MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Arkansas Razorbacks wrapped up bowl season in explosive fashion, toppling Texas Tech 39-26 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 27. With the win, Arkansas is now a perfect 3-0 in bowl games under head coach Sam Pittman, making him the first coach in school history to win his first three bowl appearances.
The highly anticipated showdown lived up to its billing, with both teams expected to light up the scoreboard, and the first half didn’t disappoint. Texas Tech’s defense, ranked among the worst in the nation, struggled to contain Arkansas’ offense, allowing 559 yards and 14 plays of 10 or more yards. The Razorbacks took full advantage of the Red Raiders’ defensive vulnerabilities, turning big plays into game-changing moments.
A major highlight came from redshirt freshman wide receiver Dazmin James, who had never caught a pass before. The 6-foot-2 speedster, a state champion track star from North Carolina, made an unforgettable debut, sprinting for a school-record 94-yard touchdown on his very first career reception. James reached an eye-popping 22.3 mph on the play, showcasing his explosive speed.
This wasn’t the first time Arkansas’ under-the-radar players made a splash in bowl games. In previous seasons, players like C.J. O’Grady and Ty Washington had their breakthrough moments in bowl games. This time, sophomore running back Tyrell Reed, who had been mostly sidelined since the season opener, also made his mark, catching a touchdown pass for his first career score with the Razorbacks.
As Arkansas celebrated its bowl victory, Pittman also secured a substantial reward from his contract. The win triggered a $250,000 raise, starting January 1, and a $150,000 bonus for the Liberty Bowl appearance. While a contract extension wasn’t finalized, Pittman’s career record now stands at 30-31, with Arkansas hitting a solid 7-6 season, further solidifying his future with the program.
