Sam Pittman feeling heat from Arkansas fans after embarrassing first half vs. Notre Dame
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Sam Pittman’s seat was red-hot coming into the 2025 season. After Arkansas‘ 2-0 start against teams it was expected to beat in the first place, the seat got hotter after the Razorbacks lost to Ole Miss and blew an 18-point lead before falling to Memphis.
If there’s a temperature above “scorching hot,” the Razorbacks’ first-half against Notre Dame on Saturday has us to that point. They trailed the Fighting Irish 42-13 at halftime.
The Razorbacks’ defense has been completely nonexistent. The Fighting Irish had six first-half drives. All six ended in touchdowns, including one with 7 seconds left in the half that came after a fumble recovery. CJ Carr has thrown for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Jeremiyah Love has a pair each of receiving and rushing touchdowns, as the Irish have posted 420 yards of total offense. The Razorbacks, by comparison, went into the locker room with 207 yards.
There looked to be a spark with Arkansas down 28-10 as Taylen Green took it down to the Irish 21 with a 54-yard carry. The next three plays? Sack, incomplete pass, and a Green run that went for no gain. The Razorbacks were forced to settle for a field goal with boos raining down from the Razorback Stadium crowd.
Later, down 35-13, a fumble by Raylen Sharpe was recovered by the Irish with about 20 seconds left. Two plays later, they were in the end zone again.
The gulf between Arkansas and Notre Dame has been enormous. Barring a major second-half turnaround, Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek might have a decision to make on Sam Pittman during the bye week.
Here’s reaction from social media on Pittman:
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
