Remember the days when the Arkansas Razorbacks were the talk of the town? Well, buckle up, football fans, because we’re about to take a thrilling trip down memory lane to revisit one of the most exciting seasons in Razorback history – the unforgettable 1998 Arkansas football campaign.
The “1998 Arkansas Razorbacks football team” represented the University of Arkansas. They competed in the SEC in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A season.. With head coach “Houston Nutt”, the team went “9-3”. They finished “6-2” in the conference.. They were co-champions of the SEC Western Division and were ranked 16th in the AP Poll at the end of the season.
Season Summary
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Overall Record: 9-3
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SEC Record: 6-2
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Final AP Ranking: 16
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Bowl Game: Florida Citrus Bowl (lost to Michigan 31-45)
Key Players and Coaching Staff
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Head Coach: Houston Nutt
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Captains: Brandon Burlsworth, Grant Garrett, Ryan Hale, Madre Hill
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Offensive Coordinator: Houston Nutt
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Co-Defensive Coordinators: Bobby Allen, Keith Burns
Home Stadiums
The Razorbacks played their home games at:
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Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville (capacity: 50,019)
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War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock (capacity: 53,727)
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 5 | Louisiana-Lafayette | W 38-17 |
| Sep 19 | SMU | W 44-17 |
| Sep 26 | Alabama | W 42-6 |
| Oct 3 | Kentucky | W 27-20 |
| Oct 10 | Memphis | W 23-9 |
| Oct 17 | South Carolina | W 41-28 |
| Oct 31 | Auburn | W 24-21 |
| Nov 7 | Ole Miss | W 34-0 |
| Nov 14 | Tennessee | L 24-28 |
| Nov 21 | Mississippi State | L 21-22 |
| Nov 27 | LSU | W 41-14 |
| Jan 1, 1999 | Michigan (Citrus Bowl) | L 31-45 |
Statistical Highlights
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Points Scored: 390 (32.5 points per game)
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Points Allowed: 227 (18.9 points per game)
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Total Offense: 4,681 yards
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Rushing Yards: 1,781 yards
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Passing Yards: 2,900 yards
The 1998 season was important for the Razorbacks. They did well in the SEC. They showed a competitive spirit in bowl play, despite losing to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
Setting the Stage: Arkansas Football in the Late 90s
The Houston Nutt Era Begins
It was a time of change for Arkansas football. The program had been struggling to find its footing, but hope was on the horizon. Enter Houston Nutt, a homegrown Arkansas boy with a passion for the game and a vision for success. As Nutt took the reins in 1998, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Could this be the year the Razorbacks turned things around?
Expectations for the 1998 Season
Let’s be honest – expectations weren’t exactly sky-high. The Razorbacks were coming off a disappointing 4-7 season in 1997, and many fans were cautiously optimistic at best. But little did they know, they were about to witness a season that would go down in Arkansas football lore.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
Offensive Standouts
The 1998 Razorbacks had some serious firepower on offense. Quarterback Clint Stoerner was the man under center, known for his strong arm and cool demeanor. But the real star of the show? That would be running back Madre Hill, who came back from a knee injury to become a force to be reckoned with. And let’s not forget about wide receiver Anthony Lucas, who had a knack for making clutch catches when it mattered most.
Defensive Stars
On the other side of the ball, the Razorbacks were no slouches either. Linebacker Jeremiah Washburn anchored a tough defense, while safety Kenoy Kennedy patrolled the secondary like a hawk. These guys made opposing offenses think twice before trying anything fancy.
The Mastermind: Houston Nutt
At the helm of this talented squad was Houston Nutt, a coach who seemed to have the magic touch. Nutt’s enthusiasm was infectious, and his ability to motivate players and make in-game adjustments would prove crucial throughout the season.
The Regular Season Rollercoaster
A Strong Start
The Razorbacks kicked off the 1998 season with a bang, winning their first eight games. Fans were pinching themselves – was this really happening? The team was firing on all cylinders, and suddenly, those preseason doubts seemed like a distant memory.
