versus Memphis

Tough Place To Play

We spoke about the importance of embracing the environment. In the beginning, Arkansas seemed to handle the sellout crowd of over 39,000 announced as they took a quick 7-0 lead. As the first half came to a close, Arkansas led 28-17, behind a late Memphis touchdown. With the Tigers gaining possession to start the second half, the Arkansas defense needed to quiet the crowd with a stop. Instead of this, the Razorbacks allowed Memphis to come from behind and regain the lead as they outscored them 28-3 in the second half. While Memphis is not the easiest place to remain safe in public, this also applies to SEC teams entering the football stadium. Since 2015, Memphis is now 4-0 versus SEC opponents, including back-to-back wins for Ryan Silverfield. The meltdown today from Arkansas will undoubtedly spark more questions than answers for the Razorbacks. To further this gut-wrenching loss, this was the first blown lead of 18-plus points by an Arkansas team since a 2021 loss to Colorado State. We grade the report card for Arkansas versus Memphis with a C- in this key.

Pedal To Floor

With the final key for success, Arkansas was asked to push the pedal to the floor. If you were to look at the stats alone, as some do, this would be an automatic A+, and we could stop typing. Yet, if we look further into these stats, we find ways to improve. The most glaring of these is turnovers, as Arkansas finished the game with three in the loss. From a usual effective offense, the Memphis defense stifled them to only three points in the second half. Part of this success was due to two interceptions, one of which was abysmal, combined with the fumble loss as the Razorbacks looked to be driving in for a win. This fumble, a punch out from Memphis defender Chris Bracy, came not only at the worst time, but, following last week, it has fans wanting changes immediately. We spoke in detail during this offseason about the emphasis on ball security from this staff. Thus far, the team is averaging roughly two turnovers a contest, which includes two in late-game situations. As fast as the offense is on the field, the turnovers continue to keep them off. For Arkansas to win in conference play, this must be corrected. With this, we grade the report card for Arkansas against Memphis with a C. The offense played well, but the turnovers cost them yet another possible win. In closing, the loss was not pretty. No matter if Memphis is the current G6 CFP darling or not, fans expected a win. If Arkansas had read the crowd better, while taking the crowd out of the game, putting the pedal to the floor would have been easier. In the end, the Razorbacks limp out of the on-conference season with a loss. With a loss in conference already, these report cards will need to improve. If not, we may need to write up some additional content on who is next. Main Photo: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images