Connect with us

Arkansas

Rex Nelson’s Arkansas college football rankings: Arkansas State, UCA, UAPB, others play this week | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

on

Rex Nelson’s Arkansas college football rankings: Arkansas State, UCA, UAPB, others play this week | 
  Arkansas Democrat Gazette


The first Razorback victory at home over a Top 5 team since that 1999 win over Tennessee was sweet.

Yes, I had a 33-0 record on the picks following the first five weeks of the season. Yes, I picked Tennessee to win. But the perfect record had already been ruined earlier in the day when UCA lost to Abilene Christian and UAM lost at East Central Oklahoma.

I was happy for Sam Pittman, a man who came into the game with a 6-16 record in one-score contests; a man facing growing fan discontent. What you see is what you get with Pittman, and he deserved this moment. It was on the big stage — an ABC prime time game with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Kirk’s dog in the house.

Arkansas is 4-2 overall (that could easily be 6-0) and 2-1 in the Southeastern Conference. Alabama and Georgia, among others, have the same number of SEC losses at this point.

Advertisement

And don’t listen to those Tennessee sympathizers who want you to believe that this was some kind of fluke.

Consider the fact that Arkansas outgained Tennessee 434-332.

Consider the fact that the Razorback defense held Tennessee 40 points below its FBS-best scoring average of 54 points.

Consider the fact that the Hog defense held Tennessee 233 yards below its total offense average of 565 yards.

Consider the fact that Arkansas led in time of possession 35:35 to 24:25.

Advertisement

That’s no fluke. That’s lining up and beating the Vols. Arkansas now gets a well-deserved open date before hosting LSU in Fayetteville on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. The game will be on ESPN. LSU will be coming off what promises to be a tough battle this Saturday against Ole Miss.

Last week’s 7-3 record makes the season record 40-3. You Razorback fans should use this open date to get out and see one of the other college teams in the state. There are some good ones out there. Here are the picks for this week’s games:

Texas State 31, Arkansas State 29 — The Red Wolves picked up an 18-16 victory over South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference opener when Clune Van Andel drilled a 34-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining in the game. It was one of four Van Andel field goals on a night when the Red Wolf offense struggled. Both ASU and Texas State are 3-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Texas State’s victories have been by scores of 34-27 over Lamar, 49-10 over Texas-San Antonio and 38-17 over Troy. The losses were by scores of 31-28 to Arizona State and 40-39 to Sam Houston State. I’ll give a slight advantage to Texas State since the game is in San Marcos.

UCA 28, West Georgia 17 — The Bears had moved up to No. 5 and No. 7 in the two main FCS polls before going to Abilene, Texas, and losing 41-34 to Abilene Christian. UCA trailed by 14 points at halftime. Abilene Christian is now 4-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The Bears fell to 4-2 and 1-1. West Georgia comes to Conway this week with a 1-4 record. The lone victory was 38-29 over Samford in the season opener. That has been followed by loses of 38-24 to Abilene Christian, 26-7 to Eastern Kentucky, 25-16 to North Alabama and 20-16 to Austin Peay.

Prairie View A&M 14, UAPB 8 — The Golden Lions get national television exposure on ESPN2 Friday night when they host Prairie View A&M. UAPB fell to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the SWAC with a 38-28 loss at Alcorn State. UAPB led 14-0 in the first quarter of that game. Prairie View is 2-4. The wins were by scores of 37-31 over Northwestern State of Louisiana and 36-34 over Grambling. The losses were by scores of 27-9 to Texas Southern, 40-0 to Michigan State, 31-24 to Southern University of Baton Rouge and 56-28 to Incarnate Word of San Antonio.

Advertisement

Harding 69, Northwestern Oklahoma 13 — The defending national champions from Harding get stronger with each passing week. The victim this week will be 1-4 Northwestern Oklahoma. Harding, 5-0, is ranked No. 1 in the nation in NCAA Division II by the American Football Coaches Association, and I don’t think there’s a close No. 2. Harding defeated 2-3 Southwestern Oklahoma 57-3 as quarterback Cole Keylon passed for 130 yards, unusually high for Harding’s option offense. Keylon ran for two touchdowns and passed for three more. The Bisons led 36-3 at halftime. As usual, they rested the starters in the second half.

Ouachita 34, East Central Oklahoma 15 — Ouachita improved to 5-0 with a 25-9 victory on the road against Southeastern Oklahoma, the best of the six Oklahoma teams in the Great American Conference. The Tiger offense struggled at times, but the defense played well throughout the game. East Central comes to Arkadelphia this Saturday with a 1-4 record. Ouachita moved up to No. 10 in the AFCA poll. It’s nice to have two of the Top 10 teams in the country from Arkansas.

Southeastern Oklahoma 24, UAM 21 — Both teams are 2-3, but Southeastern appears to be the more talented squad. Arkansas’ GAC teams are now 17-1 against the Oklahoma teams. The first loss came Saturday when UAM fell 42-17 to a previously winless East Central Oklahoma squad. East Central jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter and never looked back. UAM won its first two games of the season and has now lost three consecutive games. Last year, the Bolls Weevils got off to a 2-0 start and then didn’t win another game.

