Arkansas secondary under the microscope
Matt Jones
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Sports
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After giving up 327 yards and four touchdowns to Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson in their 41-38 loss over the weekend, the Hogs (1-1, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) will be asked to contain one of the nation's best passing attacks this weekend when No. 21 Kentucky comes to town.
Kentucky (3-0) boasts one of the nation's best quarterbacks in Andre Woodson. In three games this season, Woodson is 65-of-95 passing for 743 yards and nine touchdowns.
"They have a quarterback who is highly intelligent," said Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt. "He has a lot of confidence going. He has good receivers. They have a good running game. They've got the total package and they're rolling right now."
In last week's win 40-34 win over Louisville, Woodson completed 30-of-44 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns. In preparation for the Wildcats, Arkansas has made some changes in the secondary.
Senior Michael Grant will start at cornerback. Jerell Norton, who started against the Tide, has been moved to second-string. Grant has started both games at strong safety this season. Despite the demotion, Nutt said Norton will see plenty of action as the Wildcats like to run three, four and five-receiver sets.
Nutt said Grant was rusty in his first practice at corner.
"He's a veteran," Nutt said. "He's been around. He's played a lot of snaps at corner, so it's not anything just real new. He just has to get the rust off. He has all week and hopefully this (move) will help us."
Senior Kevin Woods and junior-college transfer Walner Leandre will battle during the week to see who will start at the strong safety position against the Wildcats.
Other Changes
Freshman Crosby Tuck has caught two passes in two games this season. However, those passes were for 42 and 41 yards, respectively, and both went for touchdowns. In reward for his efforts, Tuck was named starter by Nutt and offensive coordinator David Lee.
"He's done a great job," said Arkansas junior quarterback Casey Dick. "He continues to make plays for us, so we're going to put him in there, feed him the ball and see if he continue to make plays."
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