Arkansas leads the Southeastern Conference and is third in the nation in rushing, averaging 287.6 yards a game.

South Carolina is ninth in the SEC and 74th in the nation in rushing defense, giving up an average of 169.2 yards.

So when the Gamecocks and Razorbacks tangle in Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday night, Arkansas has an obvious edge with running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Right? Offensive coordinator David Lee doesn’t think so.

“I don’t care where they’re ranked on the rush,” Lee said. “They’re good. They’re physical. The strength of their team is their defense. That’s obvious. They’re where they are because they’ve only given up 17 points (a game). It’s going to be a great challenge to us. We’ve got to block them. We’ve got to stay on blocks.”

There’s no doubt the Gamecocks have struggled to stop opposing ground games. They gave up 290 yards and three touchdowns against LSU. And 252 in the opener against Louisiana-Lafayette. And 196 yards South Carolina State put together two weeks later. South Carolina hasn’t held an opponent under 100 rushing yards this season.

There’s no doubt Arkansas will try and try and try to run the ball at them. McFadden has had plenty of success against them, too, piling up 406 yards and two touchdowns in two games.

But Lee believes the key will lie in Arkansas’ ability to crack two other stats: South Carolina is second in the nation in pass defense (153.7 yards) and second in the SEC in opponent’s third-down conversions (27.2 percent).

“The game is going to come down to third down,” Lee said. “That’s where it’s going to be won or lost. They give up 27 percent third-down success. ... If we’re three-and-out and three-and-out, we’re going to have a hard time Saturday night.”

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 07:48 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Just a couple of quick tidbits from the first 30 minutes of practice:

• Casey Dick was out in pads and practicing with the Razorbacks. He did stand and watch the first several snaps, but then started working with the team. We'll know more after practice about how he feels.

• Marcus Monk was out there, too, and appeared to be fine. He had the usual limp, but it doesn't seem like there are any problems from Saturday.

• There are more receivers. London Crawford and Robert Johnson were back after missing the FIU game with injuries. I'll get more on them when practice ends.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 04:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Anti-Houston Nutt banners are flying. Black T-shirts are out there. Tight end Ben Cleveland is being denied the chance to join the team on the sideline for the FIU game. There's no shortage of bizarre things going on in Arkansas football this month.

Well, for the past year, really.

But Arkansas hasn't cornered the market on bizarre news this week. Want more?

Yeah, there's plenty:

• Hardy skips to his own beat — Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy has been suspended indefinitely by coach Ed Orgeron. The Ole Miss coach, of course, won't say anything other than Hardy has committed a violation of team rules. But it looks like the Memphis Commercial Appeal and the Jackson Clarion-Ledger have found some dirt. Infractions include: Missing team meetings, practices and training sessions. One week Hardy's a hero, the next his career at Ole Miss is in question. Nice.

• Ryan Perrilloux? Again? Seriously? — LSU's talented quarterback can't stay out of trouble. The latest out of Baton Rouge is that the dual-threat could miss Saturday's game at Alabama (along with equally- troubled linebacker Derrick Odom) for his role in an early-morning brawl in Baton Rouge last week. No, he didn't get arrested. But by all accounts, he was at the epicenter of the chaos once again. When is LSU going to tell him it isn't worth it and cut ties?

• Mark Richt is sorry...Kind of — Georgia's coach wrote a letter of apology to SEC commissioner Mike Slive for his team's celebration penalty against Florida. In case you missed it (how did you?) Richt told his team before the game the Bulldogs to get a penalty after their first touchdown. They did. A flag flew. But Georgia won, ending a streak in which the Bulldogs had lost 15 of 17 to the mighty Gators. The AJC also got reaction from other coaches, who gave Richt a thumbs up. My only regret? Steve Spurrier wasn't on the Florida sideline.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 02:14 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas didn't practice today, but there was still a handful of newsworthy tidbits such as:

• Darren McFadden was asked on a teleconference whether he thinks he's Heisman Trophy worthy at this point of the season. At this point, McFadden pretty much said, 'No.' But he made it clear that his Heisman campaign didn't kick off until this point last season.

• Houston Nutt said receiver Marcus Monk's knee was a little sore after the FIU game, which was to no one's surprise. But he said Monk will be on the practice field tomorrow. They're counting on Monk to be back to form (or as close as possible) for the South Carolina game.

• Speaking of injuries, McFadden admitted it was hard to play with sore ribs he first sustained against Kentucky the past several weeks. He said it may have slowed him down some, but feels better now. Nutt said the Razorbacks are hoping to hand him the ball more down the stretch.

• TV time! TV time! Arkansas announced that Satuday's game will be televised on ESPN2. Kickoff time, of course, is 7 p.m. In addition, the Tennessee game on Nov. 10 will be broadcast by Lincoln Financial Sports and kickoff time has been set for 11:30 a.m. Morning kickoff! A sports writer's best friend!

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 04:51 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I haven't blogged much in the second half. But, in reality, what else is there to say.

