SEC: Greg Childs
Three Arkansas football players were arrested Saturday and charged with burglarizing dorm rooms.
University police arrested wide receivers Marquel Wade and Maudrecus Humphrey, and tight end Andrew Peterson after security video showed the players allegedly walked into rooms where items had been taken. The police report valued the stolen property, including computers and textbooks, at almost $5,000.
Arkansas coach John L. Smith indefinitely suspended the three:
The video that police viewed showed the three players walking the hallways, checking doors and entering rooms inside the dormitory. Police said a witness saw Peterson and Humphrey opening doors, and that another witness identified Peterson as having been in her room.
Some of the stolen items were recovered from a bookstore near campus and in Peterson's room. The report also said a store clerk identified the three as regularly selling used items.
Wade was charged with a felony count of burglary, while Humphrey and Peterson were both charged with nine felony counts of burglary.
Since March, six Arkansas players have been arrested, making 2012 even harder for the football program. Stack those arrests on top of Bobby Petrino's embarrassing exit, and this has been far from the start that Arkansas wanted.
Before the Petrino situation rocked the program, the Razorbacks were expected to be a team that contended for the SEC championship and maybe even the national championship. Since then, the road to multiple title for Arkansas seems to be a little muddier.
Saturday's arrests certainly don't help. Wade only caught eight passes for 62 yards in 2011, but the expectations are for him to be a major contributor in the passing game, especially with the departure of receivers Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright. Wade was also dynamic in the return game, averaging 25.6 yards per kickoff return and returning one kick 85 yards for a touchdown.
Smith was brought in to make the transition to the season easier for players after Petrino's firing. The thought was that this team would be lost if an outsider was brought in, so athletic director Jeff Long went with a very familiar face in Smith, who spent the past three seasons as Arkansas' special teams coach.
This isn't exactly rallying around your new coach. It's having no regard for him or your team. This incident is something a new coach doesn't want to deal with and shouldn't have to deal with. Obviously, Smith will have to see how things play out legally, but losing a player like Wade could put a wrench in Arkansas' plans this fall.
So once again, this team is left trying to pick itself up after yet another boneheaded incident that's brought more embarrassment. Players will no doubt say the right things and scold the wrongdoers, but this act has to be tiring in Fayetteville.
If this team really wants to show that its success isn't going to be all about the coach, it has to make sure the players are more focused going forward. Six arrests doesn't mean players have gotten out of hand, but it isn't a great number to have on your spring résumé. They also stand as more distractions.
And Arkansas doesn't need anymore distractions going forward.
University police arrested wide receivers Marquel Wade and Maudrecus Humphrey, and tight end Andrew Peterson after security video showed the players allegedly walked into rooms where items had been taken. The police report valued the stolen property, including computers and textbooks, at almost $5,000.
[+] Enlarge
Beth Hall/US PresswireRazorbacks coach John L. Smith immediately and indefinitely suspended receiver Marquel Wade and two other players in his first test of discipline since being hired to replace Bobby Petrino last month.
Beth Hall/US PresswireRazorbacks coach John L. Smith immediately and indefinitely suspended receiver Marquel Wade and two other players in his first test of discipline since being hired to replace Bobby Petrino last month."We have high standards for our student-athletes, and I expect them to conduct themselves appropriately. Poor conduct and misbehavior will not be tolerated and is not what we expect from the University of Arkansas football program."
The video that police viewed showed the three players walking the hallways, checking doors and entering rooms inside the dormitory. Police said a witness saw Peterson and Humphrey opening doors, and that another witness identified Peterson as having been in her room.
Some of the stolen items were recovered from a bookstore near campus and in Peterson's room. The report also said a store clerk identified the three as regularly selling used items.
Wade was charged with a felony count of burglary, while Humphrey and Peterson were both charged with nine felony counts of burglary.
Since March, six Arkansas players have been arrested, making 2012 even harder for the football program. Stack those arrests on top of Bobby Petrino's embarrassing exit, and this has been far from the start that Arkansas wanted.
Before the Petrino situation rocked the program, the Razorbacks were expected to be a team that contended for the SEC championship and maybe even the national championship. Since then, the road to multiple title for Arkansas seems to be a little muddier.
Saturday's arrests certainly don't help. Wade only caught eight passes for 62 yards in 2011, but the expectations are for him to be a major contributor in the passing game, especially with the departure of receivers Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright. Wade was also dynamic in the return game, averaging 25.6 yards per kickoff return and returning one kick 85 yards for a touchdown.
Smith was brought in to make the transition to the season easier for players after Petrino's firing. The thought was that this team would be lost if an outsider was brought in, so athletic director Jeff Long went with a very familiar face in Smith, who spent the past three seasons as Arkansas' special teams coach.
This isn't exactly rallying around your new coach. It's having no regard for him or your team. This incident is something a new coach doesn't want to deal with and shouldn't have to deal with. Obviously, Smith will have to see how things play out legally, but losing a player like Wade could put a wrench in Arkansas' plans this fall.
So once again, this team is left trying to pick itself up after yet another boneheaded incident that's brought more embarrassment. Players will no doubt say the right things and scold the wrongdoers, but this act has to be tiring in Fayetteville.
If this team really wants to show that its success isn't going to be all about the coach, it has to make sure the players are more focused going forward. Six arrests doesn't mean players have gotten out of hand, but it isn't a great number to have on your spring résumé. They also stand as more distractions.
And Arkansas doesn't need anymore distractions going forward.
Happy Monday all. Without further adieu, your links:
- Former Alabama quarterback Phillip Sims plans to enroll at Virginia.
- Auburn's Josh Harris and Neiko Thorpe ink free-agent deals.
- Arkansas' receivers make a little NFL draft history.
- Tennessee coach Derek Dooley views his staff overhaul as a "correction."
- This year's NFL draft puts Tennessee's lack of talent on full display, writes David Climer of The Tennessean.
- The man allegedly beaten by former Georgia running back Caleb King is improving.
- Bobby Massie's slide ends in the fourth round.
- Former LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne admits that he didn't try on his Wonderlic test.
- It could be a big 2013 NFL draft for the Florida Gators.
- Texas A&M's defense needs to improve to make a run in the SEC, writes Robert Cessna of The Bryan Eagle.
SEC links to cure that appetite at this point in the day.
- Five questions Alabama faces as it enters spring practice.
- A healthy Greg Childs impresses at Arkansas' Pro Day.
- At least a dozen former Tide players will take part in Alabama's Pro Day.
- With his college career over, former Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter tries to impress at pro day.
- Robbie Neiswanger provides five notes from Arkansas' Pro Day.
- Florida releases the deals for assistant coaches.
- Georgia tight end Aron White makes the most of the Bulldogs' Pro Day.
- Missouri gets a pledge from an offensive lineman.
- News and notes from Missouri's first spring practice can be found here.
- LSU linebacker Kevin Minter is taking on a new leadership role with the Tigers this spring.
- South Carolina recruit is back on board with the Georgia Bulldogs.
- Tharold Simon is ready to stand tall in LSU's secondary.
The NFL combine is wrapping up over the next two days in Indianapolis.
