Rocket Sanders’ second touchdown closes first half against Western Carolina

Sanders’ day is nearly finished, even though he had just 15 yards at halftime.

In what may have been Rocket Sanders’ final carry of the day, the Arkansas running back found himself in the end zone.

And Arkansas found itself with a 35-3 lead against Western Carolina in both teams’ season opener at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Sanders’ one-yard touchdown run followed a three-yard score that had come early in the first quarter. That one had provided Arkansas a 14-0 lead in a game that, even at that point, was going sideways for the visitors quickly.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson was responsible for the other three touchdowns in the half. The first came on the Hogs’ second play of the game. It was followed by Sanders’ first then a touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa and a 17-yard rushing touchdown by Jefferson.

At halftime, Sanders had 15 yards rushing on 11 carries with the two scores. Considering his status as perhaps the best running back in the SEC, he was expected to get limited action in the second half.