Arkansas

EA Sports Provides Insight into Key Arkansas Game

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2024

EA Sports Provides Insight into Key Arkansas Game

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Because NCAA Football 14 has an AI generated simulator mode, it’s possible for the game to spit out a mathematical simulation of any game that will take place this fall.

It was a foregone conclusion that at some point at least one simulated Arkansas game would make its way online and that’s exactly what happened. Fortunately for fans, the first to pop up in the allHogs YouTube algorithm is a simulation of what has been deemed the most pivotal game of the season – the Week 2 trip to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State.

There’s good news all around for the Hogs’ faithful. The graphics and commentary are done well enough that the inclusion of actual current players makes it possible to eventually get lost in it and trick the mind into believing you’re watching an actual game.

This makes for good entertainment. As for the outcome, no spoilers, but the game can be watched at the bottom of this story and it’s definitely one Razorbacks fans will enjoy as a preview for what they might can expect this fall.

With that said, here are a few observations:

• It doesn’t take long to understand the guys at EA Sports think highly of new Arkansas running back Ja’Quinden Jackson. He is dominant pretty much the entire game behind a much-improved offensive line. They value him so much that, early on, Razorbacks fans are going to wonder where the Bobby Petrino offense went. There’s lots of running complete with what appears to be a Power I with a fullback at times.

• As for Oklahoma State, Ollie Gordon gets the starting nod, but it’s former Hogs running back AJ Green who proves to be the more effective back. However, Green won’t be taking snaps against his old team as he is out for at least the first several months of the season with an injury.

• Even video game companies aren’t immune to the transfer portal. There are a few Arkansas players featured in this simulated game who are no longer on the team. The first people will notice is Max Fletcher, the former kicker who has since transferred to Cincinnati after losing the starting job. Dominique Johnson also makes a brief appearance despite being at TCU now.

• There were a lot of people who agreed to have their likeness to be shown on the game, but Sam Pittman apparently wasn’t one. Instead, the Hogs are coached by a man who looks like the love child of 1990s Houston Nutt and Bret Bielema.

• Taylen Green takes an awful long time to complete his first pass, but once he does, he really gets rolling and his ability to run is a huge factor. Tyrone Broden and Andrew Armstrong become big targets with Isaiah Sategna sprinkling in big impact plays. The one thing that appears to be missing for the longest time is the tight end, although Luke Hasz does eventually make a catch well into the game.

• Perhaps the two most impressive aspects of the game are the lack of penalties and how dominant the defense is despite Landon Jackson not having a huge game. Instead, Brad Spence, Xavian Sorey and Hudson Clark carry that side of the ball, frustrating Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman.

HOGS FEED:

• Watch: Dinner with John Calipari

• Pittman gives thoughts on his expectations for Hogs’ QB Taylen Green

• Get to know Greenwood offensive lineman Cody Taylor, who’s rising fast in rankings

• Subscribe and follow us on YouTube
• Follow allHOGS on X and Facebook

Source link

Arkansas

5-Star Center Obinna Ekezie Jr. Reveals MCBB Commitment Between Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, More

Published

3 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Press Room

5-Star Center Obinna Ekezie Jr. Reveals MCBB Commitment Between Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, More

One of the top basketball prospects in the class of 2027 has made his commitment.

Per On3’s Joe Tipton, 5-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. is reclassifying to the class of 2026 and will play for Louisville this fall.

Ekezie is considered to be the No. 4 overall player and the No. 2 center in his class by 247Sports’ composite rankings. The Orlando, Florida, native is also the No. 2 player in his state.

The 7-footer had Arkansas, BYU, Kentucky and Maryland in his final group alongside Louisville, but ultimately went with Pat Kelsey and the Cardinals.

“I chose Louisville because it has everything I need in terms of winning and development. I have a great opportunity to develop and showcase my game at both the 4 and 5 alongside Flory Bidunga,” he told Tipton. “Louisville already feels like home to me and we’re going to be an incredibly competitive team. We’re striving to win a National Championship.”

Ekezie, of course, has dreams of playing at the professional level, and he felt moving up to the class of 2026 would help him reach those goals.

“After my high school season, I evaluated the rewards and risks and felt college was the right move for my development,” he said. “I get to practice every day against elite competition and develop at a much faster rate. I want to compete at the highest level and this gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player.”

The Cardinals have had a successful offseason, landing Kansas transfer center Flory Bidunga, Oregon transfer point guard Jackson Shelstad, Iowa transfer forward Alvaro Folgueiras, Arkansas transfer wing Karter Knox and more.

Now, Louisville will add even more talent in Ekezie.

Source link

Arkansas

Arkansas Derby winner Renegade finishes 2nd in Kentucky Derby

Published

15 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas Derby winner Renegade finishes 2nd in Kentucky Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Renegade, the Arkansas Derby winner, finished second Saturday in the Kentucky Derby, as more than 30,000 fans gathered at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort for the final day of the racing season.

The race often called the “fastest two minutes in sports” drew strong reactions from the Oaklawn crowd, where fans watched together as one of their own track’s top horses competed on racing’s biggest stage.

Renegade entered the Derby as one of the favorites after winning the Arkansas Derby in March. The horse’s second-place finish fell just short of a win, disappointing some bettors but still energizing the crowd.

“I’m cheering for Renegade, that’s where my money’s at,” said Chris Ho, Oaklawn’s vice president of marketing.

Fans across the venue said the day was about more than just the outcome of a single race, as Oaklawn wrapped up its racing season with large crowds and a festive atmosphere.

“I’m having a blast, losing some money but having some fun,” said attendee Zachary Willmuth.

The event brought together both longtime racing fans and newcomers experiencing the tradition for the first time.

“I have an aunt who had a derby party every year, so I went every year,” said first-time Oaklawn visitor Jayna Monical. “This is the closest I’m going to be to the derby.”

Others said attending races at Oaklawn has been a longstanding tradition.

“As soon as I got my driver’s license at 16, I started coming here,” said Robert Trammell. “I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Despite some losing tickets, the crowd remained lively throughout the day, with cheering and celebrations echoing across the track during both the Kentucky Derby watch and Oaklawn’s final races.

For some, the experience ensured a return trip.

“I think it’s exciting,” Monical said. “We have a whole crew that’s coming next year.”

Saturday marked the end of Oaklawn’s racing season, closing out months of competition in Hot Springs.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.

Source link