Here are some of the top SEC performers to date:
40-yard dash
Here are some of the top SEC performers to date:
40-yard dash
- Arkansas WR Jarius Wright – 4.42
- Florida RB Chris Rainey – 4.45
- Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray – 4.47
- Alabama WR Marquis Maze – 4.51
- Tennessee RB Tauren Poole – 4.54
- Arkansas WR Joe Adams – 4.55
- Arkansas WR Greg Childs – 4.55
- LSU WR Rueben Randle – 4.55
- Missouri TE Michael Egnew – 4.62
- Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 4.62
- Mississippi State RB Vick Ballard – 4.65
- LSU QB Jordan Jefferson – 4.65
- Ole Miss RB Brandon Bolden – 4.66
- Alabama WR Darius Hanks – 4.66
- Georgia TE Orson Charles – 35 repetitions of 225 pounds
- Georgia OT Justin Anderson – 32 repetitions
- Georgia OT Cordy Glenn – 31 repetitions
- LSU LB Ryan Baker – 30 repetitions
- Auburn OT Brandon Mosley – 30 repetitions
- Georgia C Ben Jones – 29 repetitions
- Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox – 30 repetitions
- South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram – 28 repetitions
- Tennessee RB Tauren Poole – 24 repetitions
- Mississippi State RB Vick Ballard – 23 repetitions
- Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray – 21 repetitions
- Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 41 inches
- Ole Miss RB Brandon Bolden – 38 inches
- Arkansas WR Jarius Wright – 38 inches
- Arkansas WR Greg Childs – 36.5 inches
- Florida RB Chris Rainey – 36.5 inches
- Arkansas WR Joe Adams – 36 inches
- Tennessee RB Tauren Poole – 34 inches
- Missouri TE Michael Egnew – 10 feet, 11 inches
- Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 10 feet, 7 inches
- Arkansas WR Greg Childs – 10 feet, 5 inches
- Arkansas WR Joe Adams – 10 feet, 3 inches
- Florida RB Chris Rainey – 3.93
- Arkansas WR Jarius Wright – 4.03
- LSU QB Jordan Jefferson – 4.06
- Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 4.11
Arkansas shouldn't fret over loss of Neal
February, 22, 2012
Feb 22
11:30
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
After a drama-filled, late signing day for ESPNU 150 athlete Davonte Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral), the nation's No. 8 prospect finally made a decision.
He picked Notre Dame over Arizona, Arkansas and North Carolina, ending what had turned into quite the spectacle.
Now that Neal's recruitment is officially over, Arkansas' coaching staff can officially put the 2012 recruiting class to bed. And while Neal would have been a tremendous addition to the Razorbacks' class, it's not the end of the world that Arkansas didn't land him. In fact, missing out on both Neal and top receiver Dorial Green-Beckham won't set Bobby Petrino's team back.
Also, after the "show" that Neal put on with his recruitment, there are definitely questions about his mindset. We don't know every single detail concerning his recruitment, but from what I know about Petrino's offense, a me-first attitude doesn't work within a scheme that tries to spread the ball around as much as possible.
Arkansas lost three future NFL draft picks in Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright, but returns a handful of receiving targets in 2012. Two of those returning -- tight end Chris Gragg and receiver Cobi Hamilton -- ranked third and fourth, respectively, in receiving for the Hogs.
Hamilton, who will probably see his name near the top of the list of returning SEC receivers this fall, caught 34 passes for 542 yards and was second on the team with four touchdowns. Gragg, one of the top returning tight ends in the league, caught 41 passes for 518 yards and two scores.
That's a good foundation, but it doesn't end there for the Hogs. Arkansas' deep receiving corps hasn't accumulated a ton of stats, but that's because these players haven't had much of a chance with those vets in front of them. They've shown that to the coaches in practice, but haven't had the chance to do it for the public.
One of those players expected to make a big leap in 2012 is rising sophomore Marquel Wade. He only caught eight passes last fall, but the coaches are expecting big things from him in Year 2. Wade has big play ability, is shifty and the coaches think he resembles Adams in his movements and returning ability. He should receive a lot more attention from quarterback Tyler Wilson and opposing defenders. However, with his speed and elusiveness, he should be able to make a play or two next fall.
Juniors-to-be Javontee Herndon and Julian Horton, who combined for 17 catches in 2011, are also back and from what the coaches have seen in practice, they expect them to step right in this fall.
Also, keep an eye out on incoming juco transfer receiver Demetrius Wilson and freshman tight end Demetrius Dean. Wilson should certainly get a chance to compete early because coaches don't exactly bring in juco players to sit and watch. Dean (6-foot- 3, 240 pounds) could come in and line up opposite Gragg and has the ability to split out wide if needed.
Striking out with both Neal and DGB wasn't exactly part of Petrino's recruiting plan, but his teams have led the SEC in passing the past three years for a reason, so don't expect him to pout too much about losing these two.
He picked Notre Dame over Arizona, Arkansas and North Carolina, ending what had turned into quite the spectacle.
Now that Neal's recruitment is officially over, Arkansas' coaching staff can officially put the 2012 recruiting class to bed. And while Neal would have been a tremendous addition to the Razorbacks' class, it's not the end of the world that Arkansas didn't land him. In fact, missing out on both Neal and top receiver Dorial Green-Beckham won't set Bobby Petrino's team back.
Also, after the "show" that Neal put on with his recruitment, there are definitely questions about his mindset. We don't know every single detail concerning his recruitment, but from what I know about Petrino's offense, a me-first attitude doesn't work within a scheme that tries to spread the ball around as much as possible.
[+] Enlarge
Beth Hall/US PresswireCobi Hamilton should be among the top returning receivers in the SEC.
Beth Hall/US PresswireCobi Hamilton should be among the top returning receivers in the SEC.Hamilton, who will probably see his name near the top of the list of returning SEC receivers this fall, caught 34 passes for 542 yards and was second on the team with four touchdowns. Gragg, one of the top returning tight ends in the league, caught 41 passes for 518 yards and two scores.
That's a good foundation, but it doesn't end there for the Hogs. Arkansas' deep receiving corps hasn't accumulated a ton of stats, but that's because these players haven't had much of a chance with those vets in front of them. They've shown that to the coaches in practice, but haven't had the chance to do it for the public.
One of those players expected to make a big leap in 2012 is rising sophomore Marquel Wade. He only caught eight passes last fall, but the coaches are expecting big things from him in Year 2. Wade has big play ability, is shifty and the coaches think he resembles Adams in his movements and returning ability. He should receive a lot more attention from quarterback Tyler Wilson and opposing defenders. However, with his speed and elusiveness, he should be able to make a play or two next fall.
Juniors-to-be Javontee Herndon and Julian Horton, who combined for 17 catches in 2011, are also back and from what the coaches have seen in practice, they expect them to step right in this fall.
Also, keep an eye out on incoming juco transfer receiver Demetrius Wilson and freshman tight end Demetrius Dean. Wilson should certainly get a chance to compete early because coaches don't exactly bring in juco players to sit and watch. Dean (6-foot- 3, 240 pounds) could come in and line up opposite Gragg and has the ability to split out wide if needed.
Striking out with both Neal and DGB wasn't exactly part of Petrino's recruiting plan, but his teams have led the SEC in passing the past three years for a reason, so don't expect him to pout too much about losing these two.
The NFL has released its list of invites to this years NFL combine. Of the more than 300 prospects taking part in the pre-draft shenanigans starting Feb. 22, 62 are from the SEC (for fun we are including Missouri and Texas A&M).
Here are the SEC representatives:
Here are the SEC representatives:
- Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
- Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
- Justin Anderson, OT, Georgia
- Ryan Baker, LB, LSU
- Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State
- Mark Barron, LB, Alabama
- Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
- Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss
- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
- Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
- Ron Brooks, CB, LSU
- Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M
- Drew Butler, P, Georgia
- Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
- Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
- Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
- Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
- Jeff Demps, RB, Florida (Demps decided earlier this year that he will not pursue a career in football and will focus on professional track)
- Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
- Terrence Frederick, CB, Texas A&M
- Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
- Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
- Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
- A.J. Greene, OT Auburn
- Winston Guy, S, Kentucky
- Dom Hamilton, DT, Missouri
- Darius Hanks, WR, Alabama
- Josh Harris, LS, Auburn
- Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
- Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
- Jaye Howard, DT, Florida
- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
- Jerrell Jackson, WR, Missouri
- Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee
- Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU
- Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
- Ben Jones, C, Georgia
- Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
- Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss
- Marquis Maze, WR, Alabama
- Quan Menzie, CB, Alabama
- Charles Mitchell, S, Mississippi State
- Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn
- DeAngelo Peterson, TE, LSU
- Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee
- Chris Rainey, RB, Florida
- Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
- Sean Richardson, S, Vanderbilt
- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
- Quentin Saulsberry, OG, Mississippi State
- Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri
- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
- Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
- Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky
- DeAngelo Tyson, DE, Georgia
- Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
- Blair Walsh, K, Georgia
- Rokevious Watkins, OT, South Carolina
- Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
- Alabama: 9
- Arkansas: 4
- Auburn: 3
- Florida: 3
- Georgia: 8
- Kentucky: 2
- LSU: 8
- Missouri: 4
- Mississippi State: 4
- Ole Miss: 2
- South Carolina: 5
- Tennessee: 2
- Texas A&M: 6
- Vanderbilt: 2
The mailbag is back for your viewing pleasure.