The Razorbacks are leading 48-10 and most of their backups are in the game. Darren McFadden has scored four touchdowns. Felix Jones has one. FIU continues to turn the ball over. They have eight, five of which are interceptions. Safety Rashaad Johnson has the last two picks.

When the clock finally runs out, Arkansas will improve to 5-3 and head into the final month.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 02:54 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas sports information just released an update on quarterback Casey Dick.

The junior suffered a concussion and has been taken to the hospital to undergo a CT scan. He also is suffering from sore ribs. Obviously, it's not what the Razorbacks wanted to hear on Homecoming. I'm sure we'll learn more about his status after the game and on Sunday.

Until then, Nathan Emert is running the Arkansas offense and has done a solid job.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas is well on its way to a fifth win, leading FIU 31-10 at the half. Here are some quick stats:

Team Stats
Total offense — Arkansas 220, FIU 201
Rushing — Arkansas 115, FIU 126
Passing — Arkansas 105, FIU 75
Turnovers — Arkansas 2, FIU 5

Individual Stats
Arkansas
Darren McFadden — 14 carries, 56 yards, 3 touchdowns
Felix Jones — 9 carries, 48 yards

Nathan Emert — 5 of 8, 69 yards, 1 touchdown
Casey Dick — 4 of 6, 36 yards, 1 interception

Peyton Hillis — 4 catches, 61 yards
McFadden — 2 catches, 21 yards
Marcus Monk — 2 catches, 19 yards, 1 touchdown

FIU
Wayne Younger — 7 carries, 110 yards
A'mod Ned — 7 carries, 11 yards

Younger — 7 of 19, 75 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions

Greg Ellingson — 2 catches, 39 yards, 1 touchdown
Eric Kirchenberg — 2 catches, 21 yards

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:43 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt has to be smiling now: Receiver Marcus Monk just pulled in a 13-yard touchdown catch from backup quarterback Nathan Emert.

Monk has two catches in the first half, including the score. It was his first touchdown since the SEC Championship Game against Florida last year. It was the 25th of his career.

More important, it seems that Monk will be ready to help the Razorbacks when they play South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU in November.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

We just witnessed another Darren McFadden moment.

The Arkansas running back just ducked his helmet and blasted FIU defensive back Ashlyn Parker on a short run. In the process, he nearly buckled Parker and ripped his helmet off.

Of course, there was plenty of applause for the hard hit. It might not stack up to the Alabama stiff arm or the stiff arm that ripped a North Texas player's helmet off, but it was a highlight reel moment.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Quarterback Casey Dick just went to the locker room with about six minutes left in the half.

As Dick was led off the field, he had a brief conversation with Danny Nutt. He pointed to his ribs. That's not an official diagnosis, but it's the only update we have right now.

On the field, Nathan Emert stepped in for Dick and led the Razorbacks on their longest scoring drive. One of the key plays was his pass down the near sideline to fullback Peyton Hillis, moving the ball to the one-yard line. Darren McFadden scored his third touchdown of the game to make it 24-0.

But FIU just got a long touchdown pass from Wayne Younger to Greg Ellingson, who beat cornerback Michael Grant on the play. That has cut the lead to 24-7 with 5:04 left in the half.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:07 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The one unspoken thing the Razorbacks needed to avoid today was injuries to key players.

So the sight of quarterback Casey Dick getting drilled by an FIU defensive player, then laying on the turf in pain was certainly not a good thing to Arkansas.

Dick was just hit on his right side attempting to pass the ball and has been replaced by backup Nathan Emert. He's sitting on the bench getting checked out by team doctors right now. From what I can tell, they're looking at his arm or shoulder. Maybe even his ribs.

As this point, it doesn't appear serious. But I'm not sure if we'll see Dick back in the game.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:51 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The first quarter just ended. Arkansas leads 10-0 and is close to adding more. To sum it up:

• FIU committed three turnovers in the first quarter, giving its offense and defense no chance of having anything positive happen. Arkansas now has seen turnovers in five quarters, dating back to last week's win at Ole Miss. Cornerback Jerell Norton grabbed his fifth interception this season.

• Arkansas has started three of its four drives in Florida International territory. In order is was the 20, the 11 and the 32. The other drive started at Arkansas' 49.

• For all the good field position, Arkansas hasn't scored as much as it could have so far. The Hogs did throw an interception in the end zone to end one of the drives. They're closing in on the end zone again with the second quarter waiting to begin.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:37 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Anyone holding out the slim hope that receiver Marcus Monk would redshirt this season and come back in 2008 can bury those thoughts now.

Monk has played. In fact, he registered his first catch of the season a few moments ago.

Quarterback Casey Dick flipped a short pass out in the flat to Monk, who pulled it in and received a huge ovation from the crowd. It was the first play of a eight-play, 51-yard scoring drive. Running back Darren McFadden just scored on a three-yard touchdown run. It was his first since the Tennessee-Chattanooga game back on Oct. 6.

It's 10-0 Arkansas midway through the first quarter.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

You ever wonder how a team can lose 19 straight games?

