Razorbacks Ready for Little Rock LSU

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks practiced for slightly more then one hour on the practice fields in the warm Northwest Arkansas weather. Similar to a typical Thursday, today’s practice was spent fine-tuning the LSU game plan.

Arkansas will have a closed workout on Thursday before heading to Little Rock for Thanksgiving dinner.

“We had a really good practice today with excellent focus,” head coach Houston Nutt said. “We had Stephen Parker back today and we got a lot done with him. Matt Hewitt tried to go through some reps. He’s not full speed yet but he’s really working to get back out here. Peyton (Hillis) still has a deep bruise so we will see how that goes. It doesn’t look promising but he is trying. He is treating it and trying to get back out here.”

With key members of the squad still battling injuries, Nutt is confident that, if they are still missing some, he can rely on backups to step up.

“We will have Parker and that will be good (for the running game),” Nutt said. “Hopefully we can get Peyton back out there and that would really help. He’s a good athlete. He has done a lot of good things for us. We would love to have him but we just have to see. The other guys are working hard and if we don’t have him, Farod Jackson and Mitch Petrus, they will have to carry the load.”

Linebacker Matt Hewitt’s status is also questionable.

“I think Matt Hewitt will play,” Nutt said. “I just don’t know how long or how close to 100 percent he will be. If they are healthy we are going to put them out there to play. As far as holding people back and getting ready for Florida, we can’t do that.”

LSU’s formidable defense is also on the minds of Nutt and his staff. A successful running game is a key element to a victory over the Tigers.

“We have to have (the running game),” Nutt said. “That’s what makes us go. This is the best defense we have seen all year. The most talented; very deep, big, strong guys. We have to have our best game.”

Something that can help the Razorbacks along is the venue. With many of the players hailing from the Little Rock area, they are excited to be traveling home for their last regular season game.

“They have found a way to win and they love going to Little Rock,” Nutt said. “It’s a tremendous atmosphere. We know they are down there right now getting ready. We are trying to get ready up here. These guys will be ready to go.”