FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks opened their 2022 season with a win vs. number 23 ranked Cincinnati Saturday, September 3 at Donald W. Reynold’s Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville by the final of 31-24.
Arkansas got on the board with 6:18 in the first through a 15-yard rush by quarterback KJ Jefferson. The Hogs doubled their lead just before the halftime break when Jefferson found Trey Know for a five-yard touchdown pass.
Cincinnati didn’t get on the board until the early third quarter, scoring from a five-yard blast from talented tailback Corey Kiner to cut Arkansas’s lead to 14-7.
Coach Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks delivered a quick score just three minutes later and Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood scored on a 19-yard pass from Jefferson.
Cincinnati matched the quick striker with one of their own just under two minutes later in the third. They would add a field goal with 4:44 left in the third period to come within four of Arkansas at 21-17.
Arkansas’s outstanding sophomore kicker Cam Little knocked through a 32-yard field goal of his own late in the third to make it 24-17 Hogs.
Trey Knox caught his second touchdown pass of the day midway through the fourth. Arkansas led 31-17.
The Bearcats pulled to within a touchdown with five minutes left in the ballgame, but Arkansas held firm. They walked away with their first win of the year, defeating Cincinnati by the final of 31-24.
Arkansas tallied 447 yards total offense, picking up 224 on the ground and 223 through the air.
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders led the Hogs with 117 yards rushing.
Jefferson picked up 62 himself on the ground, and threw for 223. Jefferson was 18 for 26 passing.
Trey Knox was Arkansas’s leading receiver with 75 yards on six catches. Knox also hauled in two touchdown grabs.
Matt Landers had three catches for 43 yards, and Jadon Haselwood made three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Arkansas will next host South Carolina Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Top photo: Courtesy of Arkansas Razorbacks Media.