Warmer Weather Accompanies Arkansas? Thursday Practice

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Arkansas Razorbacks practiced in full pads in Orlando in preparation for the Capital One Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers.

“It was a good, sunny day today,” head coach Houston Nutt said. “We got some work done. They guys came out here focused and concentrated very well. We came out here and got after it. The last few days have been in full pads and very physical. Our young guys got a lot of reps. Today was a good mental day and I really liked the concentration.”

With warmer temperatures returning to the Orlando area, the soggy fields that Razorbacks contested on Tuesday and Wednesday were disappearing. Dryer fields especially help the progress of Darren McFadden.

“(Darren McFadden) looks better today and Weston Dacus was back today so that really helped,” Nutt said. “It helps out at linebacker with (Dacus) getting over that sickness.”

Dacus, returning from illness, missed Tuesday and Wednesday’s practices. Although he wasn’t quiet at full speed on Thursday, Dacus is expected to be at 100 percent at game time.

“(Weston Dacus) has lost some weight,” Nutt said, “but he’ll be okay.”

Returning to a bowl game this season gives the Razorbacks many opportunities, including the chance to win 11 games. The bowl game also extends Arkansas’ season and allows for more practices. Many aspects of the Razorbacks’ game have been improved due to these extra practices.

“We have had quite a bit of time to work on the timing (of the passing game),” Nutt said. “We have worked on coming out of our breaks and working with each other.”

The extra practices have also been spent on breaking down the Wisconsin Badgers.

“(Wisconsin) is big and strong,” Nutt said. “They don’t beat themselves. They are a very good team in all three phases. The reason why then won 11 games is that you don’t see them giving up big plays. You don’t see them turning the ball over.”

The Razorbacks will spend Thursday afternoon at Disney’s MGM Studios Park and return to the practice fields at 11:45 a.m. on Friday.