Rapid Reaction: Great start to the Chad Morris era as Arkansas rolls over Eastern Illinois
By Keith Farner
Published:
Cole Kelley may have gotten the start, but it was Ty Storey who garnered most of the accolades at quarterback in a lopsided win for Arkansas.
The Razorbacks rolled over Eastern Illinois, 55-20, in the Chad Morris debut on Saturday in a game where Storey had three passing TDs and one rushing. Storey was 12-for-17 passing for 261 with three touchdowns, while Kelley finished 9-for-12 for 92 yards and a TD, but struggled to move the offense.
The defense forced five fumbles, including a 60-yard return late in the game by Bumper Pool that Storey then converted into a score.
After three series, Arkansas couldn’t get the offense in a rhythm. Then Storey came in the game and offered a spark.
WR Jordan Jones was the shining star in the passing game with five catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. But 11 players made catches in the win, and four had at least 53 yards receiving.
The Razorbacks overcame a slow start with 28 points in the second quarter highlighted by two touchdowns from La’Michael Pettway, including a 48-yarder.
The Razorbacks rolled up 433 total yards, but Eastern Illinois also converted three out of four fourth down chances, and held the time of possession edge 30:50 to 27:31.
Along with the quarterback situation, Arkansas also mustered just 80 yards rushing on 37 attempts.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
