Arkansas falls short in comeback against Alabama, 24-21

Things looked extremely bleak for Arkansas football midway through the second half. The Hogs were trailing 24-6 and hadn’t picked up a first down since the first quarter.

With 3:29 left in the third quarter, Alabama defensive back Jaylen Key was called for a facemask. That gave Arkansas a first down to keep their drive alive. The Hogs offense would ride that momentum to the endzone to make it a 24-13 game.

The Arkansas defense would continue to do their job, forcing a three-and-out. Once Arkansas got the ball back, KJ Jefferson went into playmaker mode. On 2nd and 10, Jefferson shed a tackle in the backfield – similar to BYU last year – and found Var’Keyes Gumms for a 25-yard gain. Two plays later, Rashod Dubinion would catch a touchodown to make it a one possession game.

GET OFF ME pic.twitter.com/tAhqer4W96

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) October 14, 2023

The Hogs would successfully convert a two-point conversion and trailed 24-21. Unfortunately, both teams would trade three-and-outs and once Alabama got the ball back with 5:51, that would be it for Arkansas. The Tide needed just two first downs to end the game and they converted with relative ease. Alabama defeats Arkansas 24-21.

Arkansas falls to 2-5 on the season and 0-4 in SEC play. Four of their five losses have come by just one possession. Sam Pittman is now 5-13 in one-possession games at Arkansas.

Mississippi State (3-3, 0-3 SEC) comes to Fayetteville next week with Arkansas’ bowl aspirations on the line. That game will kick off at 11:00 a.m. on ESPN.