Rapid Reaction: Great start to the Chad Morris era as Arkansas rolls over Eastern Illinois
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.