Hogs battling for a bowl bid
Robert Beckmann
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Sports
The Arkansas Razorbacks (4-5, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) have kept on their toes this week as they've prepared for perhaps their most unpredictable opponent of the season.
The South Carolina Gamecocks (6-3, 3-3 SEC) showcase countless looks on both sides of the ball. As a result, Arkansas' workload in learning various formations this week has likely rivaled the most rigorous university curriculum.
"South Carolina is definitely a challenge," UA head coach Bobby Petrino said. "We've had to do a good job of studying them all week. They line up in a lot of different fronts. We have a good game plan and we'll have to execute it."
Together, past opponents of the Hogs make up part of what South Carolina does defensively. Similar to Tulsa, they will occasionally play a 3-3-5 formation.
Like several teams, they sometimes play a 4-3. They also have speed, depth and tackling in the vein of Alabama and Texas.
But all comparisons aside, the Gamecocks are unique in their multiplicity.
"Their defense has a done a great job this year," Petrino said. "They have some pretty good safeties who tackle really well. I think they're similar to what we faced when we played Auburn, but schematically they're their own."
In attacking the Gamecocks, the Hogs are looking to even out their offensive production. Last Saturday, Arkansas received a career day from quarterback Casey Dick but failed to consistently move the ball on the ground.
For the game, the Razorbacks accrued a total of 50 yards rushing. Facing a tricky South Carolina defense this week, UA coaches have emphasized the importance of a solid running attack to maintain control.
"On offense, we need to do a better job of running and blocking," Razorback offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. "This game, it's important that we are able to run the ball well and we've put a big emphasis on that in practices. We have emphasized it all week."
In terms of blocking, injuries have affected the offensive line for weeks. As this practice week drew to a close, the status of the line remained a mystery.
The South Carolina Gamecocks (6-3, 3-3 SEC) showcase countless looks on both sides of the ball. As a result, Arkansas' workload in learning various formations this week has likely rivaled the most rigorous university curriculum.
"South Carolina is definitely a challenge," UA head coach Bobby Petrino said. "We've had to do a good job of studying them all week. They line up in a lot of different fronts. We have a good game plan and we'll have to execute it."
Together, past opponents of the Hogs make up part of what South Carolina does defensively. Similar to Tulsa, they will occasionally play a 3-3-5 formation.
Like several teams, they sometimes play a 4-3. They also have speed, depth and tackling in the vein of Alabama and Texas.
But all comparisons aside, the Gamecocks are unique in their multiplicity.
"Their defense has a done a great job this year," Petrino said. "They have some pretty good safeties who tackle really well. I think they're similar to what we faced when we played Auburn, but schematically they're their own."
In attacking the Gamecocks, the Hogs are looking to even out their offensive production. Last Saturday, Arkansas received a career day from quarterback Casey Dick but failed to consistently move the ball on the ground.
For the game, the Razorbacks accrued a total of 50 yards rushing. Facing a tricky South Carolina defense this week, UA coaches have emphasized the importance of a solid running attack to maintain control.
"On offense, we need to do a better job of running and blocking," Razorback offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. "This game, it's important that we are able to run the ball well and we've put a big emphasis on that in practices. We have emphasized it all week."
In terms of blocking, injuries have affected the offensive line for weeks. As this practice week drew to a close, the status of the line remained a mystery.
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