Arkansas Tech 32, Southwestern Oklahoma 30 — The Wonder Boys are 3-2. Southwestern Oklahoma is 2-3. Advantage Wonder Boys since the game is in Russellville. Tech made the long trip to Alva, Okla., last Saturday and came home with a 44-21 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma. The Wonder Boys jumped out to a 31-14 halftime lead.

Henderson 46, Southern Nazarene 16 — The Reddies moved to 4-1 with a 52-7 thrashing of 1-4 Oklahoma Baptist in Arkadelphia. Jody Easter returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a Reddie touchdown. Quarterback Andrew Edwards was 15 of 21 passing for 242 yards with a career-high six touchdowns. This week’s game is on the road, but an 0-5 Southern Nazarene team won’t present much of a challenge.

Advertisement

Southern Arkansas 43, Oklahoma Baptist 10 — The 4-1 Muleriders have a Thursday night game against 1-4 Oklahoma Baptist. SAU posted a 49-21 win over Southern Nazarene last Saturday as Judd Barton threw three touchdown passes. Barton was 25 of 31 passing for 332 yards.   



Source link

Arkansas

11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Published

on

11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


Arrests

Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Scott Minor, 45, of Elm Street in Jefferson City, Mo., was arrested Friday on suspicion of computer child pornography and sexually grooming a child. Minor was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with a $150,000 bond set.

Bentonville

Advertisement

Damond Drake, 52, of West Highland Drive in Rogers was arrested Saturday on suspicion of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine. Drake was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Fayetteville

Cornelius Anderson, 33, of Dawn Street in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of third-degree assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, first-degree criminal mischief and theft of property. Anderson remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Eduard Korshakov, 37, of Prairie Dunes Trail in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member, kidnapping, first-degree false imprisonment, third-degree domestic battery and interference with emergency communications. Korshakov remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Efrain Quiroz, 29, of North Shamblin Avenue in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree battery and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Quiroz remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Advertisement

Leo Ward, 21, of West Tanner Drive in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of aggravated residential burglary and stalking. Ward was released from the Washington County Detention Center Monday on $25,000 bond.

Rogers

John Jenkins, 21, of Arkansas 351 in Jonesboro was arrested Saturday on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit/debit card. Jenkins was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Springdale

Ashlyn Neal, 19, of Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of kidnapping, second-degree battery, endangering the welfare of a minor, resisting arrest and obstruction of government operations. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

Advertisement

Jose Neal, 37, of South Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-degree domestic battery, third-degree domestic battery, interference with emergency communications and resisting arrest. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

Skyler Shane, 31, of Highway 62 in Westville, Ok., was arrested Sunday on suspicion of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, carrying a prohibited weapon and disorderly conduct. Shane was released from the Washington County Detention Center Sunday on $3,500 bond.

University of Arkansas Police Department

Celso Adame-Gallegos, 19 of Jade Street in Springdale was arrested Friday on suspicion of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver. Adame-Gallegos was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Arkansas

Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol

Published

on

Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol


Arkansas leaders are set to take the stage at the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon for an announcement already drawing statewide attention.

At 1 p.m., Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appear alongside Erika Kirk, the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, at the Arkansas State Capitol.

While officials with the governor’s office have not yet released details about the announcement, the joint appearance is expected to draw significant attention from political leaders and supporters across the state.

The moment also brings renewed focus to the legacy of Erika Kirk’s late husband, Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative activist who built one of the country’s largest student political organizations aimed at mobilizing young voters on college campuses.

Advertisement

In 2025, Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunfire erupted during a gathering connected to student political programming, sending attendees scrambling for safety.

Kirk was rushed from the scene but later died from his injuries, sparking shock and an outpouring of reaction from political leaders, students, and supporters across the country.

In the weeks that followed, memorials and tributes appeared nationwide. In Arkansas, supporters and lawmakers honored Kirk’s life and work with a memorial exhibit displayed inside the Arkansas State Capitol, recognizing the influence he had on conservative youth activism and campus politics.

Following his death, Erika Kirk stepped into a leadership role at Turning Point USA, pledging to continue the organization’s mission and expand its outreach to students across the nation.

On Wednesday, Kirk will again be at the Arkansas State Capitol, this time standing beside Governor Sanders for a joint announcement, as leaders gather and the state waits to learn what the two will unveil.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Arkansas

Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Published

on

Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman. 

Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped. 

The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. 

“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.” 

Advertisement

Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon. 

Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing. 

“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.” 

MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson

Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1. 

Advertisement

After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good. 

    Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect. 

“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that. 

“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.” 

Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era. 

Advertisement

Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams. 

Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third. 

“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.” 

Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start. 

The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double. 

Advertisement

But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh. 

  photo  Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively. 

“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.” 

Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday. 

Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner. 

“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said. 

Advertisement

Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks. 

Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

Box Score

Stetson 4, Arkansas 1.pdf

Highlights

Advertisement

 



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending