Razorbacks try to carry momentum to Kentucky
Robert Beckmann
Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: Sports
Though their game performance Saturday had its ups and downs, the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) have been rejuvenated this week in practice following a win over a ranked team.
The Hogs snapped a three-game losing streak and are now honing their technique for the forthcoming showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats. The game is slated for a 6 p.m. kickoff in Lexington, Ky., to be televised on ESPNU.
"We certainly didn't do everything right, but we played with very good effort," Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said of the Hogs' 25-22 win over then-No. 20 Auburn. "I do like the improvement we have made in the last few weeks, and our understanding of how to practice and to prepare for a game is better."
Kentucky boasts a fierce defense which is allowing only 10.5 points per game, the third best in the nation. The Wildcats are winless in the SEC thus far, but their two losses have each come by one possession or less.
That includes a 17-14 near miss against No. 2 Alabama. Kentucky is 3-1 at home this season.
"Once again we'll be facing a tough defense and we know that," UA junior tailback Michael Smith said. "The coaches are working on the game plan, but I believe as a team we are more excited. We know how we have to play to win now and as long as everyone comes to practice ready to go, we'll be ready by Saturday."
Smith will likely be a key player for Arkansas against the Wildcats. Against Auburn, he took 35 carries for 176 yards, including a game-winning 63-yard touchdown. For his performance, Smith was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
For the first time this season, Smith and the offensive line managed a sustained running attack for four quarters, which Petrino mentioned weeks ago as necessary in wearing down defensive lines to open up big plays. In turn, Smith became the first Razorback offensive player to make a home-run play this year with his 63-yard dash.
"He's got a big heart and he's probably one of the hardest workers we've got," Arkansas senior quarterback Casey Dick said of Smith. "If you go back and look at how many tackles he makes people miss or slide off him, you'll know he does a fantastic job for us."
The Hogs snapped a three-game losing streak and are now honing their technique for the forthcoming showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats. The game is slated for a 6 p.m. kickoff in Lexington, Ky., to be televised on ESPNU.
"We certainly didn't do everything right, but we played with very good effort," Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said of the Hogs' 25-22 win over then-No. 20 Auburn. "I do like the improvement we have made in the last few weeks, and our understanding of how to practice and to prepare for a game is better."
Kentucky boasts a fierce defense which is allowing only 10.5 points per game, the third best in the nation. The Wildcats are winless in the SEC thus far, but their two losses have each come by one possession or less.
That includes a 17-14 near miss against No. 2 Alabama. Kentucky is 3-1 at home this season.
"Once again we'll be facing a tough defense and we know that," UA junior tailback Michael Smith said. "The coaches are working on the game plan, but I believe as a team we are more excited. We know how we have to play to win now and as long as everyone comes to practice ready to go, we'll be ready by Saturday."
Smith will likely be a key player for Arkansas against the Wildcats. Against Auburn, he took 35 carries for 176 yards, including a game-winning 63-yard touchdown. For his performance, Smith was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
For the first time this season, Smith and the offensive line managed a sustained running attack for four quarters, which Petrino mentioned weeks ago as necessary in wearing down defensive lines to open up big plays. In turn, Smith became the first Razorback offensive player to make a home-run play this year with his 63-yard dash.
"He's got a big heart and he's probably one of the hardest workers we've got," Arkansas senior quarterback Casey Dick said of Smith. "If you go back and look at how many tackles he makes people miss or slide off him, you'll know he does a fantastic job for us."
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