Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson threw three touchdowns on Saturday, leading the Razorbacks to a 31-14 victory over North Alabama in their season opener at home. Jackson, making his second career start, completed 24 of 35 passes for 267 yards and added 27 rushing yards.
The freshman quarterback connected with three different receivers for his touchdown passes, each in a different quarter. The Razorbacks spread the ball around offensively, with 11 players catching passes. Despite these highlights, first-year head coach Ryan Silverfield expressed frustration with the team’s overall performance.
“Today’s performance certainly wasn’t to the standard and expectations we want,” Silverfield said. “Probably one of the worst offensive performances I’ve been a part of.”
The Razorbacks tallied 415 yards of total offense against a North Alabama defense that allowed an average of 464 yards per game at the FCS level last season. Arkansas struggled with turnovers and penalties, losing two fumbles, throwing an interception, and committing eight penalties for 74 yards.
North Alabama’s scoring came largely from quarterback Destin Wade, who recorded two rushing touchdowns. The Lions got on the board late in the third quarter after a Sutton Smith fumble gave them possession in Arkansas territory. A personal foul penalty set up Wade’s first six-yard touchdown run, cutting Arkansas’ lead to 21-7.
The Razorbacks responded quickly with an 11-play, 75-yard drive capped by Braylen Russell’s 1-yard rushing touchdown. Russell led the team’s ground game with 49 yards on 17 carries.
In the fourth quarter, Wade added a second rushing touchdown after connecting with Xavier Johnson on a 59-yard pass. Wade finished 12-of-23 passing for 113 yards, while Johnson led the Lions with six catches for 82 yards. However, North Alabama managed just 17 total yards of offense in the first half and achieved only five first downs through the first three quarters.
Jackson’s touchdown throws went to Ismael Cisse, Matt Adcock, and Jaden Platt. Chris Marshall led the Razorbacks’ receiving corps with seven catches for 79 yards. The victory ended Arkansas’ 10-game losing streak, but Silverfield was clear that improvement is necessary as the season progresses.
“We said we wanted to play clean, disciplined football, and we didn’t do that,” Silverfield said. “Our players understand this. There are so many opportunities to improve, and we better do it very, very quickly.”
The Razorbacks, now 1-0 on the season, will face a tougher challenge next week as they travel to No. 21 Utah.