Midseason Challenges
But as any football fan knows, no season is without its challenges. The Razorbacks hit a rough patch in the middle of the season, dropping games to Tennessee and Mississippi State. It was a reality check, but it also showed the true character of this team. How would they respond?
Late Season Surge
Like true champions, the Razorbacks bounced back. They closed out the regular season with impressive wins over LSU and Mississippi, finishing with a 9-2 record. The turnaround from the previous year was nothing short of remarkable.
Memorable Games of the 1998 Season
The Upset Over Alabama
If there’s one game that stands out from the 1998 season, it’s got to be the upset over Alabama. The Crimson Tide rolled into Fayetteville ranked 22nd in the nation, but they left with their tails between their legs. The Razorbacks dominated from start to finish, winning 42-6 and announcing to the college football world that they were for real.
The Battle Against Tennessee
Although it ended in a loss, the game against top-ranked Tennessee was a testament to Arkansas’ fighting spirit. The Razorbacks went toe-to-toe with the eventual national champions, and but for a few unlucky bounces, could have pulled off the upset of the century.
The LSU Thriller
The regular season finale against LSU was a nail-biter that had fans on the edge of their seats. In a back-and-forth battle, the Razorbacks emerged victorious, 41-14, securing their spot in a prestigious bowl game.
Bowl Game Glory: The 1999 Florida Citrus Bowl
All the hard work during the regular season paid off with a trip to the Florida Citrus Bowl (now known as the Capital One Bowl). The Razorbacks faced off against the Michigan Wolverines in a classic SEC vs. Big Ten showdown. In a game that epitomized their season, Arkansas fought hard and came out on top with a 24-21 victory. It was the perfect ending to a storybook season.
Impact and Legacy of the 1998 Season
Individual Achievements and Awards
The 1998 season saw several Razorbacks receive well-deserved recognition. Houston Nutt was named SEC Coach of the Year, while players like Madre Hill and Anthony Lucas earned All-SEC honors. These individual accolades were a testament to the team’s overall success.
Long-term Effects on Arkansas Football
The 1998 season wasn’t just a flash in the pan – it set the stage for a period of sustained success for Arkansas football. The program had regained its confidence and proven it could compete with the best in the SEC. This season laid the foundation for future successes and became a benchmark for Razorback teams to aspire to.
A Season to Remember
The 1998 Arkansas football season was more than wins and losses. It marked a comeback, surpassed expectations, and brought joy to Razorback fans. Highlights included an upset over Alabama and a win in the Citrus Bowl. These moments secured a special spot in Arkansas football history. The team showed resilience and skill, cementing their legacy as one of the school’s most memorable teams.
The 1998 team showed us what’s possible when talent, coaching, and a never-say-die attitude come together. They reminded us why we love college football – for its unpredictability, its passion, and its ability to unite a community behind a common cause.
So here’s to the 1998 Arkansas Razorbacks – a team that defied the odds, thrilled its fans, and left an indelible mark on the program. Their legacy continues to inspire Razorback teams and fans to this day, proving that with belief and hard work, anything is possible. Woo Pig Sooie!
FAQs
Who was the head coach of the 1998 Arkansas Razorbacks?
Houston Nutt was in his first year as head coach of the Razorbacks in 1998.
What was Arkansas’ record in the 1998 season?
The Razorbacks finished the regular season with a 9-2 record and won their bowl game, ending with an overall record of 10-2.
Which bowl game did Arkansas play in after the 1998 season?
Arkansas played in the 1999 Florida Citrus Bowl (now known as the Capital One Bowl) against Michigan.
Who were some of the standout players on the 1998 Arkansas team?
Key players included quarterback Clint Stoerner, running back Madre Hill, wide receiver Anthony Lucas, linebacker Jeremiah Washburn, and safety Kenoy Kennedy.
What was the most significant upset victory for Arkansas in 1998?
The Razorbacks’ 42-6 victory over 22nd-ranked Alabama in Fayetteville is often considered the most significant upset of the season.