Razorbacks Keyed on Top-Ranked Trojans

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas practiced for 90 minutes Tuesday afternoon in preparation for Saturday night’s showdown with top-ranked Southern California at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The Razorbacks worked out in shells on the practice fields south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Hogs (1-1) and Trojans (1-0) are slated to kickoff at 9:15 p.m. local time on Saturday with the game televised nationally on Fox Sports Net.

“We had a good day today,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “The guys really came out with a good attitude and worked hard. Now we have to go back-to-back and have another good practice tomorrow.”

A good week of practice is a must for the Hogs, who will be facing the explosive two-time defending national champions and their Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Matt Leinart.

“Offensively, (USC) has a lot of weapons when you talk about (Reggie) Bush and (Matt) Leinart,” Nutt said. “The USC receivers and tight ends are very tall and explosive. They move them all over the field, and really utilize them.”

On the defensive side of the football USC lost six starters off its 2004 squad, but the Trojans still possess some of the best talent in the country. The Razorbacks’ job will be to find a way to exploited some of USC’s newcomers.

“On defense they are equally as physical,” Nutt said. “They really chase the football and get pressure.” Our guys have an awesome respect for USC and they know how good they are. But I also think our guys have a lot of pride, I really do, otherwise I don’t think we would have as good a practice today.”

The Arkansas coaching staff and players know that the key to their performance on Saturday is all about how they prepare and then perform.

“It is more about us,” Nutt said. “Everybody has to do their job, go play at full speed and correct their mistakes. There was a lot of great effort Saturday; I mean a lot of great effort. But from now on we have to take advantage of the opportunities we have.”

Nutt was pleased to see the return of right guard Zac Tubbs to the practice field on Tuesday. Tubbs has not practiced since suffering a high-ankle sprain in a preseason scrimmage. His availability for Saturday night’s game is still in question.

“He (Tubbs) got some snaps today and I was really proud,” Nutt said. “It was good to see him out there, and now I hope we can keep him out there.”

The Hogs will return to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon before traveling to Los Angeles on Thursday evening.