Arkansas put together just enough offense to beat Portland State 20-13 in Saturday’s season opener, but it wasn’t easy.
Arkansas struggled to sustain drives and had a number of poor passes and others that were dropped. But the Razorbacks’ defense played well, limiting the FCS Vikings to 70 yards rushing and forcing three turnovers to go along with six sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Rakeem Boyd powered the Razorbacks’ offense, rushing for 114 yards on 18 carries. Boyd’s third quarter touchdown, set up by a Jarques McClellion interception, gave Arkansas a little breathing room with a 17-6 lead.
The Razorbacks open Southeastern Conference play on the road next week at Mississippi. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.
Quarterback Sean Chambers rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, Xazavian Valladay had 118 yards rushing and a score and Wyoming upset Missouri 37-31 in a season opener on Saturday night.
Missouri was led by Clemson transfer quarterback Kelly Bryant, who completed 31 of 48 passes for 423 yards and two touchdowns. However, Bryant threw a costly interception in the end zone and lost a fumble that was returned by Wyoming for another score.
Missouri heads home for a nonconference showdown with West Virginia on Saturday.
Xavier Jones ran for three touchdowns as SMU held on late for a 37-30 win over Arkansas State on Saturday in a season opener.
Logan Bonner threw for 324 yards and four touchdowns for the Red Wolves.