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Arkansas Puts Controversies in Rearview

By Ashley Y.
SouthernPigskin.com
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It wasn't always pretty, but Tyler Wilson and The Arkansas Razorbacks opened the 2012 campaign with a solid win.

After months of controversy, the Arkansas Razorbacks were finally able to make news stories on the field, rather than off of it. New coach John L. Smith was able to start the Hogs' season on a positive note. The game may have been too close for comfort at first, but Jacksonville State was not able to hang tough in the SEC for four quarters.

The Razorbacks defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Razorback Stadium in front of a crowd ready to bring positive news stories back to the school’s name.

The first quarter ended with the teams tied at seven. The second quarter opened with Jacksonville State taking the lead over Arkansas, sending silence through the stands. Fans had to hold their breath for just a moment before the team in red answered back three times over, ending the second quarter 21-35.

The second half was much more relaxing for Arkansas fans, as their team finished out 49-24.

Knile Davis seemed back in game form, as he had 18 carries for 70 yards. The player of the game would have to be Tyler Wilson, who set a season opener record for the Hogs. Wilson was 19-of-27 and threw for 367 yards. The previous record was set by Casey Dick in the 2008 season. The Hogs may have lost three of their top receivers to the NFL, but it didn’t seem to slow anyone down.

Coach Smith seemed pleased with the performance of his veteran quarterback.

“I think he handled the offense well,” Smith said of Wilson. “One negative is he dropped one ball early, but that happens from time to time. I thought Tyler did a great job spreading the ball around on the offense. It was good to see him in command like he was.”

Arkansas will have one more week to settle any kinks they may have before their first big match up. Next week, the Razorbacks will play Louisiana-Monroe in Little Rock. On the 15th, they will get the Alabama Crimson Tide at home, in what will be one of the biggest contests of the regular season.

Ashley Y. - A native Texan, Ashley is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama, where she studied English and Dance. Ashley is an avid college football fan and passionate about the growing reign and dominance of the SEC. She is a current resident of Atlanta and happy to live in the middle of the college football frenzy. Ashley is a writer for the SEC West.