We were hit with a good amount of questions in the past week, so we decided to fill your curious minds.
Signing day is coming up, there are two new teams getting ready to join the league and people are already talking about next year’s SEC champ.
Let’s get to those questions:
Nathan from the Texas panhandle writes: Aggie fan here. My email is in regards to the divisional format of the SEC. I personally think that divisions in a 14-team league are hard to work with since you will hardly see opponents from the division. Why not implement a no division league with a four-team playoff format at the end of the year for the SEC championship game? You keep rivalry games and just alternate opponents every year within the league. League record and rankings would be considered for the four-team slots. Opinion?
Edward Aschoff: First of all, welcome to the SEC … well, almost welcome. You’ll officially join in July, but welcome anyway. The funny thing is that Chris Low and I were actually talking about this exact thing the other day, since basketball has already done it. I know that divisions make it much easier to figure out the teams for the championship game, but I think it would be pretty cool to have just one league with no divisions. The more teams, the harder it is to maintain those traditional rivalries when you have divisions. If you get rid of the divisions, you can maintain every rivalry you want because there would be no obligation to play a certain amount of divisional teams. Alabama-Tennessee would never be in danger and neither would Florida-LSU. You would also have the two best teams in the SEC competing for the championship. Also, “The Rematch” would have happened in Atlanta and there would have been no crying about the national championship because the SEC’s spot would have been settled in Atlanta. I’m all for it.
Brandon Estell from Jonesboro, Ark., writes: With the fairly average recruiting classes, at least ranked that way, that Bobby Petrino has brought to Fayetteville the last couple of years and looking that way again, although it is looking to be picking up come signing day, what is the realistic chance of Arkansas contending for the SEC West title possibly bigger?
Edward Aschoff: As far as the rankings go, Arkansas’ classes haven’t been as high as others in the SEC, but that definitely doesn’t mean that talent hasn’t been going to Fayetteville. Today I looked at some of the unheralded guys who became stars in college and a lot of them played at Arkansas. Just look at the seniors that left. Jake Bequette, Tramain Thomas, Jerry Franklin, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright were pretty much nobodies in high school. Now, everyone knows them. Petrino has done a great job with developing players and I think that if continues the Hogs will be fine. Forget about all the stars and focus on what is happening when they get on campus. Hey, if Arkansas beats LSU, who knows where the Hogs end up last season? Petrino has Arkansas on the right path.
Joe Marina from Orlando, Fla., writes: Hey Ed. I believe you went to school at FL with my sister Jenna Marina. My question is with the recruiting class Muschamp looks to have and also depending on the QB play, I see FL having a much better team than last year. There are still a lot of questions on offense with wide receiver, running back, and QB. But if they play up to their talent, I would say it’s reasonable for FL to win 8 games this year. Would you agree?
Edward Aschoff: Jenna is a great friend of mine. I owe some of my success to her (ask her about our sports reporting project). ... I think that Muschamp’s first “real” class at UF is a pretty good one. He hit the offensive line hard and got the big back that he’s wanted. He could also close with at least one big-play wide receiver. I think this offseason is all about developing a tougher attitude in Gainesville. Muschamp called his team soft at the end of the year and he was right. Florida got pushed around. Can’t do that in the SEC. I think Brent Pease will be very hands on with those young quarterbacks and that offensive line will be worked harder than it ever has. Florida has the talent to compete for the East title, but will it have the attitude? Will it make the necessary plays on offense to help the defense? That schedule is tough with games at Texas A&M and Tennessee to start the year and the season ends at Florida State. Eight wins are possible, but this team has to make a lot of changes on both sides of the ball and has to have a better work ethic.
Tony from Italy writes: With the Big 12 blog leaving Missouri out of many of it's recent conference related post (returning starters/recruiting blogs etc...) when will you start adding them into your blogs on a regular basis?
Edward Aschoff: First off, if you’re in Italy you should be enjoying yourself, not worrying about college football! Please have some gelato for me. As the spring gets closer, you’ll see more Missouri and Texas A&M content. Both schools officially join in July, but any blogs that have to do with the offseason or previewing the fall will have both included. Our recruiting scorecard didn’t have them because it was just a look at where the current SEC teams were. We’ll probably hit both when we look at signing day.
David Whitten from Gadsden, Ala., writes: It seems no one thinks Bama will be very good next season, why is that? They played a lot of players all year and they have experience coming back, maybe the "experts" need to sit back and look at what we were seeing all year then re-think their opinion about Bama.
Edward Aschoff: Not sure where you’re seeing all that. Alabama should be a top-five team to start next season and I honestly think the offense with AJ McCarron and that experienced line coming back with some young talent at wide receiver. I think there will be some hiccups on defense because of all the star power that is gone, but that’s natural. I’m not saying Alabama will be bad at all. I still the Tide will compete for the SEC West and beyond, but you can’t sit there and think that this team won’t have growing pains on defense. You can’t lose that much talent and not take some sort of step back. It happens.
Austin from Conway, Ark., writes: Sooooo, is DGB going to be a Razorback? I know this is the million-dollar question, and of course I'm REALLY hoping this is the case....but starting to get the feeling he might switch directions...thoughts??
Edward Aschoff: Ah, the nation’s top receiver: Dorial Green-Beckham. He’s a stud, for sure, and any team would love to have him. But where will he go? Most of the people that I talk with feel pretty confident that he’ll choose Arkansas, but Missouri is certainly NOT out of it. I think Arkansas is out in front and I think he might be able to catch a couple passes in that offense (sarcasm alert!). If I had to pick, I’d go with Arkansas, but I know that Missouri has done a very good job of recruiting him.
We were hit with a good amount of questions in the past week, so we decided to fill your curious minds.
Signing day is coming up, there are two new teams getting ready to join the league and people are already talking about next year’s SEC champ.
Let’s get to those questions:
Nathan from the Texas panhandle writes: Aggie fan here. My email is in regards to the divisional format of the SEC. I personally think that divisions in a 14-team league are hard to work with since you will hardly see opponents from the division. Why not implement a no division league with a four-team playoff format at the end of the year for the SEC championship game? You keep rivalry games and just alternate opponents every year within the league. League record and rankings would be considered for the four-team slots. Opinion?
Edward Aschoff: First of all, welcome to the SEC … well, almost welcome. You’ll officially join in July, but welcome anyway. The funny thing is that Chris Low and I were actually talking about this exact thing the other day, since basketball has already done it. I know that divisions make it much easier to figure out the teams for the championship game, but I think it would be pretty cool to have just one league with no divisions. The more teams, the harder it is to maintain those traditional rivalries when you have divisions. If you get rid of the divisions, you can maintain every rivalry you want because there would be no obligation to play a certain amount of divisional teams. Alabama-Tennessee would never be in danger and neither would Florida-LSU. You would also have the two best teams in the SEC competing for the championship. Also, “The Rematch” would have happened in Atlanta and there would have been no crying about the national championship because the SEC’s spot would have been settled in Atlanta. I’m all for it.
Brandon Estell from Jonesboro, Ark., writes: With the fairly average recruiting classes, at least ranked that way, that Bobby Petrino has brought to Fayetteville the last couple of years and looking that way again, although it is looking to be picking up come signing day, what is the realistic chance of Arkansas contending for the SEC West title possibly bigger?
