Noland upright in 1st start
FAYETTEVILLE — Saturday worked out much better for University of Arkansas quarterback Connor Noland than his first game for the Razorbacks.
Noland, a true freshman from Greenwood who started because Ty Storey suffered a concussion last week against Ole Miss, played well enough to help the Razorbacks beat Tulsa 23-0 to end a six-game losing streak.
In Noland’s only previous game, he played off the bench in a 44-17 loss to North Texas and was sacked five times. He wasn’t sacked once against Tulsa.
“The offensive line did a great job,” Noland said. “They blocked really well and were very supportive of me.
“Obviously, for a freshman being in there, kind of nervous about stuff, for them to come out and block like they did, it’s a big deal.”
Noland completed 10 of 16 passes for 124 yards and 1 touchdown with 1 interception. He rushed five times for 20 yards.
“What a special moment for Connor, a young man from right down the road,” Arkansas Coach Chad Morris said. “He’s probably dreamed of this moment his entire life.
“To be able to come out and lead the Hogs to a win, I’m very proud of him.”
Noland settled in after throwing an interception on Arkansas’ first possession.
“He never froze up or gave you the deer-in-theheadlights look,” Razorbacks senior guard Hjalte Froholdt said. ”He was comfortable with himself. He was like, ‘I threw a pick, next play.’ His mood was still up.”
Noland, the first Arkansas true freshman to start at quarterback since Mitch Mustain in 2006, said he had a good idea by Wednesday he would be starting in Storey’s place.
“Kind of just tried to build my confidence and watch a lot of film this week,” Noland said. “I had a little notice to prepare myself and be ready.”
Noland said he tried not to get caught up in the emotions of making his first start.
“But definitely you grow up watching the Hogs play, and to be out there on the field getting my first start meant a lot to me, so it was a big moment,” he said. “Just tried to downplay that a little bit and focus on the game.”