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Arkansas defeats Texas Tech 39-26 in the Liberty Bowl

Posted on by Goldteelic
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28
Dec
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Arkansas Triumphs Over Texas Tech 39-26 in an Explosive Liberty Bowl Showdown

MEMPHIS — The Liberty Bowl delivered a night of thrilling football and fireworks on Friday as the Arkansas Razorbacks defeated Texas Tech 39-26 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. In a game that evoked memories of their high-scoring clashes as Southwest Conference rivals, the Razorbacks showcased offensive firepower and defensive grit to close their 2024 campaign with a winning record and secure their third bowl trophy since 2021.

The victory improved Arkansas’ all-time record in the Liberty Bowl to 4-3, with all wins coming since 2009. Despite entering the game short-handed due to player opt-outs and transfers, the Razorbacks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season.

“We’ve got a good football team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the kids,” said Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, who made history by becoming the first Razorbacks coach to win his first three bowl games. “Bowl games are tough to get to and even harder to win, but tonight we got it done.”

Taylen Green Leads the Charge

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green was the star of the show, earning MVP honors with a dual-threat performance that set records and energized the Razorbacks’ offense. Green completed 11 of 21 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns while adding 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. His 422 all-purpose yards led an explosive Arkansas attack that racked up 559 yards of total offense.

Green’s passing yardage broke the school’s single-game bowl record, surpassing Bill Montgomery’s 338-yard mark from the 1969 Sugar Bowl. It was the fourth time this season that Green passed and rushed for a touchdown in the same game.

“Taylen took over,” Pittman said. “We’ve got Taylen Green—a guy who can win us games—and he showed why tonight.”

Green wasn’t the only Razorback to make history. Wide receiver Dazmin James made a dazzling debut with three receptions for 137 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown catch—the longest in program history. Isaac TeSlaa added 107 receiving yards, making James and TeSlaa the first Arkansas tandem to each surpass 100 receiving yards in a bowl game since 1969.

Explosive Start and Defensive Adjustments

Arkansas wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard. Green’s 12-yard touchdown run on the opening drive was set up by a 70-yard dash from Rodney Hill. The Razorbacks scored touchdowns on their first three possessions, highlighted by Green’s 94-yard strike to James and a 1-yard rushing score by Braylen Russell.

Texas Tech answered with a 37-yard field goal by Gino Garcia and found momentum in the second quarter, cutting Arkansas’ lead to 21-19 with a pair of touchdowns and a safety. However, Green orchestrated a two-minute drive before halftime, setting up Matthew Shipley’s 40-yard field goal to give Arkansas a 24-19 edge at the break.

In the second half, Arkansas’ defense tightened. The Razorbacks allowed just one touchdown after halftime, intercepting Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond twice and recording a safety when Anton Juncaj sacked Hammond in the end zone.

Arkansas Defense Shines Late

Defensive backs Marquise Robinson and Miguel Mitchell stepped up with critical interceptions, while Arkansas’ front seven limited the Red Raiders to just 151 second-half yards after allowing 346 in the first half.

Meanwhile, the offense continued to produce explosive plays. Green connected with CJ Brown and Tyrell Reed for second-half touchdowns, the latter being a 47-yard strike that marked Reed’s first career reception.

Shipley added two field goals, including a 43-yarder that extended Arkansas’ lead to 39-19 in the fourth quarter. Though Texas Tech scored a late touchdown, the Razorbacks recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.

Why Arkansas Won

Arkansas dominated with big plays, recording 15 offensive gains of 10 yards or more, including six plays of 31 yards or longer. Their ability to capitalize on explosive moments overwhelmed a Texas Tech defense ranked among the nation’s worst.

Defensive adjustments after halftime played a key role, with Arkansas forcing three turnovers and allowing only one scoring drive in the final two quarters.

Notable Performances

  • Taylen Green (Arkansas): 341 passing yards, 81 rushing yards, 4 total touchdowns
  • Dazmin James (Arkansas): 137 receiving yards, 94-yard touchdown catch
  • Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas): 107 receiving yards
  • Will Hammond (Texas Tech): 280 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
  • J’Koby Williams (Texas Tech): 123 rushing yards on 15 carries

A Historic Win for Sam Pittman

Pittman’s Razorbacks are now 3-0 in bowl games under his leadership, a feat unmatched by any previous Arkansas head coach. This victory follows Liberty Bowl and Outback Bowl wins in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Coaching on Friday just 24 days after hip replacement surgery, Pittman credited his team’s resilience and determination for their success.

What’s Next for Arkansas?

The Razorbacks are set to open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M in Fayetteville. With key players returning and momentum from their bowl victory, Arkansas looks to build on Pittman’s growing legacy and continue its upward trajectory.

This Liberty Bowl victory not only capped a challenging season with a winning record but also reaffirmed Arkansas’ place as a rising program under Pittman’s leadership. Fans will eagerly await what the Razorbacks have in store for the future.

Goldteelic

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