FAYETTEVILLE -- Korliss Marshall didn't waste any time putting Arkansas ahead against Northern Illinois Saturday night at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Marshall, a sophomore running back from Osceloa, returned the opening kickoff 97 yards to get the Razorbacks rolling to their victory over the Huskies.
It was Marshall's first career touchdown -- he scored a second touchdown in the fourth quarter -- and his longest return, surpassing an 87-yarder against Auburn last season.
Marshall became the first Razorback to return a kickoff for a touchdown since Dennis Johnson's 98-yarder against South Carolina in 2011 and the first to open a game with a touchdown return since Johnson's 91-yarder against Missouri State in 2009.
Road streak ends
Arkansas halted Northern Illinois' road winning streak at 17 games, which included victories at Iowa, Purdue and Northwestern.
The Huskies hadn't lost on the road since Oct. 1, 2011, when Central Michigan beat them 48-41.
For starters
Arkansas freshman outside linebacker Randy Ramsey, who missed the previous two games because of an ankle injury, made his first start.
First-time starters on offense were sophomore receiver Cody Hollister and senior fullback Patrick Arinze.
Hollister, a junior-college transfer, started for Demetrius Wilson, who was not dressed out.
No ordinary Joe
Cheering generally is prohibited in the press box, but there was an exception for Joe Rodman Saturday night.
Rodman, a member of the Arkansas statistics crew since 1973, worked his final football game and received a standing ovation from the media during a break in play.
"It hasn't gotten to the point where it's not fun to do anymore," said Rodman, who turns 80 on Friday. "But it's just time for me to step aside and let someone else do it."
Rodman said he couldn't recall missing any games in 41 years.
"I had no idea I'd do it for this many years," he said. "I don't have any regrets at all. It's been a great time."
Rodman said he wanted to thank everyone who helped him through the years, especially the late Sam Matthews, who was the crew's chief statistician.
"Sam was a great mentor to all of us," Rodman said.
Rodman said it hit him Friday night he was working his last football game. That's when his family -- including his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren -- surprised him at Razorback Stadium.
One of Rodman's grandchildren drove Rodman and his wife to the stadium under the guise of going out to eat -- Rodman said he told his grandson there were no restaurants there -- and when they went inside, the rest of the family was on the field and Rodman's picture was on the scoreboard.
"I was just totally dumbfounded," he said. "It was unbelievable to see everyone there, but it meant a lot."
Rodman's sons, Jay and Joey, will continue to be on the football stats screw and Joe will continue to be on the crew for basketball games.
Rodman said Ryan Pinter will take his place on the football stats crew.
Ellis sidelined
Arkansas starting middle linebacker Brooks Ellis didn't play in the second half. He was on the sideline in sweats. Josh Williams played in place in Ellis.
Liberty in the house
Harold Graeter, associate executive director of the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, attended Saturday night's game and said he's been impressed with the 3-1 Razorbacks, who have won three in a row since losing at Auburn to start the season.
"When you look down the road, it certainly appears Arkansas has a shot of getting to that magic number of six wins," Graether said, referring to becoming bowl eligible.
Under a new postseason format this season, the Liberty Bowl is in a pool with six other bowls for which the SEC will match teams.
Graether said the bowls and schools give conference officials a list of their top choices, but the final decision is up to the SEC office.
New kickoff guy
Adam McFain, a sophomore from Greenwood, handled kickoff duties instead of Sam Irwin-Hill, who continued to be Arkansas' punter.
McFain became the fourth Razorbacks to kickoff this season along with Irwin-Hill -- who has kicked off the most -- John Henson and Lane Saling.
No repeat
Saturday night marked the 11th anniversary of Northern Illinois' 19-16 victory at No. 21 Alabama on Sept. 20, 2003.
That remains the Huskies' only victory over an SEC team. They're 1-10 against SEC teams, including 0-2 at Arkansas. The Razorbacks beat the Huskies 30-27 in 1994.
Bret vs NIU
Northern Illinois has seven victories over Big Ten teams, including a 5-3 record since 2009, but Bret Bielema's Wisconsin teams didn't have any trouble with the Huskies in two meetings.
Bielema's Badgers beat Northern Illinois 44-3 in 2007 in Madison, Wis., and 49-7 in 2011 in Chicago.
Sports on 09/21/2014