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Arkansas Razorbacks football
2012 Arkansas Razorbacks football team
First season1894
StadiumAuburn is a better choice Stadium
(capacity: 76,000 (Fayetteville)
54,120 (Little Rock))
FieldFrank Broyles Field
Field surfacePowerblade 2.5 (Fayetteville)
FieldTurf (Little Rock)
DivisionSEC Western Division
All-time record678–456–40 (.595)
Bowl record13–23–3 (.372)
Claimed national titles1
Conference titles13
Consensus All-Americans23
Current uniform
File:SEC-Uniform-Arkansas.png
ColorsCardinal and White
   
Fight songArkansas Fight Song
MascotRazorback
Marching bandBest in Sight and Sound
RivalsLSU Tigers
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas Longhorns
Ole Miss Rebels
Missouri Tigers (beginning 2013)
WebsiteArkansasRazorbacks.com

The Arkansas Razorbacks football team represents the University of Arkansas in the sport of American football. The Razorbacks compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The program has 13 conference championships, 45 All-Americans, and a record of 676–451–40. The Razorbacks are the 23rd-most successful team in college football history by number of wins. Home games are played at locations near the two largest campuses of the University of Arkansas System: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.

History

See also: List of Arkansas Razorbacks football seasons

Early years (1894–1914)

File:1909 Arkansas Cardinals football team.jpg
The undefeated 1909 Arkansas Cardinals. QB Steve Creekmore is in front with Coach Hugo Bezdek at right (with the C sweatshirt).

The first University of Arkansas football team was formed in 1894 and coached by John Futrall, who was a Latin professor at the University.[1] That team played three games: two against Fort Smith High School and one against Texas.[1] Before the 1909 season, the teams was called the Arkansas Cardinals and a bird was the school's mascot. The name and mascot changed following the 1909 season when the football team, coached by Hugo Bezdek, finished 7–0.

Arkansas prevailed over powerhouses Oklahoma, LSU and Washington of St. Louis in 1909, and was declared unofficial champions of the South and Southwest.[1] It was with the help of Steve Creekmore that this was accomplished. Creekmore became perhaps the first Razorback star, a quarterback from Van Buren who initially played only intramurals.[1] Bezdek used Creekmore to install a very early edition of the hurry-up offense, as the team never huddled and chased the ball after every play.[1] Creekmore was also known for "fast and slippery running, blocking, and passing" and could also return punts and tackle well.[1]

There are differing stories about the origins of 'Razorbacks', however. During this season Bezdek proclaimed his team played "like a wild band of razorback hogs" and the phrase was so popular that the Cardinals changed their name for the 1910 season.[2] An account from Phil Huntley, a member of the 1909 team, says that when the team got off the train in Dallas someone yelled "here come the hogs." Bezdek then said, "Boys, I like that. We're the Razorbacks from now on."[1] These accounts could both be true.[1] With the new name, the Hogs defeated LSU 51-0 and gave Texas A&M their only loss in 1910, but fell short of another perfect season, losing 5-0 to Kansas State.[3]

In 1913, Arkansas quarterback J.L. Carter and the Razorbacks lost to Ole Miss, and took a fateful train to Arkadelphia to play Ouachita Baptist. While Carter was eating, he was invited to a meeting of Ouachita boosters. He transferred (which took place immediately at the time) and defeated Arkansas 15-9 in 1914.[1]

The Hogs would be contacted by L. Theo Bellmont in 1913 in his attempt to create an intercollegiate conference to regulate use of ringers. Hugo Bezdek, since replaced by E. T. Pickering, had recommended the Hogs to join a conference before he left to coach at Oregon.

Early Southwest Conference (1915–1957)

The Razorbacks joined the Southwest Conference (SWC) as charter members in 1915. The conference also included teams from Texas (Baylor, Rice, Texas, Texas A&M) and Oklahoma (Oklahoma, Oklahoma A&M). Southwestern (TX) would also join, but leave the following year. The Razorbacks wouldn't have a winning conference record until 1920, and wouldn't win the conference until 1936. Arkansas had the best record during the 1933 season, but had to forfeit the SWC Championship because Ulysses "Heine" Schleuter, who had no eligibility remaining, played on the team. Schleuter had told coach Fred Thomsen that he was eligible, but he was recognized by an SMU player during the game as a former Cornhusker. The Hogs did accept an invitation to the 1934 Dixie Classic, a precursor to today's Cotton Bowl Classic.

Arkansas became rivals with Ole Miss due to proximity. Although not SWC members, Ole Miss played Arkansas intermittently until a yearly series began from 1952–1961.

During the 1938 season, the Razorbacks replaced their 300-seat stadium known as The Hill with Bailey Stadium, named after Arkansas governor Carl Bailey. It was known as University Stadium for one game before being changed to honor the governor. This stadium still exists today, although heavily renovated, as Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, the current home of the Razorbacks.

