Razorback Football Gets Ready For SEC Showdown

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas football team opened its game-week practices Tuesday with a 90-minute workout in preparation of Saturday’s game with Auburn. Head coach Houston Nutt thought the players had a good practice and were focused throughout.

“We had good concentration on the game plan from start to finish, that is a good sign,” Nutt said. “(Today) was much better than last Tuesday. We hit everything from A to Z, from kicking in the first period on to getting into our sets.”

The offensive and defensive units worked against the scout teams to prepare for Auburn and its style of play. Nutt said the team will need to be ready for another tough conference game.

“(Auburn does) a great job on offense mixing up formations with the play action and their run game going, so we tried to hit all those things,” Nutt said. “Defensively, they’re athletic and can run. They always look the same to us—very big, physical and they can fly around.”

Nutt added that the Razorback offense would need to keep the Auburn defense off-balance by utilizing all of its skill positions.

Receiver Marcus Monk worked out in shoulder pads and shorts with team during the practice. The head coach said it is good to see the senior receiver back on the practice fields. Monk has shown progress, but still has some time until he’s ready for action.

“(Marcus is) getting better every week. He’s a little bit better this week than he was last week,” Nutt said. “Does that mean he’s going to play? Probably not, but he’s getting closer. It’s a good feeling just to see him with pads on getting closer.”

Robert Johnson also practiced Tuesday after missing the game against Chattanooga in Little Rock with an injured ankle.

“It’s good to have (Robert) back,” Nutt said. “Our receivers have been depleted a little bit with injuries, so it’s good to have him back out there along with the other guys.”

The Hogs are set to return to the practice fields Wednesday afternoon. Saturday’s game against Auburn will be televised on ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CT. Log on to www.hogwired.com for more news about Arkansas football.