Florida International just showed us a little glimpse in the early going. On its second play from scrimmage, tight end Moses Hinton caught a short pass over the middle and had the ball knocked out of his hands by Arkansas strong safety Matt Hewitt. It was recovered by defensive end Adrian Davis.

The Razorbacks didn't get in the end zone, but settled for a field goal and a 3-0 lead.

It was the 23rd turnover of the season for FIU, which has had an obvious problem holding onto the ball this season. The Golden Panthers, of course, rank 112th out of 119 Division I teams in turnovers lost.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:09 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

If you're in Northwest Arkansas and interested in coming to a football game, jump in the car, drive on down to Reynolds Razorback Stadium. There are plenty of seats to choose from right now in what seems like a half empty stadium. Even in the student section, which is usually filled no matter who the opponent is, has some obvious gaping holes.

Two questions come to mind: Is this part of a Houston Nutt protest? Fans discouraged about the 4-3 start and all. Or is this the product of a less-than-impressive opponent, Florida International? The Golden Panthers, after all, have lost 19 straight games.

My guess? It's probably a little bit of both.

In other news, Marcus Monk was in uniform during warmups and looks like he's ready to play. He's even standing at the 50-yard line as we speak as one of the Razorbacks' captains. We'll see how much he plays and how effective he is if he gets his first real action.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 11:58 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said receiver Marcus Monk will be on the field when the Razorbacks play Florida International this weekend.

Monk, who has played only one snap this season because of a knee injury, practiced with the Hogs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Coaches said he looked good. But he was held out of most of Thursday’s short practice because Arkansas wants to make sure he’s ready for Saturday’s game.

“He’ll try to go,” Nutt said. “He’ll definitely play. We just don’t know how many plays.”

Obviously, there are two different ways to look at Monk’s attempt to return to action a couple of months after undergoing two surgeries to repair his knee.

Getting back on the field against a lesser-known opponent could be a good first test for Monk, who hasn’t played a full game in nearly 11 months. He can run a few routes, catch a couple of passes and knock off some rust in time for Arkansas’ big November games against South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU.

But on the other hand, what happens if Monk finds out he isn’t ready to play the hard way Saturday? Would it benefit both Monk and the Razorbacks if the talented receiver sat out one more game, got in a full week of practice and was closer to 100 percent in time for the Gamecocks?

It’s an interesting question. But one that can only be answered Saturday, when Monk returns to the field.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 05:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- I missed the first few minutes of Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie addressing the media masses late Thursday morning at SEC basketball media days. As I entered the Birmingham Marriott ballroom, I almost couldn't believe my eyes. About 100 reporters must've been crowding around Gillispie, the man Arkansas had tabbed as its first choice to replace Stan Heath.

There's no denying. Gillispie had some kind of rock star quality going Thursday. Everyone wanted a piece of him. He sat and answered questions for nearly 50 minutes, often times being forced to talk about the high expectations he'll face in Lexington.

The former Texas A&M coach didn't shy away from it at all. He, in fact, embraced the questions. "That's why you coach," he said a handful of times. He understood the (unrealistic) expectations he'll face in his first season. He knows Wildcat fans expect greatness -- immediately.

And he's hoping the work ethic and coaching style he developed under Kansas coach Bill Self when they were both at Illinois will pay off.

Only time will tell.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS THURSDAY:

• The first 10 minutes of the session including South Carolina, Georgia and Vanderbilt was quite comical actually. Reporters sat and stood three-deep at Gillispie’s table. Behind it, Kentucky guard Ramel Bradley spoke with two reporters. South Carolina coach Dave Odom and Georgia coach Dennis Felton didn’t get any takers for 10 minutes. Neither did the players they brought. Odom even joked by hollering, ‘Hey guys, I’m here!” Funny stuff.

• During Thursday’s early session, Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury and Alabama coach Mike Gottfried both lauded Arkansas’ talent and potential. Gottfried said, “Arkansas has the chance to make a run deep, deep into the (NCAA Tournament).” Stansbury said, “With that experience, (Arkansas) will be tough to stop.”

• The most hysterical moment of the morning? Had to be this exchange between a reporter and Mississippi State guard Jamont Gordon, with Bulldogs forward Charles Gordon intervening.

Reporter: “How would you describe Charles Rhodes’ sense of humor?”

Gordon: “You really can’t. He’s crazy. I don’t even know where to start.”

Rhodes, interrupting and talking to the reporter: “Hey, man, check out Jamont’s feet! Check ‘em out!” Those feet are huge! Ha ha ha! Huge feet! Huge feet!”

Gordon, to the reporter: “See, I told you he’s crazy.”

Agreed.

RYAN MALASHOCK

Posted by Ryan Malashock at 02:19 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Offensive coordinator David Lee is, once again, very, very concerned about the little-known opponent coming to Arkansas this weekend.

