Texas Longhorns Shut Down Razorbacks With Strong Defense and Sharp QB Play

In a clash of Southeastern Conference (SEC) rivals, the Texas Longhorns powered their way to a 20-10 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 16, 2024. It was a game defined by momentum swings, key defensive stops, and a disciplined performance from quarterback Quinn Ewers, who led the Longhorns with poise and control.

This matchup was a telling sign of how far Texas has come since joining the SEC, showcasing their ability to not only win gritty games on the road but do so while controlling the tempo and minimizing costly errors.

First Half: Gritty and Defensive

The opening half of the game was a chess match between two physical defenses. Both teams struggled to gain yardage early on, but it was Texas that struck first with a well-executed drive late in the first quarter. Quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with wide receiver Matthew Golden on a 14-yard touchdown pass, giving the Longhorns a 7-0 lead.

Arkansas, meanwhile, leaned heavily on quarterback Taylen Green, who faced pressure early and often. Texas’s defense—particularly the front seven—kept Green in check, forcing several rushed throws and preventing any kind of rhythm from forming. Razorbacks running back Rashod Dubinion had a few solid gains, but the offensive line struggled to create consistent holes.

Midway through the second quarter, Texas kicker Bert Auburn extended the lead with a 34-yard field goal, pushing the score to 10-0. Arkansas responded late in the half with a field goal of their own from Cam Little, making it 10-3 at halftime.

Second Half: Texas Turns Up the Heat

The third quarter saw more urgency from both teams, but it was Texas who took better advantage of their opportunities. Ewers remained composed, spreading the ball around and utilizing play-action to freeze the Arkansas linebackers. His second touchdown pass of the day went again to Matthew Golden—this time from 9 yards out—after a methodical 11-play drive. That made it 17-3.

While Ewers was executing cleanly, Arkansas continued to struggle offensively. Taylen Green was sacked multiple times, and while he did manage a few completions to Isaiah Sategna and Andrew Armstrong, most drives stalled out before midfield.

The Razorbacks finally found some life early in the fourth quarter. Green led a drive that was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run from Dubinion, narrowing the gap to 17-10. However, Texas responded with another long drive that drained the clock and ended with a second Bert Auburn field goal, sealing the 20-10 victory.

Key Texas Player Performances

Quinn Ewers (QB):
Ewers had a composed and efficient game, finishing 16-for-24 for 176 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He showed great touch on his passes and made smart decisions under pressure. While he wasn’t flashy, his ability to control the pace and keep drives alive made a major difference.

Jaydon Blue (RB):
Blue led the rushing attack with 83 yards on 14 carries, averaging nearly 6 yards per rush. He had multiple first-down pickups and showed great vision and burst. His runs were critical in keeping the Arkansas defense honest.

Matthew Golden (WR):
Golden was the star of the receiving corps, hauling in two touchdown passes. Though he only had 3 receptions, he made them count. His route running and ability to create separation in the red zone were impressive.

Texas Defense:
The real MVP of the night was the Longhorns’ defense. They recorded six sacks, limited Arkansas to just 231 total yards, and held the Razorbacks to 3-of-13 on third downs. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and defensive end Ethan Burke were particularly disruptive.

Key Arkansas Player Performances

Taylen Green (QB):
Green struggled throughout the night, completing just 15-of-28 passes for 149 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Constant pressure from the Texas front made it hard for him to get comfortable. He did, however, show flashes of athleticism on broken plays.

Rashod Dubinion (RB):
Dubinion was one of the few bright spots for the Razorbacks, rushing for 54 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. His touchdown in the fourth quarter gave Arkansas some hope, but the lack of a consistent passing game held the offense back.

Isaiah Sategna (WR):
Sategna led the team in receiving with 5 catches for 61 yards. He made several key grabs, especially on third down, but wasn’t able to break any big plays due to tight Texas coverage.

Arkansas Defense:
The Razorbacks’ defense kept the team in the game. Linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and safety Hudson Clark were active all night, but the unit wore down as the game progressed. Giving up long, clock-consuming drives in the second half was costly.

Turning Points

1. First Touchdown Drive (Texas):
   Late in the first quarter, Texas’s offense clicked with a 75-yard drive that ended in Golden’s first touchdown. It set the tone and gave the Longhorns early control.
2. Arkansas Red Zone Sack (Third Quarter):
   Arkansas had a chance to cut the lead to 10-6, but a third-down sack pushed them out of field goal range. That defensive stop by Texas gave them the momentum needed to extend their lead on the next drive.
3. Fourth Quarter Clock Control:
   After Arkansas closed the gap to 17-10, Texas responded with a textbook 13-play drive that chewed up over six minutes. The drive ended in a field goal, effectively icing the game.

Final Thoughts

This game was a strong reminder that while flashy offense is fun, defense still wins in the SEC. Texas played smart, physical football and earned a quality road win. Quinn Ewers didn’t put up eye-popping numbers, but he managed the game expertly. The defensive front looked like a championship-caliber unit, which bodes well for Texas as they eye a spot in the SEC Championship Game.

For Arkansas, it’s a tough loss in a season full of ups and downs. The defense played with heart, but the offense lacked consistency and explosiveness. If the Razorbacks hope to become competitive in the SEC, they’ll need more production from the quarterback position and stronger offensive line play.

Texas improves to 9-2 on the season, while Arkansas falls to 5-6, now facing a must-win situation in their final game to reach bowl eligibility.

What’s Next?

Texas:
The Longhorns head into a high-stakes rivalry game against Texas A&M to close out the regular season. A win there could secure them a spot in the SEC title game, depending on other results.

Arkansas:
The Razorbacks must regroup quickly as they face Missouri next. It’s win-or-go-home in terms of bowl eligibility, and the pressure is on.

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