Exciting Victory in Starkville: Razorbacks Dominate Bulldogs with a 58-25 Win
Starkville, Mississippi – This past Saturday was quite the day for the University of Arkansas football team, who took to the field against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Not only did the Razorbacks walk away with a thrilling 58-25 victory, but they also matched their record for the most points scored in a regulation SEC game. The previous high was a 58-42 victory over the same Bulldogs back in 2016, when current head coach Sam Pittman was working as the offensive line coach.
A Memorable Moment for Pittman
Interestingly, this game was not just another chapter in the season; it was a revisitation of memorable moments for Pittman. Just a little over three years ago, he celebrated his first win as head coach at this very same stadium, putting an end to a painful 20-game SEC losing streak back on October 3, 2020. Saturday’s victory marked another significant step in the season, as it came right after a disappointing 34-10 loss at home to No. 8 LSU.
With this win, Arkansas improves to 5-3 for the season and 3-2 in the SEC, giving Coach Pittman a balanced record of 28 wins and 28 losses in his fifth season. To put things in perspective, before his arrival, Arkansas faced some tough times with a disheartening record of 8-28 over the three years preceding his tenure.
Locker Room Celebrations
Coach Pittman conveyed the joy and excitement in the locker room, stating, “To win, but to win like we did is really, really special.” The post-game vibes were electric, filled with laughter and celebration. A video capturing the celebration was shared on social media, showcasing Pittman leading the team in his famed shout, “Turn that damn jukebox on!” This phrase has become synonymous with victory for the Razorbacks, originating from the 2020 game at the same stadium.
“It was just one of those box music things over by a pole,” Pittman explained, recalling that infamous moment. “I never thought another word of it. And next thing I know, we’ve got jukeboxes, T-shirts, and the kids absolutely love it.” It seems the tradition has morphed into something special for the team, and they’ve certainly made use of it this season, celebrating *frequently* after wins.
Looking Ahead
As the Razorbacks gear up for the next challenge, they are just one win away from securing bowl eligibility, which is important for the team’s morale and growth. “That would be four out of five years that we got a bowl invite,” Pittman remarked, stressing the significance of the upcoming games. The focus now shifts to a home showdown against No. 19 Ole Miss, who are currently coming off a victory against Oklahoma. This upcoming game is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The Razorbacks have a challenging schedule ahead, with match-ups against powerhouse Texas, Louisiana Tech, and Missouri on the horizon. Pittman acknowledged this challenge but expressed confidence in his team’s performance and character, saying, “This should build some confidence in our football team.”
Bulldogs Struggle Continues
On the other side of the field, Mississippi State is struggling under their new head coach, Jeff Lebby, facing their seventh consecutive loss. Despite close calls in previous games against tough opponents like Georgia and Texas A&M, the Bulldogs couldn’t find a way to overcome the Razorbacks.
Coach Pittman recognized the effort being put into the Bulldogs’ game, stating, “I think Coach Lebby’s done a wonderful job with their program.” However, Arkansas proved to be forceful, capitalizing on turnovers, forcing a total of five during the game.
Standout Performances
Quarterback Taylen Green had a standout game, putting up impressive numbers with 23 completed passes for 314 yards and five touchdowns. He also showed off his legs with eight carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. The rushing game was equally vigorous, yielding 359 rushing yards – a stark contrast to the 38 rushing yards they managed against LSU. Freshman Braylen Russell led the charge with 175 rushing yards, and junior Rashod Dubinion contributed with nearly 100 yards and a touchdown.
By the final whistle, Arkansas had racked up a whopping 673 total yards, asserting their dominance on both ends of the field. As Russell reflected on the defensive turnovers, he shared, “It gives a spark to the team… you see Landon Jackson and all them just jumping for joy for a takeaway.”
With this electrifying win in Starkville, the future looks bright for the Razorbacks as they pursue further victories and that coveted bowl game invitation.