Edward Aschoff: As far as the rankings go, Arkansas’ classes haven’t been as high as others in the SEC, but that definitely doesn’t mean that talent hasn’t been going to Fayetteville. Today I looked at some of the unheralded guys who became stars in college and a lot of them played at Arkansas. Just look at the seniors that left. Jake Bequette, Tramain Thomas, Jerry Franklin, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright were pretty much nobodies in high school. Now, everyone knows them. Petrino has done a great job with developing players and I think that if continues the Hogs will be fine. Forget about all the stars and focus on what is happening when they get on campus. Hey, if Arkansas beats LSU, who knows where the Hogs end up last season? Petrino has Arkansas on the right path.
Joe Marina from Orlando, Fla., writes: Hey Ed. I believe you went to school at FL with my sister Jenna Marina. My question is with the recruiting class Muschamp looks to have and also depending on the QB play, I see FL having a much better team than last year. There are still a lot of questions on offense with wide receiver, running back, and QB. But if they play up to their talent, I would say it’s reasonable for FL to win 8 games this year. Would you agree?
Edward Aschoff: Jenna is a great friend of mine. I owe some of my success to her (ask her about our sports reporting project). ... I think that Muschamp’s first “real” class at UF is a pretty good one. He hit the offensive line hard and got the big back that he’s wanted. He could also close with at least one big-play wide receiver. I think this offseason is all about developing a tougher attitude in Gainesville. Muschamp called his team soft at the end of the year and he was right. Florida got pushed around. Can’t do that in the SEC. I think Brent Pease will be very hands on with those young quarterbacks and that offensive line will be worked harder than it ever has. Florida has the talent to compete for the East title, but will it have the attitude? Will it make the necessary plays on offense to help the defense? That schedule is tough with games at Texas A&M and Tennessee to start the year and the season ends at Florida State. Eight wins are possible, but this team has to make a lot of changes on both sides of the ball and has to have a better work ethic.
Tony from Italy writes: With the Big 12 blog leaving Missouri out of many of it's recent conference related post (returning starters/recruiting blogs etc...) when will you start adding them into your blogs on a regular basis?
Edward Aschoff: First off, if you’re in Italy you should be enjoying yourself, not worrying about college football! Please have some gelato for me. As the spring gets closer, you’ll see more Missouri and Texas A&M content. Both schools officially join in July, but any blogs that have to do with the offseason or previewing the fall will have both included. Our recruiting scorecard didn’t have them because it was just a look at where the current SEC teams were. We’ll probably hit both when we look at signing day.
David Whitten from Gadsden, Ala., writes: It seems no one thinks Bama will be very good next season, why is that? They played a lot of players all year and they have experience coming back, maybe the "experts" need to sit back and look at what we were seeing all year then re-think their opinion about Bama.
Edward Aschoff: Not sure where you’re seeing all that. Alabama should be a top-five team to start next season and I honestly think the offense with AJ McCarron and that experienced line coming back with some young talent at wide receiver. I think there will be some hiccups on defense because of all the star power that is gone, but that’s natural. I’m not saying Alabama will be bad at all. I still the Tide will compete for the SEC West and beyond, but you can’t sit there and think that this team won’t have growing pains on defense. You can’t lose that much talent and not take some sort of step back. It happens.
Austin from Conway, Ark., writes: Sooooo, is DGB going to be a Razorback? I know this is the million-dollar question, and of course I'm REALLY hoping this is the case....but starting to get the feeling he might switch directions...thoughts??
Edward Aschoff: Ah, the nation’s top receiver: Dorial Green-Beckham. He’s a stud, for sure, and any team would love to have him. But where will he go? Most of the people that I talk with feel pretty confident that he’ll choose Arkansas, but Missouri is certainly NOT out of it. I think Arkansas is out in front and I think he might be able to catch a couple passes in that offense (sarcasm alert!). If I had to pick, I’d go with Arkansas, but I know that Missouri has done a very good job of recruiting him.
Top surprises in the Western Division
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
2:05
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
No college football season ever turns out exactly the way you thought it would.
There are always surprises -- good and bad.
I’ll tackle my biggest surprises in the SEC’s Western Division this season, and Edward will unveil his biggest surprises in the Eastern Division later today.
We’ll do it by teams:
ALABAMA
Struggles in the kicking game: It wasn’t all bad. Marquis Maze was one of the top kickoff and punt returners in the SEC, but Alabama was ninth in the SEC in net punting and 11th in kickoff coverage. What’s more, the Crimson Tide missed 11 field goals this season. And while nobody in Tuscaloosa needs to be reminded, four of those misses came in the LSU game.
Anthony Steen: The 6-foot-3, 303-pound sophomore was one of the Crimson Tide’s most pleasant surprises in the preseason, and he wound up starting nine games at right guard. He was a big part of Alabama’s bruising running game, which topped the SEC with an average of 219.8 yards per game.
ARKANSAS
Defensive turnover: This was supposed to be Arkansas’ best defense under Bobby Petrino. The Hogs had depth and experience, but wound up ninth in the SEC in total defense and gave up 28 or more points in six games. Petrino fired defensive coordinator Willy Robinson and brought in Paul Haynes from Ohio State as the Hogs’ new defensive coordinator.
Greg Childs: After tearing the patella tendon in his right knee during the 2010 season, Childs never returned to his All-SEC form. He just wasn’t the same physically this season and finished with 16 catches in 10 games and no touchdowns.
AUBURN
Defensive decline: Everybody on the Plains expected some drop-off on defense after losing so many veteran players from the national championship team. But the Tigers were torched for more than 1,600 total yards in their first three games in a sign of things to come. They wound up giving up 29.3 points per game and 405.8 yards per game, and defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the UCF defensive coordinator’s job when the regular season ended.
Gus Malzahn leaving for Arkansas State: Most in and around the Auburn program had a feeling that Malzahn was poised to leave for a head job. After all, he turned down $3 million per year at Vanderbilt last year. But nobody would have guessed that he would leave for the Arkansas State head job.
LSU
No quarterback controversy: With the way LSU’s quarterback situation has played out, it’s a minor miracle there hasn’t been a quarterback controversy. But, then, it’s been that kind of season for the Tigers. Still, you can’t help but wonder what Jarrett Lee’s true thoughts are right now.
The Honey Badger: It was obvious from Tyrann Mathieu’s freshman season that he was a very good football player. But who knew he would blossom into one of the best all-around players in the country this season? He scored four touchdowns and didn’t play a snap on offense.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
No signature wins: After the Bulldogs racked up nine wins in 2010, the expectations in Starkville were off the charts. In retrospect, maybe too much was expected. Either way, Mississippi State lost all five of its games to nationally ranked foes and only beat one Western Division opponent (Ole Miss).
Cameron Lawrence: In his first season as a starter, Lawrence collected 114 total tackles to rank third in the SEC. Everybody was wondering coming into the season what the Bulldogs were going to do at linebacker after losing all three starters. Lawrence, who played quarterback in high school, stepped right in and anchored a unit that was solid all season.
OLE MISS
Houston Nutt’s ouster: Nutt had been the ultimate survivor in the SEC, and when his back was to the wall, he usually produced some of his best results. It wasn’t to be this season, though, as the Rebels saw their SEC losing streak reach 14 straight games. Following the loss to Kentucky on Nov. 5, the university announced that Nutt wouldn’t be back next season.
Quick trigger for Brunetti: One of the more puzzling things about the season for Ole Miss was how Barry Brunetti could win the starting quarterback job during the preseason, then get benched in the opener and never really be heard from again until the very end of the season.
There are always surprises -- good and bad.
I’ll tackle my biggest surprises in the SEC’s Western Division this season, and Edward will unveil his biggest surprises in the Eastern Division later today.
We’ll do it by teams:
ALABAMA
Struggles in the kicking game: It wasn’t all bad. Marquis Maze was one of the top kickoff and punt returners in the SEC, but Alabama was ninth in the SEC in net punting and 11th in kickoff coverage. What’s more, the Crimson Tide missed 11 field goals this season. And while nobody in Tuscaloosa needs to be reminded, four of those misses came in the LSU game.
