Arkansas’ had an easy time Saturday night, beating Eastern Michigan 63-27 on Homecoming.
We all know it won’t be that easy this Saturday, when the Razorbacks play South Carolina.
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, quarterback Ryan Mallett, defensive end Tenarius Wright, safety Elton Ford and running back Broderick Green met with the media earlier this afternoon to discuss the week. South Carolina, which is coming off a loss to Tennessee, is led by one of the SEC’s top defenses. And, oh yeah, there’s that head coach — Steve Spurrier — over on the Gamecocks sideline.
Anyway, here were some of the highlights from today’s press conference:
• Petrino said cornerbacks Ramon Broadway and Andru Stewart could be back on the field this weekend after missing the Eastern Michigan game. Broadway was out with a hamstring injury. Stewart was held out because of academic reasons. Petrino said Broadway needs to show he can practice all week in order to play. Stewart needs to make sure he is getting his academic work done.
• Running back Michael Smith is in a similar situation as Broadway. Both players were able to run with the training staff on Sunday and will be monitored this week. Smith missed his second game with his sore hamstring.
• Is Ryan Mallett a Steve Spurrier fan? Maybe not. Mallett was asked if he admired Spurrier and his offense during today’s press conference. His answer: “Not really. They played the Hogs. So I didn’t like them too much.”
• Tenarius Wright summed up Arkansas’ defensive frustrations from Saturday night. Things were going so well for the Hogs until the fourth quarter, when Eastern Michigan started fooling them with play-action. In the end, Arkansas gave up four second half touchdowns. “It was a letdown to us as players,” Wright said. “We feel like we should’ve kept our head on straight and stayed focused on the game.”
• Arkansas guard Mitch Petrus was named the SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week earlier today. Petrino said Petrus, a senior, was well-deserving of the honor: “He played probably as aggressive as you can. His effort was very, very good. Did a nice job run blocking and in his pass (protection). He’s done that all year. I’ve been impressed with his commitment and how focused he’s been throughout the entire year.”
• Petrino also spoke about the new starters on the field against Eastern Michigan. There were eight total, which surprised him. But Petrino said the Razorbacks are determined to grade each player in practice and determine starters that way. I asked him if the added emphasis (which included an explanation in the press box before the game) was a sign that effort had slipped. He said no. “Sometimes when you don’t do well, you come back and say, if I’m going to get beat, I’m going to get beat with 22 guys who want to practice hard every play.”
OK. That will do for now. It’s almost time for the basketball exhibition game. But make sure you check ArkansasNews.com for more later on tonight/tomorrow. And you can also follow me on Twitter (@NWARobbie) for all kinds of news and notes.
