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Arkansas Football: 3 takeaways from statement Outback Bowl win over PSU

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 1, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2022 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2022 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arkansas football picked up a huge win over Penn State in the 2022 Citrus Bowl and made a statement on a national stage. What’d we learn?

Arkansas football had a chance to make a statement to end the 2021 season with some national respect and the Razorbacks did just that, downing a tough Penn State team in the Outback Bowl, 24-10.

Sam Pittman’s second season was impressive as he won his ninth game and it just feels like the Arkansas program is on the verge of some truly massive accomplishments.

While Arkansas isn’t on the same level as Alabama or Georgia yet, it can head into the offseason with some momentum after winning a New Year’s Day bowl game against a perennial Big Ten power to improve to 9-4.

After falling behind 10-7 at halftime, Arkansas came out of the locker room and just wanted it more in the second half, building a 24-10 lead and coasting to a nice win.

What’d we learn from this statement win by Arkansas?

3. The defense really stepped up

Coming into the game, all the talk was about Penn State’s defense but it was the Arkansas defense that stole the show on Saturday afternoon in Tampa.

Sean Clifford was running for his life all game and finished a horrid 14-for-32 with 195 yards, a touchdown, and two picks. He was uncomfortable all game long and this defensive performance really made Penn State fans start to question if Clifford is the right choice for QB1 next year after announcing he’d be back.

The defense really stepped up to hold Penn State’s offense under 350 total yards and made a veteran quarterback look like a rattled freshman. It was an impressive showing for this group.

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