Razorbacks Roar to Victory Over Bulldogs in Starkville!
What a game it was at Davis Wade Stadium this past Saturday! The Arkansas Razorbacks put on an electrifying performance against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, walking away with a stunning 58-25 win. This victory marked a special moment for head coach Sam Pittman and the entire Razorback squad, as they not only matched the highest points they’ve scored in a regulation SEC game but also continued to build on a strong season.
A Historic Matchup
For those keeping track, the last time Arkansas scored 58 points in an SEC game was back when they overcame the Bulldogs with a 58-42 win. It’s safe to say that Starkville has been a lucky charm for Pittman; in fact, his first win as head coach also came against Mississippi State, ending a brutal 20-game SEC losing streak in October 2020.
Coming off a tough loss to No. 8 LSU last week, the Razorbacks (now 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the SEC) looked refreshed and ready to make a statement. Pittman had a blast leading his team through the game, noting how special the locker room atmosphere was after the victory. “We had a lot of fun,” he said. “To win, but to win like we did, is really, really special.”
The “Jukebox” Moment
Fans of the team are familiar with Pittman’s quirky post-victory tradition: his iconic shout of, “Turn that damn jukebox on!” While there wasn’t an actual jukebox in the locker room this time, a makeshift “box music thing” was available, and Pittman made sure to get the celebrations going. His shout has become a beloved symbol of Razorback victories, with Pittman humorously recalling how it all started in that same locker room back in 2020.
Since taking the reins, Pittman has turned the Razorbacks from a struggling program (they went 8-28 in the three seasons before his arrival) into a competitive team that’s already bettered last year’s record. With aspirations for even more, he mentioned the importance of bowl eligibility: “It’s important, trust me,” he said, “That would be four out of five years that we got a bowl invite.”
A Dominating Performance
The Razorbacks truly showcased their strength this week, forcing five turnovers against the Bulldogs (who now sit at 1-7 and 0-5 in the SEC) – something Pittman attributed to a mixture of skill and luck. Arkansas’ Taylen Green had an impressive outing, throwing for 314 yards and five touchdowns while also contributing a rushing touchdown.
Not to be outdone, the Arkansas running game was nothing short of spectacular, churning out 359 rushing yards. Even with star running back Ja’Quinden Jackson out due to injury, freshman Braylen Russell stepped up, finishing with 175 yards on the ground. Add in contributions from junior Rashod Dubinion and it was clear the Razorbacks were in control.
Next Up: Ole Miss
Looking ahead, the Razorbacks will be back in action next Saturday when they host No. 19 Ole Miss at 11 a.m. in what promises to be another electrifying matchup. The Rebels just came off a victory against Oklahoma, so the stage is set for an exciting showdown! Pittman is aware of the challenge that lies ahead but is optimistic. “This should build some confidence in our football team,” he stated, clearly relishing the momentum from their latest victory.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas football fans have plenty to be excited about as the season progresses. The Razorbacks’ spirited plays and unforgettable moments are what college football is all about. The next showdown promises to be another chapter in a thrilling season!
