Arkansas

Rex Nelson’s college football picks for week 9: Arkansas vs. Mississippi State, Arkansas State vs. Troy and more | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2024

Rex Nelson’s college football picks for week 9: Arkansas vs. Mississippi State, Arkansas State vs. Troy and more |
Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Through the decades, the University of Arkansas has played Top 10 opponents in consecutive games 17 times. Arkansas has yet to accomplish a two-game sweep.

Many Razorback fans — high on the win over Tennessee and delighted that Arkansas had two weeks to prepare for LSU — deluded themselves into thinking this was the year the Hogs would knock off Top 10 teams in back-to-back home games.

Not so fast, my friend.

It was LSU 34, Arkansas 10 as the Tigers moved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Southeastern Conference play. Arkansas fell to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the SEC as it readjusts its goal to winning at least six games and making it to a minor bowl game. It was the eighth LSU victory in the past nine meetings between the two schools.

The Tigers were plus three on turnovers and outgained the Hogs 384-277. Arkansas had the fewest rushing attempts in a game since 2018.

The more interesting contest in the state Saturday night was in Arkadelphia, where the longest winning streak in Arkansas college history ended. Harding came in with a 25-game winning streak. The defending national champions in NCAA Division II were ranked No. 1 in the country by the American Football Coaches Association.

Even though Ouachita was also 6-0 and ranked No. 9 in the country, almost no one gave the Tigers a chance. I say “almost” since I’m the only person I know who picked Ouachita to win. And the Tigers did just that, 17-13.

The Bisons had scored 51 touchdowns in their first six games. They scored one last Saturday night at Cliff Harris Stadium, and that was on their first possession. Harding finished with 218 rushing yards. That’s 242 yards below its season average.

In this week’s AFCA poll, Ouachita is No. 5, Harding is No. 7 and 6-1 Southern Arkansas is No. 22.

I went 5-1 on the picks last week to move to 53-5 on the season.

Here are the picks for this week’s games:

Arkansas 34, Mississippi State 23 — Mississippi State hung close to 6-1 Texas A&M last Saturday before falling 34-24. It was the sixth consecutive loss for the Bulldogs, who opened the season with a 56-7 victory over Eastern Kentucky. The losses have been by scores of 30-23 to Arizona State, 41-17 to Toledo, 45-28 to Florida, 35-13 to Texas, 41-31 to Georgia and then the 34-24 loss to the Aggies. This isn’t an Arkansas team that can afford to take anyone for granted. That said, the Razorbacks look to have the better athletes and should be just fine Saturday in Starkville.

Arkansas State 41, Troy 30 — The Red Wolves got a needed road victory on Saturday. They moved to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Sun Belt Conference with their 44-28 win at 1-6 Southern Mississippi. ASU quarterback Jaylen Raynor was 20 of 31 passing for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Arkansas State needs to take care of business at home this week against a 1-6 Troy squad. Troy’s only victory was 34-12 over Florida A&M. The six losses were by scores of 28-26 to Nevada, 38-17 to Memphis, 38-21 to Iowa, 13-9 to Louisiana-Monroe, 38-17 to Texas State and 25-9 to South Alabama.

UCA 36, North Alabama 28 — The 5-2 Bears have had two weeks to prepare for 3-5 North Alabama, which has won three consecutive games after losing its first five. The five losses were by scores of 37-15 to Southeast Missouri, 40-0 to Memphis, 24-17 to Illinois State, 43-28 to Tennessee-Martin and 28-14 to Tarleton State. The three wins were by scores of 25-16 over West Georgia, 60-14 over Utah Tech and 47-34 over Abilene Christian.

UAPB 17, Mississippi Valley State 15 — The Golden Lions fell to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the SWAC with their 31-21 loss at Grambling on Saturday. They may get some relief this Saturday afternoon in Pine Bluff as an 0-7 Mississippi Valley State squad comes to town. The seven MVSU losses were by scores of 41-21 to Tennessee State, 28-14 to Lamar, 59-8 to Murray State, 66-0 to Nicholls, 42-21 to Alcorn State, 54-17 to Alabama State and 20-10 to Bethune-Cookman.

Harding 31, Southern Arkansas 16 — This is one of the top Division II games in the nation this week as No. 22 visits No. 7. Both teams are 6-1 with their only losses having come to Ouachita. SAU lost to Ouachita in Magnolia by five points, and (as noted above) Harding lost on the road to Ouachita by four points. Southern Arkansas took care of business last Saturday in the Murphy USA Classic at El Dorado with a 42-19 win over 5-2 Henderson. Mulerider quarterback Judd Barton had 163 yards passing and 126 yards rushing. The game is in Searcy, and I expect the defending national champions to bounce back.

Ouachita 35, Arkansas Tech 18 — The Tigers will need to avoid an emotional letdown after such a big victory. Tiger Coach Todd Knight is pretty good about making sure that doesn’t happen since Ouachita was undefeated in the regular season in 2014, 2018, 2019 and 2022. Counting this season and the previous six seasons, Ouachita is now 67-6 in Great American Conference games. Tech fell to 4-3 last Saturday with a 24-13 loss to UAM in Monticello.

Henderson 40, UAM 29 — The Boll Weevils improved to 3-4 with that upset victory over Arkansas Tech. Quarterback Demilon Brown rushed 20 times for 204 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Expect the Boll Weevils to come back down to earth this Saturday when they play Henderson in Arkadelphia.

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Arkansas

Arkansas Court of Appeals | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

12 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas Court of Appeals | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Court of Appeals released opinions Wednesday. The court’s ruling and the names of the cases are reprinted here. The full opinions and other court proceedings, including per curiam decisions, orders and submissions, can be found on the internet at arcourts.gov.

PROCEEDINGS OF Jan. 7, 2026

CHIEF JUDGE N. MARK KLAPPENBACH

CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Gladwin and Brown, JJ., agree.

JUDGE ROBERT J. GLADWIN

CR-25-24. Bryce Anderson v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Virden and Harrison, JJ., agree.

JUDGE CASEY R. TUCKER

CV-24-537. Flywheel Energy Production, LLC v. Van Buren County, Arkansas; and Van Buren County Judge Dale James, in His Official Capacity as Van Buren County Judge, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Reversed and dismissed. Abramson and Harrison, JJ., agree.

JUDGE WENDY SCHOLTENS WOOD

CV-24-209. LRS South, LLC v. Benton County Solid Waste Management District and the Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board, from Benton County Circuit Court. Reversed and remanded. Hixson and Murphy, JJ., agree.

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Arkansas

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.

The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.

Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.

Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.

The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.

At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.

Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class

Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.

Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.

In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.

Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.

Hogs continue roster building

The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.

Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.

Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.

While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.

Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.

As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.

Key takeaways

Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.

Hogs Feed

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Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

2 days ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

John Brummett

jbrummett@arkansasonline.com

John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.

He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.

In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.

He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.

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