Razorbacks Put Finishing Touches on Auburn Preparations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas football team put the finishing touches on its preparations for 21st-ranked AuburnThursday afternoon on the grass practice fields south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in a 90 minute workout in shorts and helmets.

“We had a good mental day today,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said following Thursday’s practice. “We worked on all of the special teams situations and had a good day on offense and defense.”

Senior tight end Jared Hicks turned in another good practice and is expected to be able to help the Razorbacks’ offense on Saturday night.

“Jared Hicks got a lot of practice today,” Nutt said. “I expect him to be able to get a few plays.”

The status of Rimington Award candidate Kyle Roper is still up in the air. His availability will be a game-time decision.

“Kyle Roper is still not quite there yet,” Nutt said. “I’m hoping by Saturday night that may be a little different.”

A big key to Saturday night’s showdown with SEC-West foe Auburn will be the play of the Arkansas offensive line against a talent and physical defensive front seven for the Tigers. The Razorbacks feature the nation’s third-best rushing attack at 286.4 yards per game, while Auburn boasts the nation’s second-ranked defense.

“They are very physical and very good,” Nutt said. “It is going to take great execution. We are going to have to get a hat on a hat. We talked about taking proper steps and that is very important because they are so fast. You can’t take a false step. Everything has to be precise. Perfect. Out guys know that, and that is the way we have been practicing all week.”

The Hogs and Tigers are set to kick off at 6 p.m. inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Saturday. For more information on Saturday’s game visit www.hogwired.com.

— HOGS —