Anthony Steen: The 6-foot-3, 303-pound sophomore was one of the Crimson Tide’s most pleasant surprises in the preseason, and he wound up starting nine games at right guard. He was a big part of Alabama’s bruising running game, which topped the SEC with an average of 219.8 yards per game.
ARKANSAS
Defensive turnover: This was supposed to be Arkansas’ best defense under Bobby Petrino. The Hogs had depth and experience, but wound up ninth in the SEC in total defense and gave up 28 or more points in six games. Petrino fired defensive coordinator Willy Robinson and brought in Paul Haynes from Ohio State as the Hogs’ new defensive coordinator.
Greg Childs: After tearing the patella tendon in his right knee during the 2010 season, Childs never returned to his All-SEC form. He just wasn’t the same physically this season and finished with 16 catches in 10 games and no touchdowns.
AUBURN
Defensive decline: Everybody on the Plains expected some drop-off on defense after losing so many veteran players from the national championship team. But the Tigers were torched for more than 1,600 total yards in their first three games in a sign of things to come. They wound up giving up 29.3 points per game and 405.8 yards per game, and defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the UCF defensive coordinator’s job when the regular season ended.
Gus Malzahn leaving for Arkansas State: Most in and around the Auburn program had a feeling that Malzahn was poised to leave for a head job. After all, he turned down $3 million per year at Vanderbilt last year. But nobody would have guessed that he would leave for the Arkansas State head job.
LSU
No quarterback controversy: With the way LSU’s quarterback situation has played out, it’s a minor miracle there hasn’t been a quarterback controversy. But, then, it’s been that kind of season for the Tigers. Still, you can’t help but wonder what Jarrett Lee’s true thoughts are right now.
The Honey Badger: It was obvious from Tyrann Mathieu’s freshman season that he was a very good football player. But who knew he would blossom into one of the best all-around players in the country this season? He scored four touchdowns and didn’t play a snap on offense.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
No signature wins: After the Bulldogs racked up nine wins in 2010, the expectations in Starkville were off the charts. In retrospect, maybe too much was expected. Either way, Mississippi State lost all five of its games to nationally ranked foes and only beat one Western Division opponent (Ole Miss).
Cameron Lawrence: In his first season as a starter, Lawrence collected 114 total tackles to rank third in the SEC. Everybody was wondering coming into the season what the Bulldogs were going to do at linebacker after losing all three starters. Lawrence, who played quarterback in high school, stepped right in and anchored a unit that was solid all season.
OLE MISS
Houston Nutt’s ouster: Nutt had been the ultimate survivor in the SEC, and when his back was to the wall, he usually produced some of his best results. It wasn’t to be this season, though, as the Rebels saw their SEC losing streak reach 14 straight games. Following the loss to Kentucky on Nov. 5, the university announced that Nutt wouldn’t be back next season.
Quick trigger for Brunetti: One of the more puzzling things about the season for Ole Miss was how Barry Brunetti could win the starting quarterback job during the preseason, then get benched in the opener and never really be heard from again until the very end of the season.
Offense-Defense Bowl in Baton Rouge
November, 22, 2011
11/22/11
11:45
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Welcome to another themed game for LSU.
First, we had “The Game,” which was all about defense. Heading in, we expected two sledgehammers to furiously crash into each other in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and that’s exactly what we got with only field goals as scores.
This week, with the SEC and possibly the national championship on the line, the top-ranked Tigers (11-0, 7-0) are involved in another name game with No. 3 Arkansas (10-1, 6-1).
LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo labeled this “The Game: Part 2,” but the Offense-Defense Bowl might be more appropriate.
Everywhere you look, pure speed drives the hearts of these two teams.
“The first thing I would say about this game is that there are a lot of athletes on the field,” LSU linebacker Ryan Baker said.
“I look at it like it’s the battle of the athletes.”
LSU sports a track team in its secondary with the likes of Morris Claiborne (a Thorpe Award finalist) and Tyrann Mathieu (a Bednarik Trophy finalist) patrolling the field, along with Ron Brooks or Brandon Taylor.
And if Eric Reid (thigh) is healthy enough, the Tigers will have more than enough speed to keep up with Arkansas’ electrifying passing game.
Entering Friday’s super showdown in Baton Rouge, La., LSU ranks third in the SEC in passing defense, allowing 158 yards a game and has given up a league-low five touchdowns through the air.
Equipped with his talented quartet of receivers, Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson can get five touchdowns in a single game.
Joe Adams, who is still spinning and cutting past Tennessee defenders, might have more moves than any other receiver in the league when he’s in space. Jarius Wright has been the league’s most consistent receiver and always looks a step faster than the competition.
Both rank in the top eight in the SEC in receiving.
When healthy, Greg Childs is every bit the deep threat as his above partners, and Cobi Hamilton has a tendency to sneak past defenses.
“We’re certainly concerned about big plays in any secondary,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “You want to cover and make sure those receivers are covered. Then you like to get in his backfield just as often as you can. The good thing is that we think we have guys that can do that.”
Wilson, who is the SEC’s leader in passing (292.3 yards per game), has his offense running better than ever. With the Razorbacks right in the middle of BCS talks, Wilson has averaged 296 yards and has thrown eight touchdowns to two interceptions in his last three games.
During that span, Arkansas’ offense has generated nearly 500 yards of total offense a contest. And for a team that has been more popular for its passing game, the Hogs have actually generated a respectable running game as well.
This looks like the offense we expected to see at the beginning of the year and now it must take on one of the nation’s best defenses. In 44 quarters, LSU’s defense has held opponents without a touchdown in 35 of them, including the last seven.
Excuse the cliché, but something truly has to give Friday.
To prepare for Arkansas’ offense, Baker said the defense has reviewed film from the Oregon game. The Ducks, who were overwhelmed by the Tigers in the season opener, have similar speed despite offensive differences.
Baker knows Arkansas is at its best right now, but LSU isn’t intimidated.
“It doesn’t put a strain on the defense at all,” he said. “Guys are looking forward to the occasion. We’ve been known to rush the passer and play pretty good coverage downfield (at the same time). Playing a team like this, we have to rise to the occasion to prove that we can handle an offense like this.”
Maybe it’s the Hogs who should be nervous.
Last time Arkansas tangled with a highly rated defense, the Hogs went flat. Against Alabama, Arkansas was held to just 226 yards and had two turnovers.
To Baker, getting to Wilson and eliminating the running game are key. It helps that LSU’s front seven can move as well. There are some track star candidates up front too that ready for the chase.
“Our defense does not allow an opponent to go down the field routinely,” Miles said.
Baker said that Arkansas’ up-tempo look is a challenge, but the Tigers have aspirations that stretch beyond stopping the Hogs. An SEC title and a national title are on the line. It’s that idea that fuels this defense.
“This makes the résumé look good, but in the long run our thoughts are further down the road and guys are really focused on that,” he said.
First, we had “The Game,” which was all about defense. Heading in, we expected two sledgehammers to furiously crash into each other in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and that’s exactly what we got with only field goals as scores.
This week, with the SEC and possibly the national championship on the line, the top-ranked Tigers (11-0, 7-0) are involved in another name game with No. 3 Arkansas (10-1, 6-1).
LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo labeled this “The Game: Part 2,” but the Offense-Defense Bowl might be more appropriate.
[+] Enlarge
Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIREArkansas QB Tyler Wilson has thrown eight touchdowns to two INTs in his last three games.
Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIREArkansas QB Tyler Wilson has thrown eight touchdowns to two INTs in his last three games.“The first thing I would say about this game is that there are a lot of athletes on the field,” LSU linebacker Ryan Baker said.
“I look at it like it’s the battle of the athletes.”
LSU sports a track team in its secondary with the likes of Morris Claiborne (a Thorpe Award finalist) and Tyrann Mathieu (a Bednarik Trophy finalist) patrolling the field, along with Ron Brooks or Brandon Taylor.