Arkansas won the conference in 1946, earning a bid in the 1947 Cotton Bowl Classic with LSU. The game would become known as the Ice Bowl, as a winter storm hit Dallas before the game. The two rivals battled to a scoreless tie, with Razorback great Clyde Scott tackling an LSU Tiger at the one yardline to preserve the tie on the second-to-last play of the game. LSU would fail to complete the field goal attempt on the next play. The Razorbacks defeated William & Mary the next year in the 1948 Dixie Bowl.

In 1954, the Ole Miss rivalry would catch fire. The Hogs played the Rebels in War Memorial Stadium on October 23, 1954. The Rebels were ranked #5 by the AP Poll entering the game, and Arkansas was picked to finish last in the SWC.[4] The contest would be decided by a 66-yard halfback pass from tailback Buddy Bob Benson to blocking back Preston Carpenter, the only score of the game. This is referred to as the Powder River Play, and "perhaps the most important in Arkansas football history to that time" by Orville Henry, a member of the 1954 team.[5] The Hogs would get back to the Cotton Bowl Classic in 1954, only to be defeated by Georgia Tech. Frank Broyles was an assistant under Jacket head coach Bobby Dodd in the game.

During this period, Arkansas developed rivalries with Texas and Texas A&M because of the closeness of those campuses.

Broyles era (1958–1976)

Frank Broyles was hired as head football coach in 1957 and served in that position for 19 years. Arkansas would grow to a national power with Broyles at the helm, including several conference championships and a national title.

Arkansas would earn a share of the 1959 SWC Championship, splitting with Texas. Arkansas lost only to #3 Texas and #6 Ole Miss during the season. The Hogs went to Jacksonville and defeated Georgia Tech in the 1960 Gator Bowl 14-7, avenging an earlier Cotton Bowl Classic defeat. Barry Switzer was a co-captain on the team. Some, including University Chancellor and student during 1958, John White,[6] view the Razorback football team during this period as a revival of Arkansas, which was recovering from the Little Rock Nine and racial segregation problems.[6]

The 1960's was the best decade in Arkansas football history. ESPN ranked Arkansas the 19th[7] most prestigious program in college football, but if only this decade was included, the Hogs would be 10th.[7]

1960 brought another SWC crown, and a Cotton Bowl Classic invitation for the Hogs, who were ranked as high as 7th during the season.[8] The Razorbacks lost to #2 Ole Miss and #20 Baylor, but defeated #11 Texas in Austin, bringing the championship to Fayetteville.[9] The Hogs lost to Duke, 7-6, because of a blocked extra point.[10]

The following season brought another shared SWC championship with Texas.[11] The Hogs were defeated by the Longhorns 33-7, as well as the #9 Ole Miss Rebels, warranting an invitation to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. #1 Alabama defeated the Razorbacks 10-3.[12] The Crimson Tide had been declared National Champions before the game, which was the procedure at the time. The Hogs would fight this system in 1964, when the same Alabama team would claim the 1964 AP crown before losing the Orange Bowl to the Texas Longhorns, a team Arkansas defeated in Austin, TX during the regular season. Arkansas won the Cotton Bowl Classic over Nebraska, 10-7

Broyles' team was awarded the 1964 National Championship by the Football Writers Association of America and the Helms Athletic Foundation.[13][14] The FWAA and HAF awarded their National Championships to Arkansas, who was the only team to go undefeated through the bowl games that year, as Alabama lost in the Sugar Bowl to Texas, a team Arkansas had defeated. At the time, the Associated Press (AP) and UPI awarded their national titles before the bowl games, and gave their trophies to the University of Alabama.[15]

The next season, 1965, the Razorbacks were 10-0 in the regular season, and were once again the Southwest Conference Champions. That sent the Razorbacks back to the Cotton Bowl Classic on New Year's Day, this time to play against LSU. Because of the controversy in determining the national champions in 1964, the AP polls would wait until after the bowl games to announce its champion. With top-ranked Michigan State losing in the Rose Bowl, the #2 Razorbacks had a chance to become national champions, but were defeated 14-7 by the Tigers.[2]

Arkansas would return to the field in 1966 ranked fifth, but losses against unranked Baylor and Texas Tech would prevent the 8-2 Hogs from playing in a bowl game. Loyd Phillips was a consensus All-American defensive tackle on the team.[16] Phillips also took home the Outland Trophy.[17]

File:UofA Logo 1964-1989.png
Razorbacks logo used from 1967-2000[18]

After struggling in 1967, the Hogs returned to the postseason in 1968. #9 Arkansas defeated #2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, 16-2. Freshman receiver Chuck Dicus scored the only touchdown of the game for the Razorbacks.

