FAYETTEVILLE — It doesn’t sound like a quarterback change is imminent for Arkansas ahead of its rivalry showdown with Texas.
After being knocked out of the Ole Miss game with a knee sprain, Taylen Green was able to practice during the Razorbacks’ bye week and head coach Sam Pittman said on Monday that he believes his quarterback “will be fine” moving forward.
That’s good news for Arkansas considering the challenge that awaits at 11 a.m. CT Saturday, as the No. 3 Longhorns lead the country in passing defense (135.3 ypg) and lead the SEC in interceptions (14).
Despite a rough stretch at the start of SEC play, Green has played well of late. Over the last four games, of which he’s missed about three quarters because of injuries, the Boise State transfer has completed 73 of 101 passes (72.3%) for 978 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions.
Calls for Malachi Singleton
The performance of his backup has led to some Arkansas football fans calling for a change, though.
Indeed, Malachi Singleton led touchdown drives on three of the Razorbacks’ five second-half possessions against an elite Ole Miss defense, and may have had four if Isaac TeSlaa didn’t fumble through the end zone for a turnover.
The redshirt freshman completed 11 of 14 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown, plus added 44 yards and another score on eight carries — not to mention a 60-yard touchdown scamper that was erased by a meaningless penalty.
While the Razorbacks don’t seem to be considering a straight-up change, Singleton’s outing does give them something they haven’t had in a long time: confidence in their backup.
“He did a great job,” Pittman said Monday. “Great job of throwing the football, throwing it early, very accurate, ran over some people. Malachi played extremely well and we’re glad we have him and we have a lot of belief in him when he goes in the game. That certainly helped the other night, too.”
That could be significant if Taylen Green isn’t fully healthy and can’t move around as well as he needs to against Texas. His legs are a huge part of Green’s game and what makes him so dangerous.
However, if he doesn’t have that ability, the coaches might be more apt to put Singleton in the game.
Not having a quarterback who could run may have been a big reason for Arkansas’ struggles against LSU — just look at what Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe did to the Tigers. A couple of years ago, the Razorbacks played a clearly banged-up KJ Jefferson against Liberty and it cost them a win.
With more confidence in the backup, and probably more self-confidence within Singleton, Arkansas won’t be forced to stick with an injured quarterback just because they don’t have anyone else.
Second Opinion on Green vs. Singleton
Don’t just take it from us, though.
Former Arkansas wide receiver Josh Throne, who now co-hosts the 4th & 5 podcast alongside former tight end D.J. Williams, came away with a similar opinion at the conclusion of this excellent film breakdown.
He was thoroughly impressed with Malachi Singleton’s knowledge of what to do in certain situations and ability to get the ball out quick instead of holding onto it too long, which is common among young quarterbacks.
However, he ultimately believes Taylen Green’s experience and his X-factor potential makes him the better option at the moment — assuming he’s fully healthy.
“I think it’s clear that both Taylen and Malachi bring valuable strengths to this team,” Throne said. “Taylen’s explosive playmaking, his running ability, he even has the flashes with his arm as well — you just can’t coach what Taylen Green can do for your team.
“As far as the defenses go, they can’t really plan for what he can do to them, so he gives us the best chance to win games. He’s got big play potential and it just keeps the defenses on their heels at all times.
“But I don’t want to overlook Malachi. He’s got all the qualities that you want in a future starter. He’s got poise in the pocket, he’s got a quick release, he’s got solid pocket presence that makes him an exciting talent. And having him as a backup is something that we should feel extremely fortunate about.”
Check out the full film breakdown from 4th & 5 here:
Other Sam Pittman Presser Tidbits
Here are a few other quotes, not verbatim, from Sam Pittman’s weekly press conference looking back at the open date and previewing the Arkansas vs Texas game…
- On Veterans Day: We’re so grateful and thankful for our veterans and military. So appreciative of all the sacrifices they’ve made for our country.
- On the Texas offense: Very talented up front offensively, skill-wise, quarterback. They want to get the ball on the edge and put you in space. Hard to tackle. We certainly have worked that last week.
- On the Texas defense: Defensively, they’re big. They remind me a lot of when I was at Georgia in terms of schematics. They’re going to line up and try to whoop your butt. Very, very good players.
- On the Arkansas-Texas rivalry: We understand the rivalry and have tried to educate the kids on that. We showed them tape of the ‘64 game. They chuckled because it wasn’t as clear as today’s games. Showed them Coach Hatfield’s punt return. Showed them the ‘69 game when President Nixon was here. Showed them the ‘91 game. Showed them the ‘14 and ‘21 games.
- More on Texas’ offense: They are as good of a screen team (as anyone). They want to get the ball on the edge and get you in space. We certainly have to practice it. We have to turn everything inside. If they get outside, we’re in trouble.
- On Ja’Quinden Jackson possibly facing his former team: I know it’s a big game for him. He’s from the Dallas area. We’ll see how he is. He should practice today. He talked about it when we were recruiting him, so we’re hoping he’s healthy and will be able to show his talent.
- On the secondary struggles: We’ve made it very competitive in the secondary. If you asked me who would start at safety, I’d say let’s wait a couple of days. Same thing at corner. You have to do that. You’ll lose your room if you don’t. We’ve done that with at least three of the five positions, maybe four.
