Hogs washed out
Hurricane Ike postpones Hogs, 'Horns
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: Sports
Texas and Arkansas officials have agreed to postpone the Saturday game between the Longhorns and Razorbacks because of Hurricane Ike.
The game has been rescheduled for Sept. 27, and kickoff time will be announced at a later date. Both teams previously had open dates that weekend.
"As we worked closely with the University of Texas to consider the options, the safety and welfare of the student-athletes, coaches and fans was everyone's top priority," UA Athletic Director Jeff Long said in a statement. "In considering all of the factors, both institutions felt that postponing the game was the appropriate course of action. We appreciate the cooperation of the University of Texas and the various state and federal authorities in monitoring the situation and working together to make this decision.
"With this decision, we can now turn our focus to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Texas and others affected by Hurricane Ike."
A major item of concern for Texas officials would have been the flow of traffic for the game while evacuees would be fleeing the area. The Texas Department of Transportation has made traffic one-way along Interstate 37 from Corpus Christi to Pleasanton, about 20 miles south of San Antonio.
Although Sept. 27 would have been an off week for both teams, the date could be a problem for Texas. The Austin City Limits Music Festival is the same weekend. Hotel rooms will be difficult to find for not only fans, but also the teams themselves.
Arkansas also finds its schedule much more challenging now. The Razorbacks will play No. 11 Alabama, No. 8 Texas, No. 4 Florida and No. 9 Auburn in succession, with only two of the games at home. The four teams are a combined 8-0 on the season.
The tough stretch could potentially pit Arkansas against four ranked teams in a row for the first time in program history.
Television arrangements for the game will be determined at a later date.
The game has been rescheduled for Sept. 27, and kickoff time will be announced at a later date. Both teams previously had open dates that weekend.
"As we worked closely with the University of Texas to consider the options, the safety and welfare of the student-athletes, coaches and fans was everyone's top priority," UA Athletic Director Jeff Long said in a statement. "In considering all of the factors, both institutions felt that postponing the game was the appropriate course of action. We appreciate the cooperation of the University of Texas and the various state and federal authorities in monitoring the situation and working together to make this decision.
"With this decision, we can now turn our focus to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Texas and others affected by Hurricane Ike."
A major item of concern for Texas officials would have been the flow of traffic for the game while evacuees would be fleeing the area. The Texas Department of Transportation has made traffic one-way along Interstate 37 from Corpus Christi to Pleasanton, about 20 miles south of San Antonio.
Although Sept. 27 would have been an off week for both teams, the date could be a problem for Texas. The Austin City Limits Music Festival is the same weekend. Hotel rooms will be difficult to find for not only fans, but also the teams themselves.
Arkansas also finds its schedule much more challenging now. The Razorbacks will play No. 11 Alabama, No. 8 Texas, No. 4 Florida and No. 9 Auburn in succession, with only two of the games at home. The four teams are a combined 8-0 on the season.
The tough stretch could potentially pit Arkansas against four ranked teams in a row for the first time in program history.
Television arrangements for the game will be determined at a later date.
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