And if Eric Reid (thigh) is healthy enough, the Tigers will have more than enough speed to keep up with Arkansas’ electrifying passing game.
Entering Friday’s super showdown in Baton Rouge, La., LSU ranks third in the SEC in passing defense, allowing 158 yards a game and has given up a league-low five touchdowns through the air.
Equipped with his talented quartet of receivers, Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson can get five touchdowns in a single game.
Joe Adams, who is still spinning and cutting past Tennessee defenders, might have more moves than any other receiver in the league when he’s in space. Jarius Wright has been the league’s most consistent receiver and always looks a step faster than the competition.
Both rank in the top eight in the SEC in receiving.
When healthy, Greg Childs is every bit the deep threat as his above partners, and Cobi Hamilton has a tendency to sneak past defenses.
“We’re certainly concerned about big plays in any secondary,” LSU coach Les Miles said. “You want to cover and make sure those receivers are covered. Then you like to get in his backfield just as often as you can. The good thing is that we think we have guys that can do that.”
Wilson, who is the SEC’s leader in passing (292.3 yards per game), has his offense running better than ever. With the Razorbacks right in the middle of BCS talks, Wilson has averaged 296 yards and has thrown eight touchdowns to two interceptions in his last three games.
During that span, Arkansas’ offense has generated nearly 500 yards of total offense a contest. And for a team that has been more popular for its passing game, the Hogs have actually generated a respectable running game as well.
This looks like the offense we expected to see at the beginning of the year and now it must take on one of the nation’s best defenses. In 44 quarters, LSU’s defense has held opponents without a touchdown in 35 of them, including the last seven.
Excuse the cliché, but something truly has to give Friday.
To prepare for Arkansas’ offense, Baker said the defense has reviewed film from the Oregon game. The Ducks, who were overwhelmed by the Tigers in the season opener, have similar speed despite offensive differences.
Baker knows Arkansas is at its best right now, but LSU isn’t intimidated.
“It doesn’t put a strain on the defense at all,” he said. “Guys are looking forward to the occasion. We’ve been known to rush the passer and play pretty good coverage downfield (at the same time). Playing a team like this, we have to rise to the occasion to prove that we can handle an offense like this.”
Maybe it’s the Hogs who should be nervous.
Last time Arkansas tangled with a highly rated defense, the Hogs went flat. Against Alabama, Arkansas was held to just 226 yards and had two turnovers.
To Baker, getting to Wilson and eliminating the running game are key. It helps that LSU’s front seven can move as well. There are some track star candidates up front too that ready for the chase.
“Our defense does not allow an opponent to go down the field routinely,” Miles said.
Baker said that Arkansas’ up-tempo look is a challenge, but the Tigers have aspirations that stretch beyond stopping the Hogs. An SEC title and a national title are on the line. It’s that idea that fuels this defense.
“This makes the résumé look good, but in the long run our thoughts are further down the road and guys are really focused on that,” he said.
Special group of seniors leaving Arkansas
November, 9, 2011
11/09/11
5:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino will say goodbye to a special group of players Saturday.
Seventeen seniors will take the field for the last time inside Razorback Stadium when Arkansas hosts Tennessee on senior night.
This group was one of the main building blocks responsible for elevating Arkansas’ football program to where it is today and Petrino acknowledged as much Wednesday.
It helped him get through a tough first year in 2008. The Hogs went 5-7, but finished the season with a 31-30 win over LSU in Little Rock, Ark. The season ended without a bowl, but that win helped give this program momentum into Petrino’s second year.
“The greatest thing about this group of seniors that play their last game here on Saturday is that year they were freshmen and they were all playing as true freshmen, they came to practice with positive attitudes and energy to work and get better and eagerness,” Petrino said. “That’s really what carried us through that year was we had great attitude and great work ethic. It’s certainly paid off here in the last three years.
Since 2008, Petrino and the Hogs have gone 26-9. Petrino even took Arkansas to its first BCS bowl last year and are on the doorstep of another BCS birth this season.
Some of the seniors Petrino and the Arkansas fan base will be saying goodbye to include defensive end Jake Bequette, linebacker Jerry Franklin, safety Tramain Thomas, safety/linebacker Jerico Nelson and wide receivers Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright.
Saturday could be even more special for Adams and Wright, who are just a few catches each from breaking the school record for career receptions held by Anthony Eubanks, who finished with 153. Adams currently has 151 career catches, while Wright has 150.
Wright has recorded 2,629 yards and 21 touchdowns in his career, while Adams has recorded 2,274 yards and 17 scores.
Wright has arguably been the top receiver in the SEC this season, leading the league with 48 catches, 812 yards and nine touchdowns. Adams has 41 catches for 516 yards and one score on the year.
Saying goodbye to those two could be especially hard Saturday.
“They’ve both had a tremendous career here, having a great year this year, have really meant a lot to our football team,” Petrino said.
“You can’t say enough about what they’ve done at the University of Arkansas.”
Seventeen seniors will take the field for the last time inside Razorback Stadium when Arkansas hosts Tennessee on senior night.
This group was one of the main building blocks responsible for elevating Arkansas’ football program to where it is today and Petrino acknowledged as much Wednesday.
It helped him get through a tough first year in 2008. The Hogs went 5-7, but finished the season with a 31-30 win over LSU in Little Rock, Ark. The season ended without a bowl, but that win helped give this program momentum into Petrino’s second year.
“The greatest thing about this group of seniors that play their last game here on Saturday is that year they were freshmen and they were all playing as true freshmen, they came to practice with positive attitudes and energy to work and get better and eagerness,” Petrino said. “That’s really what carried us through that year was we had great attitude and great work ethic. It’s certainly paid off here in the last three years.
Since 2008, Petrino and the Hogs have gone 26-9. Petrino even took Arkansas to its first BCS bowl last year and are on the doorstep of another BCS birth this season.
Some of the seniors Petrino and the Arkansas fan base will be saying goodbye to include defensive end Jake Bequette, linebacker Jerry Franklin, safety Tramain Thomas, safety/linebacker Jerico Nelson and wide receivers Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright.
Saturday could be even more special for Adams and Wright, who are just a few catches each from breaking the school record for career receptions held by Anthony Eubanks, who finished with 153. Adams currently has 151 career catches, while Wright has 150.
Wright has recorded 2,629 yards and 21 touchdowns in his career, while Adams has recorded 2,274 yards and 17 scores.
Wright has arguably been the top receiver in the SEC this season, leading the league with 48 catches, 812 yards and nine touchdowns. Adams has 41 catches for 516 yards and one score on the year.
Saying goodbye to those two could be especially hard Saturday.
“They’ve both had a tremendous career here, having a great year this year, have really meant a lot to our football team,” Petrino said.
“You can’t say enough about what they’ve done at the University of Arkansas.”
Defensive players out in Fayetteville
November, 5, 2011
11/05/11
6:48
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Greetings from Hog country.
It's a beautiful day here in Fayetteville and the fans are starting to pile into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The players are out on the field for warmups. Contrary to rumors floating around Dickson Street, Arkansas did not come out in black uniforms, yet.
The weather is a bit nippy over here, so people are bundled up in the stands. From what I've been told, once the sun goes down in Arkansas it gets mighty cold.
Both teams enter the game as two of the most criticized 7-1 teams out there. Arkansas has had to hear about its slow starts for weeks, while South Carolina's slow offense has been put on blast.
Arkansas is also hearing a lot of negativity surrounding its defense. The Razorbacks enter the game ranking seventh or worse in every defensive category in the SEC. And it appears as if the Razorbacks will again be without one of their top defenders tonight.
Defensive end Tenarius Wright is still out with a broken arm. He's closer to healing, but Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said this week he still isn't game-ready.
One player who could be game-ready is wide receiver Greg Childs. Childs was held out of the Vanderbilt game with a tweaked knee, but he is down here running around and warming up with the wide receivers.
