FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas was one point shy of tying its season high for points scored (34) and it did so with four freshmen contributing heavily in the Razorbacks' 45-33 loss Saturday against Texas A&M.
In addition to freshman running back Alex Collins rushing for over 100 yards for the fourth time in five games, the Razorbacks had two freshmen offensive guards help pave the way for him.
Denver Kirkland and Dan Skipper made their first career collegiate starts at the two guard positions, replacing Brey Cook and Mitch Smothers. Cook split time with Grady Ollison at right tackle.
"I thought they did good their first time to be starting and their first SEC game," Arkansas center Travis Swanson said of the freshmen offensive linemen. "I thought what they came in and showed a lot of maturity."
Tight end Hunter Henry also caught four passes for 109 yards, including back-to-back receptions for gains of 26 and 21 yards that set up a 9-yard touchdown run by Collins. The play that began that four-play, 75-yard scoring drive was a 19-yard by Collins.
Collins finished the game with 14 carries for 116 yards and one touchdown.
"It's good to get us going in SEC play," Collins said of the performance by the four freshmen. "This way we get used to it and it's not anything new so we don't make mistakes out there."
Henry also drew a pass interference call that led to a 19-yard touchdown reception by Jonathan Williams. Henry's longest reception of the game was a 52-yard catch on a playaction pass by Brandon Allen that set up a field goal.
"Hunter's a big target," Allen said. "He's a big, athletic guy and he's a mismatch against a linebacker or a defensive back. We're utilizing him as best we can. We're doing a lot of different things with him. He's a great athlete, and he goes up and make big plays for me."