Razorbacks prepare for tough stretch
Robert Beckmann
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: Sports
Part one of the toughest four-game stretch in Arkansas Razorback football history begins this weekend.
The next four games will include four Top 10 teams, with a combined record of 10-0. Together, those teams have outscored their opponents 335-74.
For Arkansas (2-0), it starts Saturday with the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) at 11:30 a.m. in Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Rather than be worried, the young Hogs are keyed up for the challenge as they continue to acclimate themselves to Bobby Petrino's new system.
"You have to be able to look forward to it and say bring it on," said safety Matt Harris. "One-hundred percent of our focus is on Alabama, but as for the four-game stretch, we knew we had it coming for the past eight months so we're not worried or scared about anything."
After finding out late last Wednesday night that the Texas game would be delayed because of Hurricane Ike, Arkansas switched gears Thursday and began preparing for the Crimson Tide. Hog players were given Friday night and Saturday off before having a two-hour Sunday night practice under the lights in Reynolds Stadium.
"Practice under the lights is always a different atmosphere for the players and they always come out with a little more energy," Head Coach Bobby Petrino said. "We got a lot done and hopefully it helps us get ready for this game [because] we know it's going to be a very tough challenge."
Though not the ideal bye-week, Arkansas received five additional days of preparation for their Southeastern Conference debut. Much of the extra time was spent analyzing the Hogs' play in their first two games, pinpointing mistakes.
Special teams are one area in which massive improvements are being worked on. Coming off a game in which they missed field goals, an extra point and botched a punt, the Hogs will face an additional challenge Saturday in stopping Alabama kick returner Javier Arenas.
Against Tulane, Arenas returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. For the game, he set a school record by accumulating 212 total return yards.
The next four games will include four Top 10 teams, with a combined record of 10-0. Together, those teams have outscored their opponents 335-74.
For Arkansas (2-0), it starts Saturday with the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) at 11:30 a.m. in Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Rather than be worried, the young Hogs are keyed up for the challenge as they continue to acclimate themselves to Bobby Petrino's new system.
"You have to be able to look forward to it and say bring it on," said safety Matt Harris. "One-hundred percent of our focus is on Alabama, but as for the four-game stretch, we knew we had it coming for the past eight months so we're not worried or scared about anything."
After finding out late last Wednesday night that the Texas game would be delayed because of Hurricane Ike, Arkansas switched gears Thursday and began preparing for the Crimson Tide. Hog players were given Friday night and Saturday off before having a two-hour Sunday night practice under the lights in Reynolds Stadium.
"Practice under the lights is always a different atmosphere for the players and they always come out with a little more energy," Head Coach Bobby Petrino said. "We got a lot done and hopefully it helps us get ready for this game [because] we know it's going to be a very tough challenge."
Though not the ideal bye-week, Arkansas received five additional days of preparation for their Southeastern Conference debut. Much of the extra time was spent analyzing the Hogs' play in their first two games, pinpointing mistakes.
Special teams are one area in which massive improvements are being worked on. Coming off a game in which they missed field goals, an extra point and botched a punt, the Hogs will face an additional challenge Saturday in stopping Alabama kick returner Javier Arenas.
Against Tulane, Arenas returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. For the game, he set a school record by accumulating 212 total return yards.
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