Don’t tell him Florida International has lost 19 straight games. Or that the Golden Panthers haven’t scored more than 16 points in any game this season. He’s looking at FIU’s defense — which is led by linebacker Scott Bryant and defensive back Lionell Singleton — and sees a challenge.

“We better get ready to play offensively because we’re meeting their strength,” Lee said. “They’re from Florida. They’ve got speed. They got athletes all over the place. They can run. Any time you can inherit that type of game which we have this weekend you better be ready to play.”

Is this another example of an overly cautious coach showering an opponent with compliments to keep players from going through the motions at practice? Probably. But Lee and the Arkansas staff also has plenty of reason to make FIU sound like Florida or Miami — Tennessee-Chattanooga.

It was an impossible thought then, but the Mocs did find a way to frustrate Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and the run game in what turned out to be Arkansas’ ugly 34-15 win. The sluggishness seemed to linger. The next week, the offense was sloppy once again in the 9-7 loss to Auburn.

So after the strong effort at Ole Miss, Lee’s concern comes with good reason: Arkansas should win even with a lackadaisical effort, but runs the risk of losing momentum with important games looming.

So if they’re not ready...

“It’s going to turn into a Chattanooga and we’re all going to be disappointed again,” Lee said.

–––––––––

In other practice news:

• Marcus Monk was able to participate in practice for a second straight day and Houston Nutt saiod he feels "confident" Monk will get some playing time Saturday. Monk has played one snap all season because of a knee injury.

• The news isn't as good for receivers London Crawford and Robert Johnson. Crawford was on the field, but had to leave because of another injury. Johnson didn't practice for the second day. It's safe to say both are questionable for Saturday's game.

• Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring said ends Antwain Robinson and Adrian Davis will split time against FIU. Davis will be used on first and second down, while Robinson will be used on third down and in pass rushing situations. Robinson's struggles against the run have prompted the change.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 07:10 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Optimism was everywhere Wednesday at the Birmingham Marriott, where the Southeastern Conference held the first day of its annual basketball media days. Well, that is unless you're Florida coach Billy Donovan. Don't even try to say the words, "back-to-back-to-back" around him. He'll just laugh at you. His roster has no seniors and one junior. Ouch. He says his Gators can't even make it through a two-hour practice yet.

But in all seriousness, this event was all about smiles and hopeful outlooks as it usually is.

And the Arkansas Razorbacks came off appearing as confident and optimistic as anyone. First-year Razorback coach John Pelphrey touched on a wide variety of topics during the near-hour he spent speaking with the print media.

He joked about his first trip the the media day event in Birmingham, as a 23-year-old senior forward at Kentucky in 1992. He raved about his six seniors. He complimented sophomore Patrick Beverley for his fire, determination, work ethic and spirit. He discussed the pressures that accompany a prediction of winning the SEC Western Division in his first year on the job. And he dissceted the strengths and weaknesses of a squad that has Arkansas fans jazzed up about hoops again.

Some other first-day happenings of note:
• Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl showed up in a bright orange sport coat and entertained the masses like no other coach can in America. He spent 10 minutes going on a hysterical diatribe of the SEC's new commitment to enforcing the coach's box (note to reader: Pearl likes to roam.).
• Donovan called Tennessee guard Chris Lofton the "best bad-shot shooter" he's ever seen. Arkansas fans can attest to that. Lofton drilled a few 25-foot, contested 3-pointers to beat the Hogs last season in Bud Walton Arena.
• Auburn's Quantez Robertson and Frank Tolbert said there is an actual buzz on campus about the Tigers' upcoming basketball season. They return all of their players from last season, and the school has just embarked on a new facilities project.
• Arkansas guard Patrick Beverley took a break from his lunch to introduce himself to Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt.
• LSU coach John Brady commented on the current state of recruiting by saying, "if you have a senior-laden team, you must not be recruiting right." He was trying to make the point that you must recruit the kind of talent that will leave early for the NBA draft if you want to win. Don't try telling that to Arkansas' players, though. They have a roster with six seniors this season.

MORE FROM BIRMINGHAM TOMORROW.

RYAN MALASHOCK

Posted by Ryan Malashock at 05:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

A few days ago, CBSSportsline's Dennis Dodd posted an interesting piece on his blog regarding Arkansas and North Carolina coach Butch Davis last week. In essence, Dodd wrote that Davis had a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the Tar Heels if the Razorbacks came calling.

Well, it certainly has created a stir in North Carolina.

Davis was asked about it yesterday and had some interesting comments that appeared in the Charlotte Observer as well as the Raleigh News and Observer. Here is what the News and Observer story said:

"The unfortunate thing is," he said of the report, "I did play there, my father lives there, and I've got a lot of friends there. ... But I am thrilled to be here, and I believe the program here, we've spent a great year, this first year, building stuff. And there's so many positive things going on with this program, I'm excited about the future of our program."

So would he leave for Arkansas?

"I just told you, I'm thrilled to be at North Carolina," he said.

