The kickoff time was moved up, but while it was an attempt to avoid the heat of the day, Arkansas fans saw plenty of fire from KJ Jefferson.

In Sam Pittman’s 4th opener at Arkansas, with new offensive and defensive coordinators, looking to improve on last year’s disappointing 7-6 mark, the Hogs got a terrific start. The Hogs open 2023 with 3 nonconference matchups before 4 straight SEC games, all on the road.

Western Carolina finished 2022 with 3 straight wins.

Arkansas cruised to a 56-13 victory on Saturday.

KJ Jefferson

Jefferson started 12-for-13 for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Razorbacks got off to a 21-3 lead by midway through the 1st half. He finished 18-for-23 passing for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns. Saturday’s performance also meant that Jefferson has thrown and rushed for a touchdown in the same game 11 times in his career.

Jefferson’s third TD of the day was a 16-yard completion to Andrew Armstrong, one of those connections that’s expected to be seen a lot this season. Armstrong had 5 catches for 78 yards and a TD, including a long of 29 yards.

A game of firsts

Jacolby Criswell’s first TD pass as a Razorback was completed to freshman WR Davion Dozier for his first receiving touchdown as a Hog.

Criswell, a North Carolina transfer, was a 4-star recruit in the 2020 recruiting class while Arkansas’ 2020 class was impacted by the coaching change. In 3 seasons with the Tar Heels, Criswell made 14 appearances. After applying his redshirt and the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for 2020, Criswell has 3 seasons of eligibility remaining.

Criswell saw limited playing time during his time in Chapel Hill. In his college career, he is 18-of-31 passing for 204 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He has also rushed 20 times for 133 yards and a TD. Both scores came in the 2021 season.

Defense bottles up running game, gets pick-6

Brad Spence used an 85-yard interception returned for a touchdown to cap an impressive performance by the defense. The Razorbacks held WCU to just 63 rushing yards and 4-for-15 on 3rd down. Sam Pittman earlier in the week mentioned how 3rd down was a point of emphasis for the Razorbacks entering the season.