McFadden Houston and Fish Named Hogwired.com Players of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tailback Darren McFadden, cornerback Chris Houston and punt returner Reggie Fish earned recognition from the Razorback football coaching staff, on Monday, as the trio was recognized as the Hogwired.com Players of the Week.

McFadden secured offensive honors for the fourth time this season while Houston and Fish garnered their first defensive and special teams’ accolades, respectively, for their part in Arkansas’ 28-14 win over Mississippi State. The victory over the Bulldogs clinched the SEC Western Division crown and landed the Razorbacks in the 2006 SEC Championship Game on Dec. 2 against Florida.

McFadden tallied 194 all-purpose yards in the Hogs’ seventh-consecutive conference victory. He rushed for 84 yards on 26 carries and completed one pass for 12 yards against the Bulldogs. He also returned two kickoffs for 94 yards, including a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. McFadden lined up at quarterback 10 times against Mississippi State. The Hogs earned 77 yards and a touchdown in the “Wildcat” formation.

Houston had a record-setting day against the Bulldogs. The junior from Austin, Texas, snared two interceptions and returned them for a school-record 129 yards and a touchdown. Houston’s 87-yard interception return for a score provided the Hogs’ initial points on the afternoon and marked the longest UA interception return for a touchdown since linebacker Jermaine Petty returned a pick 88 yards against Auburn in 2001. Houston also tallied four tackles and a pass deflection in the win. It was the second Hogwired.com honor for Houston this season after earning special teams’ recognition following the Louisiana-Monroe game.

Fish merited special teams’ honors after a solid outing returning punts. The sophomore racked up 34 yards on four punt returns, including a career-long return of 26 yards. Fish helped Arkansas gain the advantage in field position by hauling in several low driving punts before they had a chance to roll deeper into Razorbacks territory. The Hogwired.com award was the first for Fish in his career.

Following each game this season, Hogwired.com will recognize an offensive, defensive and special teams player of the week. Recipients are chosen by the UA football coaching staff.