If you like dissecting a coach's comments, you'll notice Davis failed to say no. Does it mean anything? Who knows. Of course, Houston Nutt remains Arkansas' coach even though his future with the Razorbacks is something that becomes a bigger and bigger question as the season wears on. Davis' name is one of the obvious ones that is mentioned because of his ties to the state and John Tyson.

One other thing of interest: North Carolina officials confirmed yesterday that there is no clause in Davis' contract regarding Arkansas. If he leaves for another coaching job, North Carolina between $700,000 and $2 million, depending on the length of his tenure according to the News and Observer.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 10:16 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

We've spent plenty of time talking about Darren McFadden and the Heisman Trophy. After another solid, yet, un-Heisman performance at Ole Miss, this might be the last mention for some time.

Here are the latest results in ESPN's Heisman Trophy poll. If you'll notice, McFadden is no longer in the top five. The top spot is now held by Florida's Tim Tebow after his impressive performance at Kentucky.

Quarterbacks Matt Ryan (Boston College), Andre Woodson (Kentucky) and Dennis Dixon (Orgeron) are two, three and four, respectively on the list. Michigan running back Michael Hart is No. 5 and McFadden is behind in at No. 6.

Of course, this is purely subjective. Nothing matters until the Heisman voters submit their selections late in the season. But barring a strong finish by Arkansas and some pretty remarkable efforts by McFadden, the Heisman hopes seem to be disappearing.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 11:36 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas' next opponent, Florida International, is in its sixth year of football and its first year under new coach Mario Cristobal. Unfortunately, the program hasn't made a name for itself on the field like South Florida, which is in its 10th season.

The Golden Panthers carry the nation's longest losing streak (19 games) to Fayetteville.

Even worse, FIU is best known for this ugly incident against Miami last year:

Cristobal, who, coincidentally, was at Miami as an assistant last year, said the program has done its best to move forward from the brawl in the seven months he has been on campus. It can't be easy though. Especially when a quick search on YouTube.com proves the fight is still everywhere.

But here are some fun FIU facts worth mentioning:

• The school was founded in 1972 and opened with 5,667 students. The FIU media guide says that number was the largest opening day enrollment in U.S. collegiate history. The school now has 38,000.

• FIU's first mascot was the Sunblazer. But that changed in 1987, when it was replaced with the Golden Panther. The school also changed its colors to blue and gold at the time.

• FIU currently plays its home games in the Orange Bowl, but is working on an on-campus stadium set to open in time for 2008. The capactity will be 18,000. Additional phases of construction will eventually bring the stadium to 45,000.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 11:22 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

It's been a little while since the last entry and for good reason: The Internet has been knocked out here in the press box since halftime. So was the scoreboard. The ribbon board and, I've been told, some of the power and electricity around campus.

A fireworks display at halftime went wrong, somehow knocking out power and starting a small fire outside the stadium. Check out the paper tomorrow for more details of his bizarre event.

On the field, Arkansas is cruising with a 31-0 lead. The game summary is simple: Ole Miss hasn't been able to stop the Razorbacks' run game. Ole Miss quarterback Seth Adams has thrown four interceptions (and been replaced by Brent Schaeffer I might add).

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 04:02 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

How often do you get to see two interceptions in the last seven seconds of a half?

We were just treated to that football oddity a few moments ago.

Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick heaved a last-second pass downfield to try to give the Razorbacks another score late in the half, but it bounced off a helmet and into the hands of Ole Miss safety Johnny Brown. During the run back, Arkansas was flagged for a facemask. It gave the Rebels an untimed down.

Ole Miss quarterback Seth Adams then tossed an interception of his own (on a horrible pass) to Arkansas cornerback Jerell Norton. He returned the ball well into Ole Miss territory and was stripped of the ball. He recovered it, though. Arkansas committed a penalty on the return anyway.

The half ends with Arkansas leading 21-0.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:24 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Two years ago, Arkansas came to Oxford, fell into an early hole and had to come-from-behind to win.

This time, it looks like the Razorbacks will spend the rest of the game trying to protect a huge lead.

Arkansas has dominated the first quarter. The only black marks might've been a shaky start on defense and Darren McFadden's fumble on his first snap. Even those two were mild problems. The defense didn't break and Ole Miss missed a 49-yard field goal attempt. McFadden recovered his own fumble.

Here are some of the highlights so far:

• Felix Jones has two touchdown runs from 38 and 11 yards. The second came out of the WildHog formation. Jones had 58 yards in the first quarter, McFadden had 32.

• Defensive end Adrian Davis intercepted a Seth Adams pass, which was supposed to be a short screen to running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. It was Davis' first snap of the game (I think).

• Quarterback Casey Dick just threw a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Andrew Davie, which capped another scoring drive. It has given Arkansas a 21-0 lead. Dick is 5 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown after Arkansas first three possessions.

Here are some first quarter numbers:

• Total offense: Arkansas 152, Ole Miss 73
• Rushing offense: Arkansas 97, Ole Miss 31
• Third-down conversions: Arkansas 3 of 3, Ole Miss 2 of 4

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said creativity will be an emphasis today.

