The Traveler

Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonathan Gibson Arkansas has given up 139 points in the last three weeks, but the Tigers are only averaging 18.7 points per game in six contests.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino was not sure how much No. 20 Auburn would use its spread offense Saturday, but those details might have been unveiled when first-year Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was fired Wednesday.

Petrino said the team has prepared for a more traditional, running style from Auburn (4-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference).

"We all know they will probably run the ball a lot more," Petrino said. "They have a physical offensive line; they have great running backs. We have been practicing to do that anyway, because of what we saw from the first half of the Vanderbilt game."

Petrino, who spent one year as offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2002, said the team has focused on watching what Auburn did last year offensively and what he knows about the coaching staff there.

"We spent a lot of time on the Auburn-Arkansas game last year," Petrino said. "I know those assistant coaches real well. I worked with them and understand what they like in the run, pass and play-action game."

But Petrino said the defense needs to be prepared to see the spread offense, too.

"We still have to be prepared for the [spread] offense, particularly on third down and things they have liked and have had success with," Petrino said. "I think they would get to their comfort zone. They know what their guys do well and what they have had success with. What we can do is go off their tendencies."

With senior cornerback Jamar Love out for at least two more weeks with an injured thumb, sophomore Ramon Broadway will step up and fill the void, Petrino said.

"Broadway is a good football player," Petrino said. "He has played a lot in every game we have been in. He plays the boundary side and is a very good tackler. He really understands not only our package but offenses."

Petrino said Broadway has the ability to make plays on the field with his instincts.

"He has that scary part as a defensive back, where sometimes they cheat and jump on [routes]," Petrino said. "As a quarterback, you don't like that, because you are not sure what he is going to do. He can come up with a couple big plays, and he already has an interception this year. I'm looking forward to him getting some production and getting a couple picks for us."

Continued...

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