FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas football wrapped up spring Saturday with the annual Red-White game, and unsurprisingly, the first-stringer led the Red team to a 38-12 victory.
The Razorbacks played two full quarters with the first team (red) playing against the second team (white). The starting lineup rested and did not play in the second half, and the red team's No. 3 took on the role.
Below are five observations from a positive day inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Big day for Arkansas football QB Taylen Green
Notably, Green took all of his reps against second-tier defenses, but had a great performance that provided momentum heading into the fall.
Green completed 17 of 22 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He is efficient and explosive, while also showing an ability to use his feet to create plays when under pressure. He only had 15 rushing yards, but a sack and a quick whistle reduced that total.
He found Tyron Broden for a 10-yard touchdown on the first drive to open the scrimmage. He also had scores for Andrew Armstrong and JaQuinden Jackson, but his most memorable pass of the day was a perfectly placed throw to Luke Hasz on a corner route for 38 yards. It was a gain.
Green has shown good chemistry with Broden (5 catches, 60 yards) and Armstrong (3 catches, 52 yards) and has become the undisputed starter this spring. The idea that he could be further unleashed in the run game is an exciting prospect for the Razorbacks.
Offensive line needs more depth
The first-team offense appeared to be in good shape for the transfer, with Addison Nichols, Fernando Carmona Jr. and Keyshawn Blackstock all starting and showing why they were brought to Arkansas. The red team finished with 121 rushing yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry behind that unit. Jackson led the way with 68 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.
However, the second-team offensive line struggled to create an escape against the first-team defensive line. Braylen Russell's 32-yard touchdown run in the second half was the first time the backup offense created a meaningful hole in the run game.
more:Arkansas football live score updates: Hogs host annual spring game
more:Bobby Petrino enjoys opportunity to work with Arkansas football quarterback Tyren Greene
Before he falls, Sam Pittman will have to continue to add depth and perhaps even find another body in the transfer portal.
Brad Spence is the unquestioned starter.
The sophomore middle linebacker leaves the spring with a solidified role in the defense. Arkansas lost nearly all of its production at the position to graduation or the transfer portal, and Spence appears poised to fill that void.
Spence recorded three tackles and one sack on Saturday. He was always in the right position and looked like the leader of the defense.
Kickers have trouble closing the spring
Matthew Shipley and Vito Carvaluso made 4 of 8 field goals in Game 3 vs. White, continuing a worrying trend heading into a spring of kicking struggles.
Arkansas lost Cam Little to the NFL Draft this offseason, and the reliable Little may be missed in 2024. It's a position that gets a lot of attention every time the University of Arkansas resumes preseason practice.
Competition to acquire backup quarterback continues
Malachi Singleton and JaColby Criswell didn't do very well, primarily playing against first-team defensemen. Neither quarterback had more than 10 yards at halftime, but Singleton held on to his stat line with a 75-yard touchdown to freshman CJ Brown against a third-team defense.
Another freshman, KJ Jackson, had his best day as a backup quarterback. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 107 yards but threw an interception. It's still unclear who will be the second-string quarterback after Green.