Is a draw play on third-and-10 creative? It doesn't matter. It worked.

McFadden broke a 30-yard run on third-and-10 a few minutes ago to give the Razorbacks a first down at the Ole Miss 38. Then, Felix Jones took care of the rest by sprinting around the right side of Arkansas' defensive line for a 38-yard touchdown. The Hogs' 4-play, 68-yard drive gives them a 7-0 lead.

More important, it might give Arkansas confidence that the offense is capable of playing well.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

This was supposed to be a pre-game blog, but I've been so busy catching up with former co-workers that I'm running behind schedule. For anyone that doesn't know, I spent the past two years covering Ole Miss at the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. So this has been a homecoming, of sorts.

But I'm here for work and here's is what I can tell you so far: Arkansas receiver Marcus Monk is in uniform and was warming up with the team. No word on how much he'll play, but it looks like he'll give it a go.

In the meantime, Ole Miss is putting together an impressive first drive. They've run well, completed third-down passes and are threatening to score in the opening moments.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:09 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas wide receiver Robert Johnson, who has been bothered by a strained muscle in his lower right leg, did not participate in the first part of Wednesday's practice. He didn't stretch with his teammates, and it appeared as if the senior would sit out the remainder of practice to rest his leg.

Johnson has been bothered by the injury for several weeks, but the Razorbacks desperately need him to play Saturday at Ole Miss. Arkansas has been hit hard at the wide receiver position by injuries, leaving quarterback Casey Dick with few options and no go-to receiver.

Thursday will be a big test in determining whether Johnson will be able to play in Oxford, Miss. If he doesn't practice, then the chances are good that he won't be ready in time for the Rebels. Ideally, Arkansas coach Houston Nutt would like to have a healthy Marcus Monk, but he just doesn't seem to be over his right knee injury yet.

Posted by Alex Abrams at 04:02 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Wonder what the national media thinks of Houston Nutt's chances of returning to the Razorbacks for his fifth season? Well, SI.com writer Stewart Mandel answers that question in his latest piece on coaches on the hot seat at midseason. Check out the story by clicking this link.

One of the highlights of Mandel's assessment of Nutt includes this paragraph:

"If I were to categorize the job-security of the nation's many 'coaches on the hot seat,' the three referenced above -- Nebraska's Bill Callahan, Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione and Arkansas' Houston Nutt -- would all fall into the most severe category: 'Dead Men Walking.' They are what Larry Coker and John Bunting were this time a year ago."

Still not enough? How about this:

"Remember all the craziness that hovered over Arkansas' program last winter and spring (lawsuits, fans requesting cell-phone records, etc.)? Remember how bizarre it seemed to anyone outside that state that even a segment of the Razorbacks' fan base could be so put out by a coach who had just orchestrated the school's best season in 17 years?

"Turns out, the very events that touched off their outrage -- Nutt's condescending treatment of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and subsequent transfer of ballyhooed QB Mitch Mustain -- are what's biting him now. Arkansas has no passing attack. None. Zippo."

OK. You're probably sold. But here's one more for a kicker:

"And Nutt's stubborn adherence to nepotism (it recently came out that brother Danny somehow remains on Arkansas' payroll) over innovation (Malzahn -- or 'high school,' as he was supposedly referred to on Nutt's staff -- currently oversees a Tulsa offense averaging 573 yards a game) will likely cause him to fall from SEC coach of the year in 2006 to unemployed in '07."

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 12:56 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Running back Darren McFadden’s Heisman Trophy hopes are plummeting very, very quickly.

Need proof? For the first time this season, the junior isn’t among the top five candidates to win the award according to the weekly Scripps-Howard Heisman Trophy poll. The poll consists of a panel of 10 college football writers and spans each region of the country. After last week, McFadden has slipped to No. 6 in the standings while Boston College’s Matt Ryan has overtaken the top spot.

Need more proof? ESPN’s panel of experts agree. McFadden also has fallen from first to fifth in the Worldwide Leader’s Heisman poll . Each week, one member of the panel reveals his/her selections. This week, ESPN.com writer Mark Schlabach’s five-player list doesn’t include McFadden.

It should come as no surprise. Voters don’t look too highly at a player whose team is 0-3 in conference play. Especially when that player is coming off a 43-yard rushing effort on national televison.

Is McFadden to blame? Probably not. Is he done? Not at all. In this year of the upset, in which nobody seems to want the No. 1 ranking in the polls, the nation’s top players have had to survive their share of good and bad. But there’s no doubt it will take a second-half surge by McFadden — as well as some big wins — for the Little Rock native to claim the coveted award.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 01:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Time to break down my AP Top 25 ballot.

Like every other voter, I've had to shake up my ballot significantly over the past few weeks because of all the upsets. Usually, there are at least a few elite teams at the top of the poll and then everyone else. But that's not the case this year.

Ohio State is the third team this season I've voted for to be the No. 1 team, joining Southern Cal and then LSU. Before I begin breaking down some of my picks, here is the ballot I submitted late Saturday night.

