Razorbacks Ready for Trip to Alabama

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas concluded its practice week on Thursday with a 90 minute workout in shells that was split between the practice fields south of the stadium and the Walker Pavilion.

The offense spent most of the day indoors after opening practice with kicking game work. The Hogs’ defense was outside most of the day fine tuning the game plan for the Crimson Tide. The two units came together inside for the final 15 minutes of practice.

“We had a good practice today with a lot of good intensity,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “Our attitude has been excellent, and I want to continue with that at Alabama. We have put two real good days of practice together. Now it is time to go play a real good football team.

The Razorbacks’ offense spent Thursday trying to eliminate little miscues that have stalled productive drives this season.

“We had a good offensive plan last week before Robert (Johnson) got hurt,” Nutt said. “We had some good running lanes and the backs were hitting the hole. We had a good screen on the first play, and then we hit Marcus Monk on a fade.

“What we have to do is be more consistent and don’t stop drives. Don’t drop balls. Don’t have illegal procedures. And keep everybody healthy.”

Several Razorbacks will miss the first SEC road game of the season with injuries. Along the offensive line Jonathan Luigs and Zac Tubbs are definitely out with LB Pierre Brown and CB Darius Vinnett missing the game on the defensive side of the ball. Tight end Jared Hicks is close to returning to action with the coaching staff planning to get him some playing time on Saturday.

“What makes it tough losing these guys is that they are seniors.” Nutt said. “Pierre (Brown) is a captain, and we have really missed him since he got hurt on the final few plays against Vanderbilt.”

Arkansas will depart for Alabama on Friday. The game will be broadcast regionally on Jefferson Pilot Saturday at 11:30 a.m. from Bryant-Denny Stadium.