Razorbacks Wrap Up Preparations; Travel to Los Angeles

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks held their final practice on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion, before they boarded a plane and headed to Los Angeles, Calif., to take on the top-ranked Southern California Trojans. The Hogs wore shorts and shoulder pads during the one hour and 15 minute workout.

“We had a good sharp Thursday with good concentration,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “USC presents a lot of different problems, because they’re so multiple and very talented, but I like our guys’ mindsets and now it’s time to go.”

Nutt emphasized keys to upsetting the defending national champion Trojans and that included slowing Heisman finalist Reggie Bush. Last year Bush returned 24 punts for 376 yards with two touchdowns. His kickoff return average was 25.6 yards after he ran back 21 kickoffs for 537 yards.

“We can’t let them get out of the game too fast, because of a kickoff return or a punt return,” Nutt said. “I worry about Reggie Bush. We’ve got to stop him and slow him down. No one has stopped him in a couple years. He’s all over the field. Offensively, we have to keep the clock moving and stay on the field, make some first downs and get our opportunity to score.”

Nutt is confident is team is ready to play in L.A.’s historic Memorial Coliseum and pointed out that playing in the Southeastern Conference prepares them for the type of atmosphere the Hogs will see on Saturday night.

“The SEC prepares you for a lot of things,” Nutt said. “The athleticism, the fans, the tailgating and all the atmosphere. We’re used to whatever they’re going to have. It’s not any different than us going to Konxville, Florida or Georgia.”

USC and Arkansas will face each other in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. Fox Sports Net has moved back the official kick off time to 9:23 p.m. CT, but will still broadcast the game nationally.