WALLY HALL: Tulsa's big payday a win for Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE — Tulsa owes Jeff Long big time.

Long, who was fired as the University of Arkansas athletic director last year, gave the University of Tulsa almost $1.4 million to make a two-hour bus ride, tangle with the Razorbacks a little bit and then make the return trip home.

The Golden Hurricane had nothing to lose. No one expected them to beat the Razorbacks, and they didn't come close in a 23-0 Arkansas victory at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday.

Arkansas freshman quarterback Connor Noland had his much anticipated first start for the Hogs in place of injured Ty Storey, who suffered a concussion from all those hard hits Ole Miss put on him a week ago.

Noland may not have been sensational, but he was steady and his play improved with every possession. After an early interception gave Tulsa the ball at the UA 23, he settled down and didn’t force any more passes. He 10-of-16 passing for 124 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Grayson Gunter.

He ran with authority and passed efficiently, but most of all he managed the team. He won't necessarily remember this game forever because the team stats were pedestrian against a team that played Texas close at 28-21 but only had one win against the University of Central Arkansas of the FCS before Saturday.

What the Golden Hurricane got was a short bus ride, a decent game and a big check. For that, they owe Long a million thank-you notes.

What the Razorbacks got was a much needed win to go to 2-6 on the season, and some solid play from a backup quarterback.

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