FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas scored 31 unanswered points to overcome a double-digit second-half deficit and defeat Rice 38-17 in the season opener Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Running back Trelon Smith ran for a 2-yard touchdown with 12:44 remaining to give the Razorbacks a 24-17 lead. Tyson Morris added a 9-yard touchdown reception and Dominique Johnson ran for a 3-yard touchdown in the game’s final 4:07.
The Razorbacks (1-0) trailed 10-7 at halftime and trailed 17-7 after Rice quarterback Wiley Green hit receiver August Pitre for a 41-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
Arkansas (1-0) overcame a shaky start that second-year coach Sam Pittman called “embarrassing” during an interview on the Razorbacks’ halftime radio show.