In 1969, the Razorbacks had another chance to claim the national title, when #2 Arkansas played the #1 Texas Longhorns, coached by Darrell Royal, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The game, known as "The Big Shootout" or the Game of the Century, is perhaps the most notable football game in Razorbacks history. Arkansas led 14-0 at halftime, but Texas stormed back and took a 15-14 lead on a two-point conversion play, after a questionable passing play was called late in the game by then coach Frank Broyles, which was intercepted by Texas. President Richard Nixon was in attendance, and proclaimed Texas the national champions, even though they had a bowl game to play, and Penn State was also undefeated. Arkansas would lose to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, 22–27, and Texas would beat Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl Classic for the national title.[19]

The 1970's would bring more success for Broyles, led by Razorback standouts Chuck Dicus and Ben Cowins. The 1970 edition of the Razorbacks would go 9-2, with the nine consecutive wins bookended by losses in the opener to #10 Stanford and the finale to #1 Texas. The 1971 Razorbacks went 8-3-1, including upset wins over #7 Cal and #10 Texas. They were invited to the Liberty Bowl, but fell to #9 Tennessee, 13-14.[20] The 1972-1974 seasons would be mediocre, as Arkansas struggled to defeat the Texas teams. The Hogs went 11-8-2 against schools in Texas, but failed to beat the University of Texas during the span. The highlight of the period was an upset of #5 Southern Cal in War Memorial Stadium.

Broyles would win his seventh and final Southwest Conference championship in 1975. The contest with Texas A&M was moved until the end of the year, as it was expected to decide the Southwest Conference championship. The Razorbacks did not disappoint, as Arkansas defeated #2 Texas A&M, 31-6, in War Memorial Stadium. The win forced the Aggies to share the conference championship with Texas and Arkansas. However, the tie-breaker went to Arkansas, thus Arkansas received the invitation to the Cotton Bowl Classic. Arkansas would fall behind Georgia early on in that game, but came roaring back to beat the Bulldogs easily, 31-10. Arkansas finished ranked #7 in the AP and #6 in the UPI that season.

The Razorbacks would continue under Broyles with limited success in 1976 before Lou Holtz took over the head coaching position for 1977.

Holtz era (1977–1983)

Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on May 1, 2008.

After Broyles left coaching and became athletic director at Arkansas, he hired Lou Holtz to take his former position. Holtz served as head football coach from 1977 through the 1983 season.

Holtz led the Razorbacks through a 10-1 regular season, losing only to #2 Texas. The #6 Hogs were invited to play in the Orange Bowl against #2 Oklahoma.[21] The Sooners had a chance to become national champions with a win over the shorthanded Razorbacks, who had suffered a season-long rash of injuries and player suspensions. Prior to Christmas, the University announced that star running back Ben Cowins, leading receiver Donny Bobo, and back-up running back Michael Forrest would all be sent back to Fayetteville.[22] Following the suspensions, numerous African-American players on the team threatened to boycott the game. The always-quotable Holtz said two days before the game, "I'm one step short of suicide".[22]

The Razorbacks found an unlikely hero in Roland Sales, who rushed for 205 yards on 23 carries and two scores. Sales also led the Hogs in receiving in the contest, and quarterback Ron Calcagni outplayed flashy OU QB Thomas Lott. The Hogs ended the Sooners' hope with a 31–6 victory.[2] This game is notable not only as one of the biggest upsets in Razorback football history, but also for the cast of characters. University of Arkansas alumnus Barry Switzer coached the Sooners in the contest, and late in the game future Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt played quarterback for Holtz.[23]

1978 brought a 9-2 regular season, losing back-to-back games at #8 Texas and at #11 Houston. A 49-7 win over #16 Texas A&M did give the Hogs a Fiesta Bowl berth, but the Razorbacks and UCLA Bruins would battle to a 10-10 tie.[24]

In 1979, Holtz's Razorbacks won a share of the Southwest Conference (sharing with Houston). The 10-2 Hogs defeated nemesis #2 Texas in Little Rock, but lost an outright conference title when they lost to #6 Houston in Fayetteville. Earning a bid to the Sugar Bowl, the #6 Hogs were set to play #2 Alabama with a shot at the national championship. Instead, Alabama defeated the Razorbacks 24–9, winning their sixth claimed national title.[2]

The Razorbacks would continue to succeed under Holtz, winning the 1980 Hall of Fame Classic following 1980 and defeating the hated #1 Texas Longhorns 42-11 in 1981. Despite winning another bowl game in 1982, a 6-5 season in 1983 would be the end of the Holtz era. At the time, athletic director Frank Broyles stated that Holtz had resigned and was not fired, but two decades later Broyles acknowledged that Holtz was indeed fired because his actions were negatively affecting the fan base.[25]

Holtz left the program with a mark of 60-21-2. His teams reached six consecutive bowls (1977–1983), but only won one split conference championship. Holtz used a very conservative option offense.

Final days of the Southwest Conference, transition to the SEC

The Southeastern Conference as it existed from 1992-2011

Ken Hatfield would replace Holtz in 1984. Hatfield played defensive back for AD Frank Brolyes on the 1964 National Championship team, but the two did not have a very friendly relationship. Despite a record of 55-17-1 and a SWC title, Hatfield would leave after the 1989 season when Broyles signed a five-year extension with the University.[26]

During this period, Broyles engineered the move from the dying Southwest Conference to the flourishing Southeastern Conference (SEC). The conference also added the University of South Carolina for 1991. The SWC would continue until 1996, when it disbanded.[27]

Arkansas next hired rookie head coach Jack Crowe, but he would be fired following a loss to The Citadel in the 1992 season opener.[28] Danny Ford, who was replaced by Hatfield at Clemson in 1990, took over in 1993.

