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

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• Follow allHOGS on X and Facebook

Among the 11 largest Arkansas-based publicly traded companies, only four reported gains in their stock prices over the first two quarters ending June 28. Most of the decliners were among banks and shipping companies based in the state.

The largest Arkansas stock by market cap is Bentonville-based Walmart which closed out the first half of 2024 with stock gains of 28.92%, the highest growth among its Arkansas cohorts. Walmart shares (NYSE: WMT) closed on June 28 at $67.71 compared to $52.52 where the stock opened trading on Jan. 2. Walmart also grew its market capitalization by $122.7 billion since Jan. 2, the first trading day of the year. The market capitalization of Walmart shares closed out the first half of 2024 at $544.63 billion.

Close behind Walmart is El Dorado-based Murphy USA. The gasoline and convenience retailer operates more than 1,700 U.S. stores. Shares of Murphy USA (NYSE: MUSA) increased in value by 28.48% in the first six months of 2024. The stock opened the year at $365.39 and closed at $469.46 on June 28. The share price has retreated from weaker-than-expected earnings reported in May. However, the company has grown its market capitalization to $9.6 billion, up from $7.58 billion at the start of 2024.

Little Rock-based Dillard’s is also among the small group of winners through the first half of the year. Shares of Dillard’s (NYSE: DDS) opened the year at $401.02 and closed June 28 at $440.39, up 9.71% for the period. The market capitalization of Dillard’s stock totals $6.94 billion, up from $6.54 billion at the start of the year.

Springdale-based Tyson Foods is the other gainer in terms of stock price. Shares of Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) opened the year at $52.61 and closed June 28 at $57.14, up 8.61% for the period. The company’s market capitalization totals about $20.42 billion, up 6.5% during the period.

BANK LOSSES 
The seven remaining companies have seen their stock prices stall or decline this year amid ongoing pressures in their sectors. The banking sector continues to see caution among investors primarily because of exposure to commercial real estate.

Home BancShares (NYSE: HOMB) opened the year at $25.07 per share and closed at $23.86 on June 28, down 5%. Market capitalization totals $4.75 billion, down from $5.11 billion at the start of the year.

Pine Bluff-based Simmons First National Bank stock (NASDAQ: SNFC) closed at $17.58 on June 28, down 10.8% from the $19.71 opening price to start the year. Most of the loss came after the bank missed earnings expectations for its first quarter. Revenue dropped 7.3% and net income fell 15% from the year-ago period. The market capitalization for the bank totals $2.92 billion, down 15.% from $2.48 billion to start the year.

Little Rock-based Bank OZK has seen its share price drop 16.88% in the past six months. Bank OZK shares (NASDAQ: OZK) opened the year at $48.33 and closed June 28 at $41. Most of that loss came in late May when Citigroup downgraded the stock from a buy to a sell because of the bank’s exposure to commercial real estate and fewer rate cuts expected this year. The bank’s market capitalization is $4.62 billion, down from $5.63 billion for a loss of 17.9% over the six months.

Bentonville-based America’s Car-Mart operates like a bank since it finances the vehicles it sells. The buy-here pay-here dealer generates the bulk of its revenue from the loans it carries on its books. Car-Mart shares (NASDAQ: CRMT) opened the year at $70.90 and closed on June 28 at $60.21, down 14.07% over the six months. The company’s market capitalization totals $380.29 billion, down 20% from $480 billion where it started the year.

TRUCKING RECESSION
Fort Smith-based ArcBest and most of its freight competitors remain in a recession with excess capacity keeping shipping rates low. Shares of ArcBest (NASDAQ: ARCB) closed out the second quarter at $107.08, falling 10.73% from the start of the year. About half of the loss came after the company missed its first-quarter earnings expectations reporting revenue down 6.3% and a $2.92 million net loss.

Tontitown-based P.A.M. Transportation Services is a thinly traded, small-cap freight company. Shares of P.A.M. Transport (NASDAQ: PTSI) opened the year at $20.47, but ended the mid-year mark at $17.37, down 15.14%. The company missed its first quarter earnings with an operating loss of $677,000 on the heels of a $811,000 loss in the prior quarter because of low shipping rates from excess capacity relative to demand.

Lowell-based J.B. Hunt Transport Services is also struggling this year amid the ongoing freight recession. Company shares (NASDAQ: JBHT) opened the year at $199.82 and closed at $160 on June 28, down 19.9%.