As for South Carolina, it looks like spur Antonio Allen is out for today's game. He suffered a neck injury during practice this week and wasn't warming up before the game. Allen leads South Carolina with 62 tackles and has 6.5 tackles for loss. He also has six takeaways on the season for the Gamecocks.
It's a beautiful day here in Fayetteville and the fans are starting to pile into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The players are out on the field for warmups. Contrary to rumors floating around Dickson Street, Arkansas did not come out in black uniforms, yet.
The weather is a bit nippy over here, so people are bundled up in the stands. From what I've been told, once the sun goes down in Arkansas it gets mighty cold.
Both teams enter the game as two of the most criticized 7-1 teams out there. Arkansas has had to hear about its slow starts for weeks, while South Carolina's slow offense has been put on blast.
Arkansas is also hearing a lot of negativity surrounding its defense. The Razorbacks enter the game ranking seventh or worse in every defensive category in the SEC. And it appears as if the Razorbacks will again be without one of their top defenders tonight.
Defensive end Tenarius Wright is still out with a broken arm. He's closer to healing, but Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said this week he still isn't game-ready.
One player who could be game-ready is wide receiver Greg Childs. Childs was held out of the Vanderbilt game with a tweaked knee, but he is down here running around and warming up with the wide receivers.
As for South Carolina, it looks like spur Antonio Allen is out for today's game. He suffered a neck injury during practice this week and wasn't warming up before the game. Allen leads South Carolina with 62 tackles and has 6.5 tackles for loss. He also has six takeaways on the season for the Gamecocks.
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Record: 5-1 (1-1 SEC)
Say this for Arkansas’ football team: The Hogs don’t easily discourage. For the second year in a row, they lost in the first month of the season to Alabama in a game they’d placed special emphasis on going all the way back to the summer. But just like a year ago, the Hogs refused to let that loss keep them down. They’ve turned back Top 25 foes Auburn and Texas A&M each of the last two weeks following their 38-14 beatdown in Tuscaloosa. Even more impressively, they’ve been able to stay the course despite a rash of injuries. In their win over Auburn last week, five starters missed the game. That’s not counting star running back Knile Davis, who fractured his ankle during the preseason. Senior defensive end Jake Bequette returned from a hamstring injury to play against Auburn, but it was his first game back since the second week of the season. The Hogs had missed Bequette on defense, especially his leadership. But to their credit, they’ve been able to recover defensively each of the last two weeks after shaky starts. They held Texas A&M to a field goal in the second half and shut out Auburn in the final three quarters. The passing game has really started to click these last two weeks, and that’s despite senior receiver Greg Childs still not being all the way back from his torn patellar tendon injury last season. Fellow seniors Jarius Wright and Joe Adams, though, have turned in one big play after another, combining for 10 touchdowns. The Hogs are off this coming weekend, and if they can start getting some players back from the injury list, are still very much in contention for at least an at-large BCS bowl bid.
Offensive MVP: QB Tyler Wilson. He took a beating against Alabama, but kept getting back up and competing. Ever since, Wilson has played some of his best football. He’s thrown five touchdown passes in his last two games and set a school record with 510 passing yards in the win over Texas A&M. Just as importantly, he’s been the kind of leader Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino hoped he would be in his first year as a starter. Wilson is completing 64.9 percent of his passes and has thrown 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Defensive MVP: LB Jerry Franklin. He’s been starting since his freshman season, which is why everybody around the league swears that Franklin has been playing for six or seven seasons. He’s well on his way to leading the Hogs in tackles for a fourth straight season. He has 51 total stops, including five behind the line of scrimmage, and has also broken up three passes. Having Franklin’s experience in the middle of that defense is invaluable.
Record: 5-1 (1-1 SEC)
Say this for Arkansas’ football team: The Hogs don’t easily discourage. For the second year in a row, they lost in the first month of the season to Alabama in a game they’d placed special emphasis on going all the way back to the summer. But just like a year ago, the Hogs refused to let that loss keep them down. They’ve turned back Top 25 foes Auburn and Texas A&M each of the last two weeks following their 38-14 beatdown in Tuscaloosa. Even more impressively, they’ve been able to stay the course despite a rash of injuries. In their win over Auburn last week, five starters missed the game. That’s not counting star running back Knile Davis, who fractured his ankle during the preseason. Senior defensive end Jake Bequette returned from a hamstring injury to play against Auburn, but it was his first game back since the second week of the season. The Hogs had missed Bequette on defense, especially his leadership. But to their credit, they’ve been able to recover defensively each of the last two weeks after shaky starts. They held Texas A&M to a field goal in the second half and shut out Auburn in the final three quarters. The passing game has really started to click these last two weeks, and that’s despite senior receiver Greg Childs still not being all the way back from his torn patellar tendon injury last season. Fellow seniors Jarius Wright and Joe Adams, though, have turned in one big play after another, combining for 10 touchdowns. The Hogs are off this coming weekend, and if they can start getting some players back from the injury list, are still very much in contention for at least an at-large BCS bowl bid.
Offensive MVP: QB Tyler Wilson. He took a beating against Alabama, but kept getting back up and competing. Ever since, Wilson has played some of his best football. He’s thrown five touchdown passes in his last two games and set a school record with 510 passing yards in the win over Texas A&M. Just as importantly, he’s been the kind of leader Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino hoped he would be in his first year as a starter. Wilson is completing 64.9 percent of his passes and has thrown 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Defensive MVP: LB Jerry Franklin. He’s been starting since his freshman season, which is why everybody around the league swears that Franklin has been playing for six or seven seasons. He’s well on his way to leading the Hogs in tackles for a fourth straight season. He has 51 total stops, including five behind the line of scrimmage, and has also broken up three passes. Having Franklin’s experience in the middle of that defense is invaluable.
AP Photo/Brandon WadeJarius Wright's 281-yard performance on Saturday ranks him No. 2 on the SEC's list of most receiving yards in a game.Well, not literally, but “blown up” in the same sense that Wright did earlier in the day at Cowboys Stadium in a record-breaking performance.
“I think everybody in the state of Arkansas had sent me some kind of message,” Wright joked.
It was a memorable day for Wright and the Hogs.
He tied the Arkansas record with 13 catches and broke the school record with 281 receiving yards. In fact, he’d already eclipsed the record for receiving yards by halftime.
If you’re wondering how Wright’s performance stacks up all-time in the SEC, it’s the second-best day ever in terms of receiving yards in a game. The only one better was turned in by LSU’s Josh Reed in 2001, when he had 293 receiving yards against Alabama.
It’s one of those games that nobody will soon forget. Wright put up incredible numbers and so did quarterback Tyler Wilson, who passed for a school-record 510 yards.
But the number that Wright is fixated on is four, because it was the Hogs’ fourth win and a win they badly needed after being flattened by Alabama the week before.
And the way they won is what means the most to Wright. The Hogs charged back from an 18-point halftime deficit to beat Texas A&M 42-38.
“It shows the kind of composure we have as a team and that we’re going to keep our heads and stick together no matter what,” said Wright, who now leads the SEC in catches (28) and receiving yards (478). “It’s the kind of win we can build on moving forward.”
As for it being a statement game for Wright, he said he doesn’t really see it that way.
The Hogs entered this season with a collection of receivers widely regarded as the best in college football.
Greg Childs was probably the most highly regarded by NFL scouts. Joe Adams was the guy everyone feared after the catch, and Cobi Hamilton was the up-and-comer of the group.
Wright was sort of the other guy. Everybody knew he had great speed, but could he be the go-to guy?
It’s safe to say that the 5-10, 180-pound senior has answered that question emphatically this season. He’s easily been the most consistent of the Arkansas receivers, and he’s a leader in every sense.
What’s more, he’s never been caught up in where he ranks in any pecking order.
“I don’t ever get into the argument about who’s the best receiver in the SEC,” Wright said. “That doesn’t matter to me as much as winning. I just want to win. That’s the first priority, and stats come second.
