Arkansas brought back 9 starters on defense from last year.
La Tech started a RS freshman at QB.
J’Mar Smith wasn’t intimidated.
The Bulldogs did an outstanding job of containing Arkansas’ well known running game in the first half. The Tech defense, which brought back only 2 or 3 starters from last year, forced two turnovers, with both Xavier Woods and Houston Baptist graduate transfer Prince Sam picking off Austin Allen, who was making his first start himself. The game was tied 14 apiece at halftime.
The Hogs were shut down in the 3rd quarter offensively, but the Arkansas defense tightened up, allowing only 2 FGs.