SHARE PERFORMANCE – January-June 2024
Walmart (NYSE: WMT)
Jan. 2:  $52.52
June 28: $67.71
up 28.92%

Murphy USA  (NYSE: MUSA)
Jan. 2:  $365.39
June 28: $469.46
up 28.48%

Dillard’s  (NYSE: DDS)
Jan. 2: $401.02
June 28: $440.39
up 9.71%

Tyson Food  (NYSE: TSN)
Jan. 2: $52.61
June 28: $57.14
up 8.61%

Home Bank (NYSE: HOMB)
Jan. 2 $25.07
June 28:  $23.86
down 4.94%

ArcBest  (NASDAQ: ARCB)
Jan. 2: $119.62
June 28: $107.08
down 10.73%

Simmons Bank (NASDAQ: SFNC)
Jan. 2: $19.71
June 28: $17.58
down 10.8%

America’s Car-Mart (NASDAQ: CRMT)
Jan. 2: $70.90
June 28: $60.21
down 14.07%

P.A.M. Transportation Services (NASDAQ: PTSI)
Jan. 2: $20.47
June 28: $17.37
down 15.14%

Bank of OZK (NASDAQ: OZK)
Jan. 2: $49.33
June 28: $41
down 16.88%

J.B. Hunt Transport  (NASDAQ: JBHT)
Jan. 2: $199.82
June 28: $160
down 19.92%

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WHO WE ARE

Leadership Arkansas is a unique program designed to take a comprehensive view of the economic and political challenges that face this state. First introduced in 2005 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Leadership Arkansas allows individuals to experience first-hand the dynamic interactions between cities, industries, governmental units and the people they serve.

Leadership Arkansas is grounded in the belief that real progress is achieved by bringing diverse interests and backgrounds together. Through shared experiences and frequent interactions, Leadership Arkansas participants, facilitators and alumni learn and grow as they advance through an innovative nine-month program designed to expose class members to the challenges and opportunities of our local communities and their impact on the state.

WHAT WE OFFER

Leadership Arkansas has helped more than 950 graduates deepen their background and understanding of issues facing the state and provided them with effective tools to develop initiatives to improve the quality of life in Arkansas. We have also helped create a statewide community to generate dialogue on those issues, setting the stage for progress throughout the state.

Participants have been developing, strengthening and connecting with emerging leaders in Arkansas for several years. Many of our program graduates become well-established political, business and community leaders.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The mission of Leadership Arkansas is to build a strong, diverse, statewide network of leaders with a shared commitment to connect our communities and to make Arkansas a better place in which to live and prosper.

Leadership Arkansas sessions include: 

• Annual educational, issues-oriented, nine-month class program.
• Eight day-and-a-half sessions held in various communities throughout the state.
• Arkansas leaders who represent a wide geographic base and who have diverse backgrounds and vocations.
• Exposure to the many social and environmental complexities of the state.
• On-site demonstrations and tours.
• Diverse geographical and cultural experiences.
• Insight into the people, places and history that influence public policies.
• Fun and casual settings that foster new relationships and camaraderie.

Class members gain:

• An inclusive network of colleagues and resources.
• A broad understanding of state issues and developments.
• A better sense of personal leadership potential and enhanced leadership skills.
• Employers and sponsoring organizations acquire:
• Employees connected to a diverse network of dynamic leaders.
• Individuals with knowledge to discuss a variety of issues at the state and community levels.
• Staff energized and motivated to apply program information to organization situations.
• Leaders prepared to address issues and keep companies in action.

THE SELECTION CRITERIA

The Leadership Arkansas Selection Committee seeks to identify individuals most likely to use their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of the state of Arkansas. Class size is typically between 45 and 50. Due to space limitations, several highly qualified applicants may not be selected for Class XIX.

Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply in subsequent years.

The selection committee will seek diversity in areas including, but not limited to, profession, geography, education, state of career, ethnicity and gender. Leadership Arkansas does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.

Successful candidates will be well-rounded and actively involved in many facets of their communities, such as business, education, the arts, religion, government, community-based organizations and volunteer service, and will reflect the diversity of Arkansas’ communities. Prior leadership program participation is not required but may be noted on your application.

TUITION

Leadership Arkansas’ tuition fee is due upon notice of acceptance into the program and will cover the cost of meals and hospitality during each session. Participants will be responsible for their own lodging expenses at each session apart from the orientation retreat on Sept. 15-17, 2024. Participants will also be responsible for their own travel expenses.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Leadership Arkansas will make a limited number of partial, need-based scholarships available to candidates for whom tuition presents a barrier to participation. Please know that Leadership Arkansas may not be able to provide the full amount requested but will work with you to create an affordable payment plan. Contact Toni Lindsey at tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com to request tuition assistance.

All inquiries are kept confidential and must be made before the application deadline.

(To ensure your inquiry doesn’t get lost, please put LAR19 Tuition Assistance in the subject line.)