- On Texas QB Quinn Ewers: I think he’s got the confidence of Jaxson Dart, that kind of confidence. You can feel it on the film. His wideouts are incredible. I think he has a lot of talent around him, but he has a lot, a lot of confidence. Very accurate and incredibly strong arm.
- On the importance of this game to Texas natives on the team: It’s a big deal to them. Whether or not a university offers you a scholarship has something to do with it. You’re always trying to prove them wrong. But any time you play a team from your state, it’s a big deal.
Watch the full Arkansas football press conference here:
Arkansas Football Injury Report
Here’s the latest on several Arkansas football players who are dealing with injuries ahead of the Arkansas vs Texas game…
- CB Jaylon Braxton (leg): Expected to practice Monday… “We’ll see how long he lasts or if he can go for an extended period of time,” Pittman said… Hasn’t played since Week 2 against Oklahoma State… Can play in 2 of final 3 games and still redshirt
- RB Ja’Quinden Jackson (ankle): Expected to practice Monday… Pittman is hopeful he’ll be able to play, but still unsure
- QB Taylen Green (sprained knee): Able to practice during the bye week… Should be fine
- DE Anton Juncaj (undisclosed): Pittman mentioned he is “beat up a little bit”
- K Kyle Ramsey (groin): Injured his groin in the Tennessee game and Pittman described it as a “significant” injury, so he’ll miss some time
- DB Jaden Allen (knee): Pittman said the freshman had “cartilage repair” done on his knee and that he’s not expected to play this season.
- LB Justin Logan (shoulder): After being limited and wearing a green non-contact jersey during the spring, Pittman said he probably won’t play this season.
- OL Zuri Madison (ACL): Missed the spring and will miss the 2024 season with a torn ACL suffered in a scooter accident.
Arkansas vs Texas Depth Chart
Here is the official depth chart for the Arkansas vs Texas game, from the UA’s game notes…
Offense
| POS | First | Second | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Taylen Green | Malachi Singleton | KJ Jackson Blake Boda |
| RB | Ja’Quinden Jackson | Rodney Hill | Braylen Russell Rashod Dubinion Tyrell Reed |
| TE | Luke Hasz | Andreas Paaske | |
| WR-Z | Tyrone Broden | Jordan Anthony -OR- CJ Brown | Davion Dozier |
| WR-X | Andrew Armstrong | Monte Harrison | |
| WR-W | Isaiah Sategna | Isaac TeSlaa | |
| LT | Fernando Carmona Jr. | E’Marion Harris | |
| LG | Keyshawn Blackstock -OR- Patrick Kutas | Brooks Edmonson | |
| C | Addison Nichols | Amaury Wiggins | |
| RG | Joshua Braun | Ty’Kieast Crawford | |
| RT | E’Marion Harris | Joe More |
Changes from last week:
- There are no changes to the offensive depth chart.
- That said, it’s worth noting that Kutas has started the last two games at left guard, despite him being listed with an “or” alongside Blackstock.
- Jackson has remained as the listed starter at running back despite being injured, so his presence there says nothing about his availability for the Arkansas vs Texas game.
Defense
| POS | First | Second | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE | Landon Jackson | Quincy Rhodes Jr. | |
| DT | Cam Ball | Keivie Rose | Danny Saili |
| DT | Eric Gregory | Ian Geffrard | |
| DE | Nico Davillier -OR- Anton Juncaj | ||
| LB | Brad Spence -OR- Stephen Dix Jr. | Alex Sanford | |
| LB | Xavian Sorey Jr. | Anthony Switzer -OR- Bradley Shaw | |
| NB | Doneiko Slaughter | Tevis Metcalf | |
| CB | Marquise Robinson | Jaheim Singletary | Kee’yon Stewart |
| S | TJ Metcalf | Hudson Clark | Ahkhari Johnson |
| S | Jayden Johnson | Larry Worth III | |
| CB | Hudson Clark -OR- Jaheim Singletary | Kee’yon Stewart | Selman Bridges |
Changes from last week:
- There are no changes to the defensive depth chart.
Special Teams
| POS | First | Second |
|---|---|---|
| K | Matthew Shipley | Charlie Von Der Meden |
| P | Devin Bale | Sam Dubwig |
| KO | Devin Bale | |
| LS | Ashton Ngo | Max Schmidly |
| H | Devin Bale | Sam Dubwig |
| KR | Isaiah Sategna | Jordan Anthony |
| PR | Isaiah Sategna | Bryce Stephens |
Changes from last week:
- The only change anywhere on the depth chart is with Anthony replacing Rodney Hill as the backup kickoff returner. However, he was the starter, replacing Sategna, against Ole Miss.
How to Watch Arkansas vs Texas
Date: Saturday, Nov. 16
Location: Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville, Ark.)
Kickoff time (TV): 11 a.m. CT (ABC)
Commentators: Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst), Katie George (sideline reporter)
ESPN FPI: Texas has an 85.8% chance to win.
Odds/Betting Line: Texas, -13.5 | O/U 57.5 (BetSaracen)
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