Houston Nutt (1998–2007)

Razorback running backs warm up before the 2007 game against the Gamecocks. Coach Nutt looks on behind Darren McFadden.

On December 10, 1997, Houston Nutt was hired by the University of Arkansas to succeed Danny Ford.

In his first year, the Arkansas Razorbacks were 9-3 and had a share of the SEC Western division title. The Razorbacks received their first-ever invitation to the Citrus Bowl where the Razorbacks lost to the University of Michigan Wolverines, ending the season ranked 16th. During this season, Nutt was selected as the Football News' National Coach of the Year.[29]

Nutt resigned during a press conference at Arkansas on November 26, 2007, three days after the Razorbacks defeated the #1 LSU Tigers 50–48 in three overtimes.[29] Over the course of his 10 seasons coaching the Arkansas Razorbacks, Nutt compiled a record of 75–48 and his coached teams went to bowls 8 out of the 10 seasons.[29] His teams were first in the SEC West 3 times: in 1998 (shared with Mississippi State), 2002 (shared with LSU & Auburn), and 2006 (outright). The Hogs played in the SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta in 2002 and 2006.

Bobby Petrino (2008–2012)

After Nutt's departure, Bobby Petrino came to Arkansas from the Atlanta Falcons to coach in the college ranks again. The 2008 season was expected to be a transition year for the team and Petrino. Though eliminated from bowl contention, Petrino led the Razorbacks to a last-second victory over rival and defending national champions LSU to finish the season 5-7 with a conference mark of 2-6. His 2009 Razorbacks made dramatic improvement. Led by Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett at quarterback, the Razorbacks nearly defeated the Tim Tebow-led Florida Gators, who were ranked #1 in the country at that time, in Gainesville. The Hogs went on to win the 2010 Liberty Bowl against East Carolina and finish with a record of 8-5. The 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks improved on their 2009 record and won 6 in a row to end the year after earlier losses to Alabama and Auburn. Arkansas finished the season 10-2 overall and earned a BCS bowl birth, the first in Arkansas history. The Razorbacks lost the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans against the sixth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 31-26. Though the result was later vacated by the NCAA as a result of sanctions against Ohio State, the game was the first game ever played between the two teams. Under Petrino's tutelage, quarterback Ryan Mallett broke numerous school passing records in 2010 as well. In 2011, the reins were handed to Tyler Wilson after Mallett went to the NFL. Wilson picked up where Mallett left off, and Arkansas spent more than half the season ranked in the top ten. After beating Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl Classic by a score of 29-16, the Razorbacks finished with an 11-2 record and a #5 final ranking in the AP poll, the school's highest ranking since 1977. The eleven wins also tied a school record. The only two teams to beat the Hogs that year were Bama and LSU, both of whom played each other for the national championship.

On April 1, 2012, Petrino was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in rural Madison County, near Crosses. After initially publicly stating that he was alone both in a written press release and during a press conference, it was revealed in the police report of the accident that Petrino had been riding with a passenger, former Arkansas All-SEC volleyball player Jessica Dorrell. In his acknowledgement of the report, Petrino admitted to having engaged in a "previous inappropriate relationship" with Ms. Dorrell. As a result of this information, Athletic Director Jeff Long placed Petrino on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation.[30][31]

After his investigation, Long announced on April 10, 2012 that he had fired Petrino with cause, saying that Petrino "engaged in a pattern of misleading and manipulative behavior designed to deceive me and members of the athletic staff, both before and after the motorcycle accident." He also revealed that in addition to his previously-undisclosed personal relationship, Petrino had secretly paid Ms. Dorrell $20,000 and had used his influence to ensure that she was selected from an applicant pool of 159 people for a position on the football coaching staff.[32]

John L. Smith (2012 season)

Thirteen days after Petrino's firing, John L. Smith was announced as Arkansas' head football coach on April 23, 2012. Smith was signed to a 10-month contract worth $850,000.[33] His hiring was met both with approval and with some controversy. A significant number of current players expressed their strong approval for the Smith hire.[34] Some critics, however, argued that he had abandoned his previous post at Weber State after only 4 1/2 months and that he was merely "leasing himself to the Razorbacks for a year."[35]

