FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.-Connor Noland probably didn't envision making his first start this early in his career.
The true freshman from Greenwood made the most of his opportunity on Saturday, leading Arkansas past Tulsa, 23-0 on homecoming weekend.
"I found out around Wednesday and had been trying to build my confidence and watching a lot of film," Noland said. "I had a little notice so I had been kind of preparing myself to be ready."
After Ty Storey went down against Ole Miss last week, there was speculation that Cole Kelley would start, and he did play but Noland got most of the snaps.
"I tried not to think about it, but when you grow up watching the Hogs play then get the opportunity be out there on the field with my first start meant a lot to me," Noland said. "But I just tried to downplay that a little bit and focus on the game."
Noland finished the game 10 of 16 for 124 yards and a touchdown, with an interception coming on the game's first drive.
"I'm very proud of him," Arkansas head coach Chad Morris said. "I'm very proud of his fight, considering after the first drive he had an interception. He came right back over to the sidelines. It did not phase him one bit. That says a lot about a young man that's a competitor. He's been in these situations before, you can definitely tell that. First freshman starter in 12 years, to come in in an environment where we are in our program of needing a win."
Noland's touchdown came via a 7-yard pass to Grayson Gunter with 1 minute, 32 seconds remaining before halftime.
It gave the Razorbacks a 10-0 lead at intermission that they wouldn't relinquish.
"Grayson has come on this year," Morris said. "He creates a mismatch problem. How do you play him? Do you play him as a tight end, he's got good speed, or do you play him as a big receiver. It's kind of a chess match there. He's gotten better on his blocking, which is something we've challenged him at. Coach (Barry) Lunney has done a really good job of getting him prepared. It was good to see him get some catches today and get in the end zone."
If Storey isn't cleared, there's a good chance that Noland makes his first SEC start next week at home against Vanderbilt.