By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

All that Arkansas accomplished on Saturday night was about the past, present and future of the program.

What a night in Fayetteville.

Mere weeks after it was announced that Texas would soon be joining the SEC, Arkansas unofficially welcomed their long-time rivals with a 40-21 eye-opener in one of the best performances of this young season. The Razorbacks dominated the 15th-ranked Longhorns, outgaining the visitors 471 yards to 256. Arkansas scored the game’s first 16 points, held Texas scoreless in the first half and cruised to an emphatic, statement victory. It was an old-school showcase for Arkansas, with the Hogs running for 333 yards and four touchdowns.

Trelon Smith, A.J. Green, Raheim Sanders and Dominique Johnson all ran for scores. Defensively, Arkansas limited the Longhorns to just 5.1 yards per pass and 3.4 yards per rush. The Razorbacks slowed Texas to nine drives of 40 yards or less. Led by Grant Morgan and Hayden Henry, Arkansas compiled ten total tackles for loss. Special teams was also great as kicker Cam Little converted 4-of-4 field goal tries.

An incredible night for the Razorbacks was summed up in a two-play sequence late in the third quarter; Zach Williams sacked Hudson Card, with Mataio Soli recovering the fumble and Sanders running for a 26-yard touchdown on the very next play.

It was very much a defining triumph for Arkansas, now 2-0. One year after showing clear progress in Sam Pittman’s debut season, the Razorbacks have suddenly emerged on the national scene. A win over a top 15 program serves as considerable momentum entering an upcoming stretch of Georgia Southern, then Texas A&M, Georgia, Ole Miss and Auburn, the latter four all nationally-ranked foes. Arkansas should have the attention of the SEC and all of college football.

This is a talent team playing with pride and conviction. As Saturday night showed, the Hogs, and their fans, believe.

Arkansas-Texas is a series that dates back to 1894. For the Razorbacks, the latest edition of is a special one. The 40 points scored by are their most in the rivalry since 1981.

All that Arkansas accomplished on Saturday night was about the past, present and future of the program. The Razorbacks are officially here.