LITTLE ROCK — Freshman Chase Hayden rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown in his collegiate debut as Arkansas opened its season with a 49-7 win over Florida A&M on Thursday night.
Henre' Tolliver added an 18-yard fumble return for a touchdown for the Razorbacks (1-0), who nearly notched their first shutout since 2014 in their first game since an offseason switch to a 3-4 defensive look.
Hayden finished with 14 carries, becoming the first Arkansas player to top 100 yards rushing in his debut since Alex Collins did so to open the 2013 season.
Austin Allen finished 14-of-19 passing for 135 yards with a touchdown for Arkansas. Devwah Whaley added 60 yards rushing on 12 carries for the Razorbacks, and South Carolina transfer David Williams rushed for two touchdowns.
Florida A&M quarterback Vince Jeffries connected with Brandon Norwood for a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the Rattlers' lone score.
THE TAKEAWAY
FLORIDA A&M: Rattlers quarterback Ryan Stanley didn't play in the game because of a sore ankle, a week after accounting for 238 yards in a season-opening win over Texas Southern. Stanley likely could have played in the game, but coach Alex Wood decided to rest the sophomore in the Football Championship Subdivision school's matchup against a Southeastern Conference opponent.
ARKANSAS: The three-headed combination of Hayden, Whaley and Williams somewhat eased any concerns the Razorbacks might have had about their rushing attack after former running back Rawleigh Williams' career came to an end following a second neck injury in the spring. Arkansas finished with 236 yards rushing on 45 carries overall, an average of 4.5 yards per rush.
UP NEXT
FLORIDA A&M: The Rattlers are off next week before wrapping up their nonconference season when they travel to Tampa to face Tennessee State on Sept. 16.
ARKANSAS: After defeating TCU 41-38 in double overtime a year ago in Texas, the Horned Frogs make the return trip to Fayetteville next Saturday.
Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.