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Arkansas still owns Lubbock

Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon hits Texas Tech quarterback David Webb in the fourth quarter of a game at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas on Saturday on Sept. 13, 2014.
Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon hits Texas Tech quarterback David Webb in the fourth quarter of a game at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas on Saturday on Sept. 13, 2014.

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Arkansas ended Texas Tech's home winning streak against nonconference teams at 26 games with a 49-28 victory Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.

The Red Raiders hadn't lost a nonconference home game since Sept. 21, 2002, when No. 17 North Carolina State won 51-48 in overtime. Kliff Kingsbury, in his second season as Texas Tech's coach, was the Red Raiders' quarterback at the time.

Texas Tech entered Saturday's game as a two-point favorite, but Arkansas is used to winning there. Arkansas improved to 16-2 all time at Texas Tech, where all of the teams' previous meetings had been as Southwest Conference rivals.

The Razorbacks had lost 38-21 at Texas Tech in the teams' previous meeting in 1991 before Arkansas left the SWC for the SEC.

Texas Tech's only other home victory against the Razorbacks was 21-16 in 1966, which cost Arkansas a third consecutive SWC championship.

Arkansas leads its series against the Red Raiders 29-7 overall.

In the long run

Alex Collins' 84-yard touchdown Saturday that put Arkansas ahead 49-28 marked the third time in the past two games the Razorbacks have turned in one of the 11 longest scoring runs in school history.

Jonathan Williams had a 90-yarder (tied for third) and Keon Hatcher had an 82-yarder (tied for 11th) last week against Football Championship Subdivision member Nicholls State.

For starters

Arkansas senior cornerback Tevin Mitchell started after missing the first two games because of a hamstring injury.

Mitchel broke up two passes on Texas Tech's opening series and finished with five tackles.

Freshman cornerback Henre Toliver made his first start as the Razorbacks opened with five defensive backs. He's the first true freshman to start for Arkansas this season.

Junior Sebastian Tretola made is first start at left guard, replacing Luke Charpentier.

"Luke is playing great," Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said. "I just thought Sebastian practiced really well."

Senior Cameron Jefferson made his start as a tight end, where he also took some snaps last week. Jefferson's primary position is offensive tackle.

Dressed for success

For the first time in Bret Bielema's two seasons as coach, the Razorbacks wore sweats returning home from a road game.

Bielema has a rule the players have to wear suits if Arkansas loses, and the Razorbacks had been 0-6 in road games since last season.

"It feels good to be in sweats for the first time on the road," running back Jonathan Williams said. "I'm excited."

Getting pressure

Texas Tech hasn't given up a sack this season, but the Razorbacks put some heat on quarterback Davis Webb and came up with two interceptions.

"We knew he was going to get the ball out of his hands quick, but as a defense we were just trying to affect him," end Trey Flowers said. "No doubt we were effective. He felt us."

3 for 1

An Arkansas tailback scored three touchdowns in the first half for the second consecutive game.

Johnanthan Williams did it Saturday on runs of 6, 13 and 12 yards. Alex Collins did in last week's 73-7 victory over Nicholls State when he scored first-half touchdowns on runs of 33, 2 and 13 yards.

Getting the ball

Senior linebacker Martrell Spaight got his first career interception to set up a second-quarter touchdown for the Razorbacks, returning it 30 yards to the Texas Tech 12.

In the first quarter, sophomore linebacker Brooks Ellis got his first career forced fumble and sophomore nose guard Tawain Johnson made his first career recovery at the Red Raiders 13, setting up a touchdown.

Freshman cornerback Henre Toliver had his first career interception in the fourth quarter.

Vs. SEC

Texas Tech fell to 48-83-3 against SEC teams. Arkansas was the first SEC team the Red Raiders played since 2003, when they won 49-45 at Ole Miss.

Sports on 09/14/2014

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