Coaching history

Chris Petersen
Name Seasons Overall Overall % Conference Conference % Bowls Bowls %
John L. Smith† 2012 4-8 33.3% 2-6 25% – –
Bobby Petrino 2008–2011 34–17 66.6% 17–15 53.1% 2–1–0 66.7%
Reggie Herring† 2007 0–1 0.0% — — 0–1–0 0.0%
Houston Nutt 1998–2007 75–46 62.0% 42–36–0 53.8% 2–5–0 28.6%
Danny Ford 1993–1997 26–30–1 46.5% 16–23–1 41.3% 0–1–0 0.0%
Joe Kines† 1992 3–6–1 35.0% 3–4–1 43.8% — —
Jack Crowe 1990–1992 9–15–0 37.5% 6–10–0 37.5% 0–1–0 0.0%
Ken Hatfield 1984–1989 55–17–1 76.0% 36–10–0 78.3% 1–6–0 14.3%
Lou Holtz 1977–1983 60–21–2 67.0% 37–18–1 73.5% 3–2–1 58.3%
Frank Broyles 1958–1976 144–58–5 70.8% 91–36–5 70.8% 4–6–0 40.0%
Jack Mitchell 1955–1957 17–12–1 58.3% 8–9–1 47.2% — —
Bowden Wyatt 1953–1954 11–10–0 52.4% 7–5–0 58.3% 0–1–0 0.0%
Otis Douglas 1950–1952 9–21–0 30.0% 4–14–0 22.2% — —
John Barnhill 1946–1949 22–17–3 56.0% 10–13–1 43.8% 1–0–1 75.0%
Glen Rose 1944–1945 8–12–1 40.5% 3–7–1 31.8% — —
John Tomlin 1943 2–7–0 22.2% 1–4–0 20.0% — —
George Cole 1942 3–7–0 30.0% 0–6–0 0.0% — —
Fred Thomsen 1929–1941 56–61–10 48.0% 26–42–3 38.7% 0–0–1 50.0%
Francis Schmidt 1922–1928 42–20–3 66.9% 14–13–2 51.7% — —
George McLaren 1920–21 8–5–3 59.4% 4–1–1 75.0% — —
J. B. Craig 1919 3–4–0 42.9% 1–2–0 33.3% — —
Norman Paine 1917–1918 8–3–1 70.8% 0–2–1 16.7% — —
T. T. McConnell 1915–1916 8–6–1 56.7% 1–3–0 25.0% — —
E. T. Pickering 1913–1914 11–7–0 61.1% — — — —
Hugo Bezdek 1908–1912 29–13–1 68.6% — — — —
Frank Longman 1906–1907 5–8–3 40.6% — — — —
A. D. Brown 1904–1905 6–9–0 40.0% — — — —
D. A. McDaniel 1903 3–4–0 42.9% — — — —
Charles Thomas 1901–1902 9–8–0 52.9% — — — —
Colbert Searles 1899–1900 5–2–2 66.7% — — — —
B. N. Wilson 1897–1898 4–1–1 75.0% — — — —
John Futrall 1894–1896 5–2–0 71.4% — — — —
† denotes Interim Head Coach. Source: "Razorback Football Coaching History". Arkansas Razorbacks Sports Network. Retrieved 2008-01-11.

Rivalries

Ole Miss Rebels

Main article: Arkansas-Ole Miss rivalry

The Razorbacks first played the Ole Miss Rebels in 1908. Arkansas and Mississippi played many times sporadically in the following years. In addition to several single years of playing each other, the two teams played each other from 1940–47 and 1952-62 on an annual basis. The Razorbacks and Rebels also met twice in the Sugar Bowl played in New Orleans, in 1963 and 1970. Since 1981, the two teams have played each other annually in football. (since 1992 as conference and Division rivals) In 2001, Arkansas and Ole Miss had an NCAA record seven-overtime game in Oxford, MS; The amount of overtimes has since been tied, but has not yet been beaten. (Arkansas ended up winning with a final score of 58-56) The recent Houston Nutt controversies and departure to Ole Miss has added to and heightened the long standing rivalry between the schools. Ole Miss is also the closest SEC school to Arkansas in terms of distance, and Arkansas had played Ole Miss more total times than any other SEC opponent, until Texas A&M joined the conference in 2012.[36]

Arkansas-Ole Miss: All-Time Records
Games played First meeting Last meeting ARK win ARK loss Ties Win %
56 October 10, 1908 (won 33–0) October 22, 2011 (won 29–24) 32 25 1 56.1%

LSU Tigers

Main article: Arkansas-LSU rivalry

Since joining the Southeastern Conference in 1992, the Razorbacks have developed an intense rivalry with the LSU Tigers. The game is played annually the day after Thanksgiving and is televised on CBS. The winner of the game has taken home the "Golden Boot", which is a 24-karat gold trophy in the shape of the two states, since its creation in 1996.[37]

Recently, the series has come to represent an important game in the SEC Western Division, with either Arkansas or LSU representing the Western Division in the SEC Championship Game on several occasions. In 2002, the rivalry gained momentum as the game winner would represent the Western Division of the SEC in the SEC Championship Game. The game (called "Miracle on Markham") was won by Arkansas on a last second touchdown pass by Matt Jones.[38] In 2006, the Tigers snapped the SEC West champion Razorbacks' 10-game winning streak when they were beaten by LSU in Little Rock, 26–31.[39] In 2007, Arkansas stunned top-ranked LSU in triple overtime, 50–48, giving them their first win in Baton Rouge since 1993, and their first victory over a top-ranked team since beating Texas in 1982, winning back the Golden Boot trophy (after 4 consecutive seasons in the hands of LSU) in the process.[40] In 2008, the Razorbacks defended the trophy, winning 31-30 on a last minute touchdown drive. LSU currently leads the series 34–20–2.[41]

Arkansas-LSU: All-Time Records
Games played First meeting Last meeting ARK win ARK loss Ties Win %
57 December 5, 1901 (lost 0–15) November 23, 2012 (lost 20–13) 20 35 2 37%

