OK. I just filed my game story from Arkansas’ 77-59 win against Dillard in the exhibition opener. In reality, my game story had little to do with the game. It was more about all of the players out of action tonight.

I had a list going earlier tonight and coach John Pelphrey offered some explanations (sort of). So here goes:

• Guard Stefan Welsh was suspended for undisclosed reasons. It could be out for awhile, too. Pelphrey was asked if Welsh was going to be sidelined for the semester and he said: “It’s possible. But by the same token, it’s also a possibility he comes back and play before that.” He did say Welsh is still with the team and has been doing well in practice and in the classroom. We’ll keep monitoring Welsh’s absence as the season gets going.

• Forward Marshawn Powell was out because of an illness. Powell practiced with the Razorbacks on Sunday, but had a fever Monday. So Pelphrey decided it was best (for Powell and the team) that the freshman stayed home.

• Walk-on Nick Mason was not in attendance either and is being punished. Mason was one of three players who were involved in the fraternity house incident in August. “There’s certain things we’ll let him do. Certain things we won’t. It’s not like you can take games away from Nick. He only dressed once last year anyway. But he’s a part of the team on a limited basis.”

• Now to the guy that was there — quarterback Brandon Mitchell. There has been some confusion about whether or not Mitchell is with the team full-time now. Arkansas cleared it up saying there’s still some things to work out between Pelphrey and football coach Bobby Petrino. But Pelphrey said after the game he is hopeful Mitchell will help this season: “I think it’s going to happen.”