1. Ohio State
2. South Florida
3. Boston College
4. South Carolina
5. Kentucky
6. LSU
7. Oklahoma
8. Arizona State
9. California
10. Oregon
11 West Virginia
12. Missouri
13. Southern Cal
14. Florida
15. Virginia Tech
16. Kansas
17. Auburn
18. Hawaii
19. Georgia
20. Texas
21. Tennessee
22. Cincinnati
23. Kansas State
24. Illinois
25. Penn State

For me, it was a no-brainer that South Florida would be ranked ahead of Boston College. But I had some difficulty deciding whether USF should get my No. 1 vote. After all, the Bulls have impressive wins over Auburn and West Virginia.

But I have to admit it's still hard thinking that USF is perhaps better than a traditional power like Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't have as impressive of a resume as USF, and that's why I could see myself giving USF my first-place vote at some point. But for at least right now, I gave my vote to Ohio State.

USF plays Rutgers on Thursday night, and though Rutgers is no longer a Top 25 team, the game should further prove if USF is for real.

It was easier determining where South Carolina, Kentucky and LSU would be ranked. After all, South Carolina beat Kentucky, which beat LSU. So naturally, South Carolina would go No. 4 behind Boston College, followed by Kentucky and LSU.

Even though LSU lost, I don't think there is much doubt that the Tigers are still one of the nation's best teams. Especially this season, in which every team seems to be leaving.

Check back next week and my AP ballot might look completely different.

Posted by Alex Abrams at 04:49 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Do you remember when Houston Nutt "just couldn't get on that plane" to Nebraska back in 2003?

Well, the athletic director he jilted is now out at Nebraska.

The school announced today that Steve Pederson has been fired because of a lack of football progress. It also means Nebraska coach Bill Callahan has to be preparing to put a "For Sale" sign in his yard in Lincoln, too. The Cornhuskers are 4-3 and coming off a 45-14 loss to Oklahoma State last Saturday.

With all the talk about Nutt's future at Arkansas, it makes you wonder what might have been if he decided to accept Pederson's job offer way back then. Remember, Pederson came to Northwest Arkansas and met with Nutt after the Independence Bowl win. He sent the school's plane a day later to pick up Nutt and take him to Lincoln, where, no doubt, he would've been named the school's next coach.

But Nutt, at the last minute, declined the offer. Would he have fared better at Nebraska? Did he make the right decision to stay? Would it have changed anything — good or bad — the past three years?

And, oh yeah, almost forgot: Before becoming Nebraska's AD, Pederson was at Pitt. When he left his post at Pitt for Nebraska, guess who replaced him. None other than new Arkansas AD Jeff Long. Interesting.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 02:35 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas' post-game, team meeting didn't last as long as usual tonight.

But in reality, how much could Arkansas coach Houston Nutt say?

The Razorbacks looked awful on offense the entire game, while the defense turned in its best performance of the season by holding Auburn out of the end zone. But then, when the offense finally came to life in the game's final minutes and delivered the go-ahead score, the defense crumbled by giving up just enough yards (and one big play) for Auburn to walk away with a 9-7 win.

By now you know the raw numbers: Arkansas gained 193 yards. That included 71 on its last-minute touchdown drive. McFadden rushed for 43 which, in essence, puts his Heisman Trophy hopes in big, big jeopardy. Felix Jones chipped in only 42. But then again, he only touched the ball eight times.

There were plenty of long faces in Arkansas' locker room. I saw defensive back Jerell Norton being consoled by teammates. Offensive coordinator David Lee looked worn out. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring had to tell himself to be careful before talking to the media.

Arkansas is 0-3 in the SEC, which further fans the flames of anyone demanding a coaching change. Are the Razorbacks thinking about that? Maybe. But Herring summed up Arkansas' most immediate concern inside the Broyles Center tonight: Somehow, it must regroup and prepare for Ole Miss.

If not, this could get even uglier for the Razorbacks.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 10:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas has done nothing on offense the entire game. But it might not matter.

The Razorbacks just scored for the first time tonight, putting together a 6-play, 71-yard drive after Auburn missed its second field goal of the game.

Darren McFadden threw a pass and drew a pass interference penalty. Robert Johnson threw a pass to Peyton Hillis. Casey Dick threw a pass to McFadden. Felix Jones had two big runs. Then, Dick threw a touchdown pass to receiver Lucas Miller to give the Hogs a 7-6 lead.

How did that happen? Who knows. But if Arkansas holds on, it won't care.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 08:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

This time, Wes Byrum connected on a 38-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead.

Can't exactly fault Arkansas' defense for that one. The drive started at Arkansas' 44 after another Razorbacks punt. So, now, the Razorbacks must score a touchdown to win this game.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 08:22 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The offense has been woeful, but Arkansas running back Darren McFadden did break the school's career rushing record late in the third quarter.

McFadden ran for 13 yards out of the WildHog formation to get the record. It's not the kind of night he expected. In fact, I'd say it's teetering on the edge of ending his Heisman Trophy campaign.