Texas Longhorns

2003 Arkansas game at Texas. Arkansas won 38-28.

Though the Arkansas-Texas game has not been regularly played since Arkansas's departure from the Southwest Conference in 1991, the Longhorns are still considered by some to be the Razorbacks' top rival. There are many contributions that led to some Razorback fans considering the Longhorns as their top rival, including the result of the 1969 Game of the Century (also known as "The Big Shootout") which eventually led to the Longhorns' 1969 national championship.[42] The Longhorns lead the series 56–21–0.[41]

Arkansas-Texas: All-Time Records
Games played First meeting Last meeting ARK win ARK loss Ties Win %
77 November 29, 1894 (lost 0–54) September 27, 2008 (lost 10–52) 21 56 0 27.6%

Texas A&M Aggies

Main article: The Southwest Classic

The Razorbacks first played the Texas A&M Aggies in 1903. From 1934–1991, the two had played annually as Southwest Conference members. The series, however, ceased in 1991, when Arkansas left the SWC to join the Southeastern Conference. Arkansas leads all-time 41–24–3.[41] On March 10, 2008, officials from both schools announced the revival of the series, which continued on October 3, 2009. The game was played in Cowboys Stadium, and was won by Arkansas. 47-19.[43] The initial agreement between the two schools allows the game to be played for at least 10 years, followed by 5 consecutive, 4-year rollover options, allowing the game to be played for a total of 30 consecutive seasons.[44][45][46]

Arkansas-Texas A&M: All-Time Records
Games played First meeting Last meeting ARK win ARK loss Ties Win %
69 October 31, 1903 (lost 0–6) September 29, 2012 (lost 58–10) 41 25 3 62.5%

Missouri Tigers

Although their states share a border, Missouri and Arkansas have only played 5 games in football, with the last meeting taking place in the 2008 Cotton Bowl Classic. Because Missouri joined the SEC East in 2012, the Tigers will replace South Carolina as the Razorbacks' inter-division rival beginning in 2013. Texas A&M, which also has rivalries with LSU and Missouri, joined the SEC West in 2012. Texas A&M and Missouri were inter-division rivals in 2012, before switching to South Carolina and Arkansas, respectively, in 2013. With the close proximities of Arkansas and Missouri, as well as Texas A&M and LSU, there has been speculation that the Razorbacks and Tigers will begin playing on Thanksgiving weekend, which would allow the Texas A&M - LSU game to also take place that weekend,

Uniforms

File:SEC-Uniform-Arkansas-2008-2009.png
Arkansas' uniforms worn from 2008 to 2009

The Razorbacks have always worn cardinal red jerseys. The team wore red helmets with players' numbers on the side through 1963, and in 1964 the first helmets with an early version of the razorback logo appeared. Throughout the team's history, Arkansas has typically worn red jerseys with white pants at home and white jerseys with white pants on the road. However, red pants were introduced on an occasional basis during the Lou Holtz era, and have been an alternate off and on for several years. From 1998 to 2002, and then again in 2004, red pants were the standard on the road while white pants were worn as an alternate. Wearing red pants at home, which some fans consider a curse, happened so infrequently that many forgot it was possible. The Razorbacks wore all red in 2000, but did not wear them again until 2008 in the Cotton Bowl Classic. However, when coach Bobby Petrino took the reins, he developed an entirely different uniform, and the Hogs came out for the season opener in all red. This marked the first time for all red to be worn in consecutive games and also the first time that red pants were worn with a white stripe. It is unknown how many alternate jerseys may have been designed.

Championships

National championships

Year Coach Selectors Record Bowl Bowl Result
1964 Frank Broyles FWAA, HAF 11-0 Cotton Bowl Classic Arkansas 10, Nebraska 7
National Championships 1

[13][14][47]

Conference championships

Arkansas has won 13 Southwest Conference championships but has yet to win a conference championship in the Southeastern Conference.[47]

Conference affiliations

Season Conference Overall Record Conference Record
1936 SWC 7-3 5-1
1946† SWC 6-3-2 5-1
1954 SWC 8-3 5-1
1959† SWC 9-2 5-1
1960 SWC 8-3 6-1
1961† SWC 8-3 5-1
1964 SWC 11-0 7-0
1965 SWC 10-1 7-0
1968† SWC 10-1 6-1
1975† SWC 10-2 6-1
1979† SWC 10-2 7-1
1988 SWC 10-2 7-0
1989 SWC 10-2 7-1
Conference Championships 13
† denotes Co-Champions

Divisional championships

Arkansas has made 3 appearances in the SEC Championship Game as winner of the SEC Western Division but are 0-3 in those appearances.[47] Arkansas was also the SEC Western Division co-champions in 1998 with Mississippi State but did not represent the SEC Western Division in the SEC Championship Game due to Mississippi State having won the head to head victory tiebreaker. In 2002 Alabama had the best conference record in the west with a 6-2 mark, but had been prohibited by the NCAA from participating in post season activity. Arkansas played in the SEC Championship game via being the winner of a three-way tie with Auburn and LSU, both of whom Arkansas had beaten that season.

