Arkansas Gears up for Tide Defense
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks continued their preparations on Wednesday afternoon for the Alabama game and practiced for 90 minutes in shoulder pads and shorts. Despite the heat the Hogs worked hard to put forth an extra effort.
“We had a good practice today and the attitude has been great and I love the way they’ve been going about practice with a purpose,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “They’re trying to get better every day. The guys have spent more time in the film room and doing little things right. That’s what it’s about.”
The Razorbacks are eager to pick up a victory after they were unsuccessful in their match-ups against Vanderbilt and top-ranked Southern California. This week Nutt and his staff have emphasized excellence and consistency in all areas as keys to coming away with a win.
“There’s nothing like the antidote of winning,” Nutt said. “It breeds confidence and energies you. You want things to happen right and winning is your goal. We’re playing another good football team. You’ve got to play well in all areas, kicking game, defense and offensive.”
The Alabama Crimson Tide is leading the Southeastern Conference and rank second nationally in rushing defense, so the Hogs’ running game will face a challenge.
“We’re getting ready to play the best defense so far we’ve played against,” Nutt said. “They’ve given up the fewest yardage. Joe Kines has this team running to the ball and they’re playing with a lot of confidence. They’ve given up very few big plays and they’re chasing the ball extremely well and breaking on the football.”
Nutt also noted the similar offensive package each team has. Both Alabama and Arkansas like to run the play-action, but the Hogs will have to do a good job of covering and protecting the ball in order to score.
“Both of us are very similar on offense,” Nutt said. “We want to run the football, but yet you want to throw it and keep them off balance. Keep people from cheating and bring that extra safety in the box, so the play-action is huge. If you’re going to get some one-on-one throws we’ve got to do a great job of coverage and we’ve also do a great job with protecting it.”
The Hogs will take on the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Sept. 24. Jefferson-Pilot will broadcast the game at 11:30 a.m. CT.