McFadden had 40 yards on 16 carries after three quarters. Arkansas hasn't scored. Not exactly a boost to your Heisman Trophy resume in a nationally televised game.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 08:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas' defense has done almost everything possible to help the Razorbacks win this game.

Linebacker Weston Dacus came up with a key strip to end an Auburn drive at the Arkansas 8. Freddie Fairchild has made a couple plays. The defensive line, led by Antwain Robinson and Ernest Mitchell, haven't given up much running room. Brandon Cox has hit the turf several times.

The Razorbacks just kept the Tigers from scoring once again after bending, bending and bending at the end of the third quarter. But after a drive stalled, Wes Byrum missed a field goal attempt and the score remains 3-0 Auburn heading into the fourth quarter.

At this point, the defense might have to score on its own for the Razorbacks to win.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 08:11 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas' defense came up with another bigt stop in the third quarter — almost.

While Brandon Cox's third-down pass fell incomplete, so did a yellow flag in the Auburn backfield. Matt Hewitt was penalized for roughing the passer, giving Auburn an automatic first down. Cox was hurt on the play and had to be helped off the field.

That brought backup Kodi Burns, the Ft. Smith native, on the field for the first time tonight.

Burns kept the ball on his first play and was flipped to the ground out of bounds by linebacker Freddie Fairchild after a small gain. He was flagged for a personnal foul penalty too.

The good news for Arkansas is that it got out of the jam. Brad Lester was stripped by linebacker Weston Dacus on the next play and the Hogs recovered it at their own 8.

But will the offense do anything with the turnover?

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 07:45 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The first half is in the books. It's 3-0 Auburn in what has been, well, a pretty ugly game if you like offense.

Auburn scored a field goal on its first possession and that has been all. The teams have combined for 209 yards (Auburn 112, Arkansas 97). They're a combined 2 of 14 on third down. And, even more surprising, the Razorbacks have 24 rushing yards.

It reminds me of the 2003 Auburn-Arkansas game, which was very, very low scoring.

Auburn's defense came to Fayetteville and shut down Arkansas, which was led by Matt Jones. In the end, the Tigers won 10-3. It's heading in that direction unless Houston Nutt and company can figure something out in the locker room at halftime.

Here are some numbers:

Casey Dick — 6 of 11 for 73 yards
Darren McFadden — 10 carries, 23 yards
Felix Jones — 3 carries, 10 yards; 2 catches, 9 yards
Peyton Hilis — 1 catches, 29 yards
D.J. Williams — 1 catch, 14 yards

Brandon Cox — 7 of 13 for 39 yards
Brad Lester — 15 carries, 58 yards
Ben Tate — 4 carries, 10 yards
Mario Fannin — 2 carries, 10 yards
R. Smith — 3 catches, 11 yards
M. Billigs — 2 catches, 15 yards

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 07:21 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I'm guessing punt returner Jerell Norton won't be on the field the next time Auburn has to punt.

The junior has now muffed two punts in this game. He has recovered both, but there's no doubt coach Houston Nutt isn't going to gamble with Norton back there anymore. It's clear Norton has the potential to turn in a big play — look at his 45-yarder last week — but he has to catch the ball cleanly first.

Norton's latest fumble came after he had signaled for a fair catch.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 06:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville just took the first gamble of the ballgame, keeping his offense on the field for a fourth-and-1 from the Tigers' 30. Brandon Cox kept the ball and surged forward for a two-yard gain to keep the drive alive and avoid a costly turnover on downs.

Why would the Tigers do that with a 3-0 lead?

Maybe to make a statement that their offense can and will get big yards when it wants. Maybe to make a statement that they're confident in their own defense, which has shut down the Razorbacks.

It won't amount to points because the Tigers have to punt anyway. But it was an interesting decision.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 06:57 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Arkansas' most promising drive so far stalled a little while and the Razorbacks still came up scoreless when place kicker Alex Tejada missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. It was his second miss this year.

The Razorbacks actually moved the ball downfield thanks to its passing attack. Casey Dick completed his first pass to fullback Peyton Hillis for 34 yards. Then he found receiver Reggie Fish for 9 a little later. He was 2 for 3 on the drive for 43 yards. He only threw for 116 last week.

But it's still 3-0 Auburn.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 06:43 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Want to know how the first quarter went? Here's all you need to know:

Auburn gained 67 yards on18 plays.
Arkansas gained 10 yards on 9 plays.

Auburn scored the only points on an impressive, 14-play drive. They mixed the run game (and three tailbacks) with some play-action passes pretty well against the Razorbacks. Auburn also got 20 yards on the possession because of two Arkansas penalties. That included a personal foul flag on Matterral Richardson, who got into a little scrum with an Auburn receiver.

Arkansas, meanwhile, hasn't been able to get anything going. McFadden rushed for nine yards and has a couple of lost yardage plays. He also was stuffed on a third-and-2 play at about midfield.

Posted by Robbie Neiswanger at 06:27 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)