It’s been a busy afternoon here in the Razorbacks bureau. I’ve been trying to get a gameplan sorted out for the week, attended a press conference, took part in a teleconference and just finished transcribing some quotes.
But before the work day ends, I want to share some notes with you from today’s press conference.
We’ll call this the extremely quick version, considering I still have a couple of stories to write.
• Let’s start with the most important news (sarcasm). Petrino was asked at the very end of his press conference if it would be red pants and red jerseys once again. The Razorbacks have done it two straight games and have won both. It sounds like it might be three straight weeks, judging by his response. “My mother in law, bless her heart, she passed away many years ago, she used to say everything happens in threes. So we might have to see if that’s true.” Tight end D.J. Williams said he likes the red pants because “they’re looser.” So there you go.
• On to football stuff. Petrino was asked about playing a nonconference game this late and his feelings. He said he doesn’t really like it. He’d rather play early and get them out of the way to build momentum for conference play. But he also noticed that every SEC team is playing a nonconference game this late in the season. Either way, Arkansas just wants its sixth win. “The bottom line for us is, this is as big as any conference game at this point in the season. So we have to do a great job of getting ready for it.”
• Petrino said CB David Gordon should be all right after missing the end of the game because of a thigh contusion. Petrino said Gordon, who has started two straight, was stepped on and injured Saturday. It just added to Arkansas’ banged up cornerback spot.
• Speaking of which, Petrino said he expects Jerell Norton to continue getting more reps and playing time after turning in a solid effort against South Carolina. Norton turned in the defensive play of the game when he went up high to pull down an interception in the end zone. It preserved Arkansas’ lead and South Carolina never threatened again.
• Remember Troy coach Larry Blakeney’s comments in the preseason that his team would beat Arkansas? Well, Blakeney said he didn’t say that. And never would say anything like that. But Petrino was asked about it today and whether it would be bulletin board material. His response: Sure, they’ll use it. When Petrino was told Blakeney denied saying it today he quipped: “He was misquoted? We’re going to use it anyway. How’s that sound?”
That’s all I have time for right now. But make sure you check out ArkansasNews.com for the story I’m writing on what Blakeney said in August — or didn’t say — and how it has created some fun in this nonconference game. And keep following me on Twitter (@NWARobbie).
