CJ Baskerville calls out Fernando Carmona for stepping on ankle during Liberty Bowl

During Friday night’s Liberty Bowl between Texas Tech and Arkansas, Red Raiders safety CJ Baskerville called out Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona for stepping on his ankle. The play happened just prior to the two-minute timeout in the fourth quarter.

Baskerville went to make a tackle on a Braylen Russell run with 2:05 to play in the game and wound up in the pile of players. As the two teams sorted through, Carmona appeared to step on his ankle, and he said the Arkansas lineman had some choice words for him, too.

Baskerville posted two angles of the play on social media on Saturday. Although he noted Arkansas’ strong performance to get the win, he called out the “dirty” move from Carmona.

There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them. But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and pressing down on it on purpose is straight up dirty. Proceeds to say “got your b**** a***.” Do better @RazorbackFB pic.twitter.com/QccDSfiiQ4

— CJ (HOUNDS) BASKERVILLE (@c9baskerville) December 28, 2024

“There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them,” Baskerville wrote on X. “But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and pressing down on it on purpose is straight up dirty. Proceeds to say “got your b**** a***.” Do better @RazorbackFB.”

CJ Baskerville had a huge game against Arkansas, leading Texas Tech with 10 tackles, including seven solo stops. He also had a pass breakup for the Red Raiders defense. It capped another big year for Baskerville, who had 78 tackles – three tackles for loss – and a career-high four interceptions to anchor the unit.

However, it was a full offensive display in the Liberty Bowl on Friday night. The Razorbacks out-gained the Red Raiders 559-497 en route to the 39-26 victory. Taylen Green was effective for Arkansas, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns in the air while tying for the team lead with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, as well.

On the Texas Tech side, Will Hammond had a strong showing, as well. He completed 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown, along with two interceptions. J’Koby Williams led the charge in the running game with 123 yards and a touchdown as the Red Raiders rode a balanced attack.

With the win, Arkansas completed a 7-6 season as part of a bounce-back season for Sam Pittman and Co. He entered the year on plenty of hot-seat lists, but a bowl appearance – and win – earned him another go-round in Fayetteville.