Arkansas Prepares for Louisiana-Monroe

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks returned to the practice fields after enjoying a bye-week and worked out in full pads for almost two hours on Tuesday afternoon. Arkansas (1-3, 0-2 SEC) is now focused on preparing for its next opponent, Louisiana-Monroe (2-3, 2-0 Sun Belt).

The Indians present an offense with many different sets and are led by senior quarterback Steven Jyles. Jyles accounted for all four of ULM’s touchdowns in its win against Arkansas State last weekend.

“We had a good day today,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “We’re working real hard against Louisiana-Monroe since we had an extra week, but they do so many things. It seems like each week they have a different game plan, especially on offense. They have so many different sets.

“Their quarterback can throw and run,” Nutt said. “They use him in gun and they option him. They’ll move him around and present a lot of formations and sets.”

On the offensive side of the ball the Hogs will have to be ready for Louisiana-Monroe to blitz. UA has also worked on improving their blocking and tackling.

“Defensively, they run around,” Nutt said. “I know Kim Dameron very well. He’s a former Razorback that worked for me at Murray State. He loves to blitz and create pressure to get you behind the count, so we worked real hard on the blitz. We’ve got to be able to block and tackle, those are the two main ingredients we have to get better at every day.”

When the Indians and Razorbacks face off it will be the first game of the 2005 season played in Little Rock. Arkansas is 17-1 under Nutt at War Memorial Stadium and the players are looking forward to returning to the playing field.

“The guys are excited about going to Little Rock and playing again,” Nutt said. “Our guys are anxious to perform well and I’m looking forward to it.”

Kick-off for the Louisiana-Monroe/Arkansas game on Oct. 8, is set for 6 p.m., at War Memorial Stadium.