The Arkansas Razorbacks will take the field for the 2023 college football season in 35 days when Western Carolina visits War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Saturday, September 2 for a 3 p.m. CT kickoff.
Here at HawgBeat, we will count down the days until head coach Sam Pittman and his team run through the “A” for the first time.
With 34 days remaining, we will take a look at a current player, former player, some interesting scores, highlights and other miscellaneous things in Razorback history tied to the number 34.
Highlights:
Current Player: #34 Jabrae Shaw
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Shaw is part of a defensive back room with many new faces. At 5-foot-10, 195-pounds, Shaw is beginning his career as a walk-on but possesses the natural talent to make an impact if given a chance.The Wilbur D. Mills High School prospect totaled nearly 3,000 yards while scoring 36 touchdowns as a senior. He led Mills to their best finish in class 5A since 2010 at 10-2 overall.
Shaw received offers from UAPB, UCA, ULM, Memphis, MTSU and UNLV, but ultimately chose his home-state Razorbacks.
Former Player: #34 Jerry Franklin
A native of Sunset, Arkansas, Franklin was recruited out of high school as a safety but played linebacker in Fayetteville. He redshirted during his initial season in the program.
From 2008-11, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound linebacker accumulated 376 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and five interceptions. The Freshman All-American and All-SEC performer led the Razorbacks in tackles each of his four years on campus.
Following his collegiate career, Franklin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2012. In his professional career, he spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. In 20 games, he totaled 12 tackles.
2003: Arkansas 34 - Alabama 31
Led by head coach Houston Nutt, Arkansas traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to face off against the Crimson Tide. The No. 9 ranked Razorbacks were 3-0 and the Crimson Tide were 2-2 going into this matchup.
In a thrilling classic, Arkansas won the game 34-31 behind a 198-yard performance from running back Cedric Cobbs. Quarterback Matt Jones added 149 yards through the air. In the fourth quarter, Arkansas outscored Alabama 14-0 to send the game to overtime, where a field goal would be enough to win the game.
This game was just three years before Arkansas' losing streak against Alabama started. In 2007, the Razorbacks lost 41-38 and haven't beaten the Crimson Tide since.
Brandon Burlsworth's 34 consecutive starts
One of only two players to have their Razorback jersey retired, Burlsworth began his career at Arkansas as a walk-on. After a redshirt season spent in the weight room, Burlsworth earned a scholarship and served as backup guard in 1995.In the spring of 1996, the Harrison, Arkansas, native earned a starting spot and never relinquished it. He went on to start 34 consecutive games, concluding with the Florida Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 1999.
Burlsworth was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft with the 63rd pick in the third round. After rave reviews in the post-draft mini-camp, Burlsworth was tragically killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on April 28, 1999.
1970: Stanford 34 - Arkansas 28
In the nationally televised opener for the Razorbacks in 1970, Stanford defeated Arkansas 34-28. The only matchup between the two programs in their history, Arkansas was coming off a highly successful 1969 season.Razorback quarterback Bill Montgomery faced off against Stanford Indians quarterback Jim Plunkett, who went on to win the Heisman Award in 1970.
Stanford jumped out to a 27-0 lead before Arkansas fought and clawed their way back to a score of 34-28. After forcing a fumble, the Razorbacks had 29 seconds remaining to win the game. Two Stanford linebackers — Jeff Siemon and Mike Simone — tackled Montgomery a foot short of the first down line. The game was over.
