Arkansas Ready for SEC Battle With South Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks wrapped game-week preparations on the practice fields Thursday as they look ahead to their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Head coach Houston Nutt was pleased with the way the Hogs finished out a good week of practice.

“Our guys are ready to go and looking forward to (Saturday’s game) against a very good team,” Nutt said. “I loved the way they came out today with excellent concentration and that’s what you have to have, eleven guys on every snap whether it’s defense, special teams or offense.”

Nutt said they worked hard and put emphasis on ball security this week, which is one of the head coach’s keys for the Razorbacks this weekend.

“We have to protect the ball, stop the run and not give up anything big,” Nutt said. “Darren knows the ball is going to be put in his hands, so he has to take care of it. He had a great week of ball handling this week.”

Nutt thought quarterback Casey Dick practiced well this week and credits Nathan Emert for creating the competition at the position. The head coach talked about the importance of guys at the same position pushing each other to get better.

“(Casey) had a good week,” Nutt said. “I think Nathan helps that, too, with the things he did (this week). There’s nothing like competition with guys at your position. It makes everybody better.”

At the wide receiver position, Marcus Monk and Robert Johnson did not practice, but will play Saturday against South Carolina. London Crawford worked out Thursday and should be ready for action, too.

“We sat Marcus today, him and Robert Johnson. They’ll be fine and be ready to go,” Nutt said. “(London) is ready to go, we just don’t know how long he can go.”

Weston Dacus was back at practice Thursday and Nutt said the senior linebacker will be ready to go.

Arkansas will take on South Carolina Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN2. Gates will open at 4 p.m. for fans. Log on to www.hogwired.com for continued coverage of Razorback football.