By Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas returned to the gridiron for the first time in 2012 on Saturday, and the Razorbacks took care of business against Jacksonville State, downing the Gamecocks 49-24 in head coach John L. Smith’s first game at the helm.
Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson picked up where he left off last season when he threw for over 3,600 yards, operating with precision on his way to 369 yards and three passing touchdowns against Jacksonville State. Wilson connected on 19-of-27 passes on the evening (70 percent completion rate) and was able to hook up with wide-out Chris Gragg for touchdowns on two occasions.
The Razorbacks were met with a challenge in the first half. Jacksonville State used a 4-yard touchdown run from Alan Bonner to take a 14-7 lead two minutes into the second quarter. It didn’t take long for Wilson to fire back with consecutive touchdown passes and spark a run of 28 unanswered points for the Hogs that concluded with a Knile Davis touchdown run.
Davis ended the game with 70 yards on the ground to go along with 19 receiving yards.
Statistical Leaders
Arkansas
Passing – Tyler Wilson, 19-of-27, 369 yards, 3 TD
Rushing – Knile Davis, 18 car, 70 yards, 1 TD
Receiving – Chris Gragg, 8 rec, 127 yards, 2 TD
Jacksonville State
Passing – Marques Ivory, 14-of-28, 160 yards, 2 TD
Rushing – Troymaine Pope, 14 car, 65 yards
Receiving – Alan Bonner, 8 rec, 107 yards, 1 TD