Arkansas not quite ready to roll with the big Dawgs

Arkansas’ penalties and Georgia’s defense were too much for the No. 11 Razorbacks against the No. 2 Bulldogs.

Arkansas’ dream start to the 2021 season came to a screeching halt Saturday as the 11th-ranked Razorbacks fell to No. 2 Georgia, 37-0.

The Bulldogs scored on their first two offensive possessions of the game then blocked an Arkansas punt and recovered in the end zone for a third touchdown. A field goal in the second quarter gave Georgia a 24-0 lead.

Arkansas’ biggest problem was self-inflicted. The Razorbacks were flagged for 13 penalties for 100 yards. Between those miscues and Georgia’s top-ranked defense, the early hole was simply too much for Arkansas to overcome.

Georgia gained 345 yards of total offense to Arkansas’ 156. The Hogs entered the game giving up just 267 yards per game through their first four, good for 12th in the country.

The middle series were fair. Arkansas didn’t give up more than 33 yards on four straight Bulldogs series. But early in the fourth, Georgia 93 yards on 11 plays to go ahead, 34-0.

Arkansas’ offense never got started. Its longest drive of the day went 55 yards into Georgia territory, but freshman kicker Cam Little missed a 37-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Sam Pittman’s team travels next week to play Ole Miss in Oxford.