Season Division SEC CG Result Opponent PF PA
1995 SEC West L Florida 3 34
1998† SEC West N/A - - -
2002† SEC West L Georgia 3 30
2006 SEC West L Florida 28 38
Division Championships 4
† denotes Co-Champions

Awards and honors

McFadden before the 2007 game at Tennessee.

Player awards

D.J. Williams - 2010
Darren McFadden - 2006, 2007[48]
Darren McFadden - 2007[49]
Jonathan Luigs - 2007[50]
William "Bud" Brooks - 1954[51]
Loyd Phillips - 1966[51]

Coaching awards

Lou Holtz - 1977[52]
Lou Holtz - 1977[53]
  • Football News Division I-A National Coach of the Year
Houston Nutt - 1998[54]
Houston Nutt - 2001[54]
Houston Nutt - 2006[54]

All-Americans

Luigs before the 2006 game against Alabama.

Every year, players are selected by several publications to be placed on their All-American team for that season. The NCAA officially recognizes five All-American lists which includes AP, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Sporting News (TSN), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF). A consensus All-American is determined using a point system; three points if the player was selected for the first team, two points for the second team, and one point for the third team. Arkansas has had 45 All-Americans (20 consensus) in its history.[55][56][57]

Name Position Years at Arkansas AFCA AP FWAA TSN WCFF
Lance Alworth B 1959–1961 1961
Shawn Andrews* OT 2001–2003 2002; 2003 2003 2002; 2003 2002; 2003 2003
Jim Barnes* OG 1966–1968 1968
Jim Benton E 1935–1937 1937
Martine Bercher S 1962–1966 1966
Rodney Brand* C 1969 1969 1969
Bud Brooks* OG/DT 1954 1954 1954 1954
Dick Bumpas* DT 1968–1970 1970
Brandon Burlsworth OG 1995–1998 1998
Ronnie Caveness LB 1964 1964 1964 1964
Tony Cherico NG 1984–1987 1987
Bobby Crockett E 1965
Chuck Dicus* WR 1968–1970 1969; 1970 1970 1970
Ron Faurot DE 1980–1983
Robert Felton OG 2003–2007 2007
Ken Hamlin FS 1999–2002
Dan Hampton DT 1975–1978 1978
Leotis Harris* OG 1974–1977 1977 1977 1977
Wayne Harris LB 1958–1960 1960
Glen Ray Hines* T 1965 1965 1965 1965
Greg Horne P 1983–1986 1986
Bruce James DE 1968–1970 1970
Felix Jones TB/KR 2005–2007 2007 2007
Kenoy Kennedy FS 1996–1999 1999
Greg Kolenda* OT 1976–1979 1979 1979 1979 1979
Steve Korte* OG 1982 1982 1982 1982
Bruce Lahay K/P 1981
Steve Little* K/P 1974–1977 1976 1977 1977 1977
Anthony Lucas SE 1996–1999 1999
Jonathan Luigs* C 2004–2008 2006; 2007 2007 2007 2007
Jim Mabry* OT 1986–1989 1989 1989 1989
Wayne Martin* DT 1985–1988 1988 1988 1988
Bill McClard K 1969–1971 1970 1971 1971
Darren McFadden* RB 2005–2007 2006; 2007 2006; 2007 2007 2007 2007
Billy Moore QB 1962
Jim Mooty B 1959
Stephen Parker OG 2003–2006 2006
Jermaine Petty* LB 1998–2001 2001
Loyd Phillips* T 1965; 1966 1965; 1966 1966 1966 1965: 1966
Cliff Powell LB 1967–1969 1969
Wear Schoonover E 1927–1929 1929
Clyde Scott* TB 1944–1948 1948 1948
Billy Ray Smith, Jr.* DE 1979–1982 1981; 1982 1981; 1982 1981; 1982 1981; 1982 1981; 1982
Kendall Trainor* K 1985–1988 1988 1988 1988 1988
Tony Ugoh OG 2002–2006 2006
Jimmy Walker DT 1975–1978 1978
* denotes Consensus All-Americans. Source: "History, Honors and Letterman" (PDF). Hogwired. Retrieved 2008-01-12.

College Football Hall of Fame

2006 Alabama vs. Arkansas game in Fayetteville.
Year Inducted Name Position Years at Arkansas Notes
2009 Billy Joe Moody Fullback and Defensive Back 1960–1962
2008 Lou Holtz Coach 1977–1983 [58]
2004 Wayne Harris Linebacker 1958–1960 [59]
2000 Billy Ray Smith, Jr. Defensive End 1979–1982 [60]
1999 Chuck Dicus Wide Receiver 1968–1970 [61]
1997 Bowden Wyatt Coach 1953–1954 [62]
1992 Loyd Phillips Tackle 1964–1966 [63]
1984 Lance Alworth Back 1959–1961 [64]
1983 Frank Broyles Coach 1958–1976 [65]
1971 Francis Schmidt Coach 1922–1928 [66]
1971 Clyde Scott Tailback 1944–1948 [67]
1967 Wear Schoonover End 1927–1929 [68]
1954 Hugo Bezdek Coach 1908–1912 [69]

