ESPN analyst Ryan McGee might have been ahead of the curve when he called Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green the Razorbacks’ “X factor.”
“You’re not talking about him now… You’re going to be talking about him in October,” McGee said last week on The Chuck and Bo Show. “People are definitely sleeping on him.”
Green has wasted little time justifying that prediction with back-to-back standout performances to open the season.
Four Touchdowns in Rivalry Rout
One week after throwing a career-high six touchdown passes in a 52-7 win over Alabama A&M, Green accounted for 420 yards in Arkansas’ 56-14 victory over in-state rival Arkansas State on Saturday.
Green ran for 151 yards on nine carries, including a 51-yard touchdown, while also passing for 269 yards and four scores.
The Razorbacks are off to another 2-0 start, leaning heavily on Green, who was named to the watch lists for the Manning Award, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award this preseason.
Pittman Praises Versatility
Green was intercepted twice in the first half but settled in to control the game.
“We’ll think about the two picks… we got that corrected with his eyes and where to go with the ball after the second quarter,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said, per AP. “But he was outstanding with his legs. When he takes off, you just know you’re going to get a first down, and then what happens after that is just extra gravy.”
Green spread the ball around to eight different receivers, and Pittman credited the offensive line for keeping him upright.
“Our protection was great. I know he didn’t have to scramble much,” Pittman said. “I bet our average per carry was high.”
Arkansas averaged 11.1 yards per rush in the win.
Bouncing Back After Ole Miss
While Green had a solid performance against Ole Miss, throwing for 305 yards and rushing for another 111. Despite losing 35-41, the Razorbacks should see a significant ease of schedule as they head into Memphis in Week 4. According to current odds, Arkansas stands out as a favourite and if Green can keep up prior performances, he should be putting in another stellar performance.