Sam Pittman emphasizes confidence in Braylen Russell after 175-yard outing

Ja’Quinden Jackson was not able to suit up for Week 9’s matchup between Arkansas and Mississippi State.

This forced Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman to turn to freshman RB Braylen Russell for Saturday’s game. Prior to the game, Pittman told Russell not to “make me look like a fool.”

Well, it turns out Pittman had nothing to worry about. The freshman was fantastic against the Bulldogs, rushing for 175 yards on just 16 carries, an average of 10.9 yards per carry.

After the game, Russell made a point to find his coach and tell him “I don’t think I made you look like a fool, Coach.”

“I asked him last night, don’t make me look like a fool… in the locker room, he said ‘I don’t think I made you look like a fool, Coach.’”

Sam Pittman on his confidence in RB Braylen Russell #WPS

— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 26, 2024

Arkansas has struggled a fair amount this season, but there have been obvious flashes for brilliance, especially on offense. Pittman noted postgame Saturday that the Razorbacks have to continue to build around QB Taylen Green, who accounted for 6 touchdowns – 5 passing and 1 rushing.

But a lot of Green’s success stems from what Jackson and now Russell have been able to do on the ground. Sure, it was Mississippi State, but there’s a lot of promise moving forward at that position.

Arkansas is back in action next weekend against Ole Miss.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.