AP: Kolton Browning's Big Night Helps Warhawks Upset No. 8 Arkansas

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AP: Kolton Browning's Big Night Helps Warhawks Upset No. 8 Arkansas

by Kurt Voigt, The Associated Press on Saturday, Sep. 8, 2012 11:32 pm

Louisiana-Monroe quarterback Kolton Browning ran for a 16-yard touchdown in overtime to lift the Warhawks to a 34-31 victory against No. 8 Arkansas. (Photo by Mark Wagner)

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

LITTLE ROCK — Kolton Browning made the most of his return to Arkansas.

Browning's 16-yard touchdown run on fourth and 1 lifted Louisiana-Monroe to a 34-31 overtime victory over the No. 8 Razorbacks on Saturday night.

Browning accounted for 481 yards of total offense and four touchdowns to lead the Warhawks (1-0) to their first victory over a Southeastern Conference team since defeating Alabama in 2007.

The junior made his first career start in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium two years ago as a freshman, a 31-7 Arkansas victory. He showed his maturity and then some in his return, helping Louisiana-Monroe outgain Arkansas 550-377 in total yards.

The Razorbacks (1-1) played the second half without quarterback Tyler Wilson, who suffered a head injury after taking several big hits in the first half.

Wilson, who also missed the second half against New Mexico last season with concussion-like symptoms, was 11 of 20 passing for 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns before leaving the game at halftime.

The Warhawks trailed 28-7 midway through the third quarter before rallying behind Browning. The second-team Sun Belt Conference quarterback from a season ago found Brent Leonard for a 23-yard touchdown pass on fourth and 10 with 55 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 28-28.

Leonard finished with 11 catches for 112 yards receiving.

Browning was 42 of 67 passing for 412 yards, and he gained 69 yards on 16 carries — his last the winding, game-winning scramble around and through the Arkansas defense in overtime.

The Razorbacks led 28-7 midway through the third quarter after freshman quarterback Brandon Allen connected with MeKale McKay for a 13-yard touchdown. Allen, filling in for the injured Wilson, finished six of 20 for 85 yards.

The Razorbacks had little offense after that, though they managed to take a 34-31 lead in overtime after a 37-yard field goal by Zach Hocker.

Cobi Hamilton led Arkansas with 99 yards receiving and a touchdown on six catches. The senior now has eight touchdown catches in seven games in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.