The Arkansas Razorbacks got off to a horrible start against Texas A&M on Saturday, letting the Aggies return the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

However, the team battled back, making it close before ultimately losing 24-17 in Arlington.

After the game, first-year coach Chad Morris said there was plenty to be happy about following the narrow loss:

“I cannot be more proud of the players in that locker room, of the coaches in that locker room, and their fight,” he said. “These guys have continued to show up every day and continue to hit that tree in the same spot. … If you continue to do that, it’s going to fall. The effort, the care, the love that they have in that locker room for each other, that was very apparent today, especially after you took a huge punch on the first play of the game.”

On forcing a pair of turnovers:

“Creating turnovers. That was a big thing that we emphasized and these guys did a great job.”

On offensive struggles:

“On offense, we got behind the sticks. We always talk about staying on schedule. Three first-down sacks, field position — didn’t help us, but we did see some improvements.”

On bad snap on first Arkansas touchdown:

On potentially going for a win instead of a tie:

Arkansas hosts Alabama next weekend, so don’t expect a win against the No. 1 team in the country. However, this performance should give Hog fans a little bit of hope moving forward.