All-Century Team

(Selected by fan ballot prior to the 1994 season as part of the UA football centennial celebration)

Facilities

Razorback Stadium on game day

Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium

Main article: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium

Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (formerly Razorback Stadium) is the on-campus and primary home stadium for the Razorbacks located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks began playing football at Razorback Stadium in 1938 where they beat Oklahoma A&M 27–7.[70] The stadium was dedicated to Donald W. Reynolds for the $20 million donation from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to help finance the major expansion in 2001 which raised the seating capacity from 51,000 to 76,000. The playing field was dedicated to former head coach and athletic director Frank Broyles in 2007 and is now called the Frank Broyles Field at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.[71]

War Memorial Stadium

Main article: War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)

War Memorial Stadium is the secondary home stadium for the Razorbacks. War Memorial Stadium is located in Little Rock, Arkansas with a seating capacity of 53,727. War Memorial Stadium usually host two to three Razorbacks' football games a season, including the Battle for the Golden Boot when the Razorbacks host the game against LSU. They also play Mississippi State in Little Rock.

Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion

The Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion was built in 1998 and is the indoor practice facility for the Arkansas Razorbacks.[70]

Players after Arkansas Razorbacks

See also: List of Arkansas Razorbacks in the NFL Draft

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Year Inducted Name Position Years at Arkansas
2002 Dan Hampton Defensive Line 1975–1978
1978 Lance Alworth Back 1959–1961

Future non-conference opponents

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
8/31 vs. UL–Lafayette 9/20 vs. Northern Illinois TBA vs. TCU 9/3 vs. Louisiana Tech (Little Rock) 9/1 at Michigan 8/31 vs. Michigan 9/11 vs. Texas
9/11 vs. Samford (Little Rock) TBA at TCU TBA vs. North Texas
9/14 vs. Southern Miss
9/21 at Rutgers

[72]

References

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  3. ^ "Arkansas Razorback Football » Yearly Results, 1910 - 1919." Site. Retrieved on January 31, 2009.
  4. ^ Georgia Tech, 14, Arkansas 6. [1] Retrieved on January 15, 2009.
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  8. ^ Final AP Top 20. 1960 AP Poll. Infoplease.com. Retrieved on February 4, 2009.
  9. ^ Major Conference Champions. 1960 SWC Champions. Infoplease.com. Retrieved on February 4, 2009.
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  11. ^ Major Conference Champions. 1961 SWC Co-Champions. Infoplease.com. Retrieved on February 4, 2009.
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  13. ^ a b "All-Time Grantland Rice Trophy Winners". Football Writers Association of America. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
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  38. ^ "Jones to Birmingham leaves Tigers stunned". Associated Press. ESPN. 2002-11-29. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
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  42. ^ Schaeffer, Rick. Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Razorback Football. ISBN 1-58261-988-3.
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  44. ^ Burch, Jimmy (2008-03-10). "Texas A&M-Arkansas game headed to Arlington". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) [dead link]
  45. ^ "Texas A&M, Arkansas Establish Football Neutral Site Series in New Cowboys Stadium" (Press release). Texas A&M Athletics. 2008-03-10. Archived from the original on 12 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  46. ^ "Arkansas-Texas A&M to Renew Football Rivalry at Dallas Cowboys New Stadium" (Press release). University of Arkansas Athletics. 2008-03-10. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
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  48. ^ "Darren McFadden Wins Second-Straight Doak Walker Award". Hogwired. 2007-12-06. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  49. ^ "Arkansas' McFadden named Walter Camp Player of the Year". CBS Sports. 2007-12-06. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
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  52. ^ "Walter Camp Football Foundation Awards". Walter Camp Football Foundation. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
  53. ^ "All-Time Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Winners". Football Writers Association of America. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ a b c Yandell, Gary. "Houston Nutt Steps Down as Razorback Football Coach". Hogwired. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
  55. ^ "History, Honors and Letterman" (PDF). Hogwired. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  56. ^ Hickok, Ralph (2007-12-17). "Consensus Football All-America Teams from 1937 through 1976". HickokSports.com. Retrieved 2008-01-13. [dead link]
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  58. ^ "Former Razorback Head Coach Lou Holtz Elected to College Football Hall of Fame" (Press release). Hogwired. 2008-05-02. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  59. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Wayne "The Thumper" Harris Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  60. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Billy Ray Smith Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  61. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Chuck Dicus Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  62. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Bowden Wyatt Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  63. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Lloyd Phillips Profile". National College Foundation. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Lance "Bambi" Alworth Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  65. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Frank Broyles Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  66. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Francis "Close the Gates of Mercy" Schmidt Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  67. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Clyde "Smackover" Scott Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  68. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Wear Schoonover Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
  69. ^ "College Football Hall of Fame: Hugo Bezdek Profile". National College Foundation. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
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  71. ^ "Arkansas names football field after outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles". Associated Press. SportingNews. 2007-11-03. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  72. ^ "Arkansas Razorbacks Football Schedules and Future Schedules". fbschedules.com. Retrieved 2012-11-26.
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