“As long as we win the game, I’m going to be happy.”
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino could tell back in the offseason that Wright was poised for a big year.
“Jarius started this off in the winter with his best season of training, his fastest 40 time, weighed the most he’s ever weighed, lifted the most he’s ever lifted and really, really dedicated himself to having a great senior year,” Petrino said. “He’s been the leader of that receiving corps now for three years and gives us great energy and great play.”
Wright, who ran a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash back in March, has put that speed to good use this season after the catch.
“He’s a great route-runner. He’s extremely fast and catches the ball well in his hands,” Petrino said. “I think what he’s added to his game this year is the ability to run after the catch, and the yards he’s made after catching the ball have really increased from the previous three years.”
The added attention Wright may receive from opposing defenses the rest of the way may also increase.
Adams injured his ribs last week, but is expected to play this Saturday against Auburn. Childs is still working his way back from last season’s torn patellar tendon.
But don’t be fooled, Wright warned.
“We have a lot of weapons, and if you shadow me, then that’s going to leave Joe or Greg or Cobi or one of the younger guys open,” Wright said. “If you want to do that, go ahead.”
After the first month of the season, we’re starting to get some answers to our preseason questions.
Here’s a look at what we learned in Week 4 in the SEC:
1. Alabama and LSU reign: It looked like the Big Two from the time this season began. Now, we can say with certainty that it’s the Big Two. You’ve got Alabama and LSU, and then you’ve got everybody else in the SEC. The Crimson Tide and Tigers are clearly the class of this league and on a collision course that culminates on Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa. LSU has accomplished more than anybody in the country to this point with its three wins over Top 25 teams away from home and deserves to be the No. 1 team in the polls, but Alabama is right there in that same elite group. After that, it’s hard to say that there is an elite team in the SEC. That’s also not to say that Alabama or LSU won’t slip up somewhere along the way. To think that a team will come out of this league unbeaten for a third straight season is probably against the odds. But then you watch Alabama and LSU play and think, “The only team strong enough to beat either of these teams is the other one.”
2. Defending LSU’s defense: The numbers weren’t pretty Saturday in Morgantown, but you can’t argue with the results. LSU’s defense, which had been dominant coming into the game, was shredded by West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith to the tune of 463 passing yards. Smith also wasn’t sacked in the game. No defense ever wants to give up more than 500 total yards in a game, but one thing to keep in mind is that West Virginia threw the ball 65 times. Moreover, Smith is going to light up a lot of defenses this season, especially when he’s putting the ball in the air that much. LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne is a terrific cornerback and had the kickoff return for a touchdown to send the Mountaineers packing. But it wasn’t one of his better nights in coverage. Really, it wasn’t one of LSU’s better nights as a whole defensively, particularly in the third quarter. But the bottom line is that the Tigers held West Virginia to 21 points on the road with the Mountaineers throwing the ball on virtually every down. If that’s as bad as it gets for LSU’s defense, then this team is going to win a bunch of games this season.
3. Arkansas’ not the same team: The Hogs have been here before under Bobby Petrino. They rebounded last season from their loss to Alabama and went on to play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. They may very well do the same thing this season, although it doesn’t get any easier this week against Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas. What’s clear coming out of Saturday’s 38-14 loss at Alabama is that this is not the same team as a year ago and not the same team the Hogs thought they were going to have when preseason camp opened in August. You take away a premier running back like Knile Davis and one of your best players and best leaders on defense like Jake Bequette, and there’s going to be a drop-off. That drop-off was glaring Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The Hogs hope to get Bequette back from a hamstring injury against Texas A&M, but it’s apparently a nasty one. It’s not just the loss of Davis and Bequette that’s holding back Arkansas, either. Receiver Greg Childs clearly isn’t the same player he was before tearing his patellar tendon last season, and there’s still a lot of work to do at offensive tackle. Give credit to Willy Robinson’s defense for hanging in there against Alabama and keeping Arkansas in the game in the first half. But if the Hogs can’t run the ball against some of the better defenses, they’re going to have a difficult time matching last season’s record.
4. The wild, wild East: Who’s the best team in the East? Through four weeks, Florida probably has as strong a claim as anyone. But as soon you start thinking the Gators might win the division, you glance over their schedule. They get Alabama at home this coming Saturday and also have to play at LSU and at South Carolina, not to mention their annual game against Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla. Speaking of the Bulldogs, they’ve got the easiest schedule the rest of the way and are getting better on defense every week. South Carolina may be the biggest mystery in the East. The Gamecocks are talented. They make big plays, but they also may be the sloppiest team in the division. Good luck to the Head Ball Coach in figuring out that quarterback situation, because right now, Stephen Garcia looks more like a true freshman than he does a fifth-year senior, and sophomore Connor Shaw still doesn’t look quite ready. Don’t forget about Tennessee and Vanderbilt, either, although the Vols lost a lot of their punch when Justin Hunter went down and the Commodores have zero punch on offense.
5. Riding Rainey and Demps: First-year Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis promised when he arrived in Gainesville that he’d find more than a few ways to get the football to Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Weis said he’d never had that kind of speed at running back before at any level and was going to make sure he used it to the max. So far, he’s been true to his word. Rainey and Demps have already left several vapor trails out on the field this season, and they both rushed for more than 100 yards in the 48-10 battering of Kentucky on Saturday. The Gators rushed for 405 yards in that game, and even though Rainey and Demps aren’t the biggest guys, they’re finding their way into open spaces with regularity. And when they get a step on you, it’s goodbye. They’re easily the most dynamic running back combination in the SEC to this point. They’ve combined for nine touchdowns, and each has a scoring play of 80-plus yards. You better not blink when either of these guys touches the ball.
Here’s a look at what we learned in Week 4 in the SEC:
1. Alabama and LSU reign: It looked like the Big Two from the time this season began. Now, we can say with certainty that it’s the Big Two. You’ve got Alabama and LSU, and then you’ve got everybody else in the SEC. The Crimson Tide and Tigers are clearly the class of this league and on a collision course that culminates on Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa. LSU has accomplished more than anybody in the country to this point with its three wins over Top 25 teams away from home and deserves to be the No. 1 team in the polls, but Alabama is right there in that same elite group. After that, it’s hard to say that there is an elite team in the SEC. That’s also not to say that Alabama or LSU won’t slip up somewhere along the way. To think that a team will come out of this league unbeaten for a third straight season is probably against the odds. But then you watch Alabama and LSU play and think, “The only team strong enough to beat either of these teams is the other one.”
2. Defending LSU’s defense: The numbers weren’t pretty Saturday in Morgantown, but you can’t argue with the results. LSU’s defense, which had been dominant coming into the game, was shredded by West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith to the tune of 463 passing yards. Smith also wasn’t sacked in the game. No defense ever wants to give up more than 500 total yards in a game, but one thing to keep in mind is that West Virginia threw the ball 65 times. Moreover, Smith is going to light up a lot of defenses this season, especially when he’s putting the ball in the air that much. LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne is a terrific cornerback and had the kickoff return for a touchdown to send the Mountaineers packing. But it wasn’t one of his better nights in coverage. Really, it wasn’t one of LSU’s better nights as a whole defensively, particularly in the third quarter. But the bottom line is that the Tigers held West Virginia to 21 points on the road with the Mountaineers throwing the ball on virtually every down. If that’s as bad as it gets for LSU’s defense, then this team is going to win a bunch of games this season.
[+] Enlarge
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesInjuries have made this season challenging for Bobby Petrino and Arkansas.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesInjuries have made this season challenging for Bobby Petrino and Arkansas.4. The wild, wild East: Who’s the best team in the East? Through four weeks, Florida probably has as strong a claim as anyone. But as soon you start thinking the Gators might win the division, you glance over their schedule. They get Alabama at home this coming Saturday and also have to play at LSU and at South Carolina, not to mention their annual game against Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla. Speaking of the Bulldogs, they’ve got the easiest schedule the rest of the way and are getting better on defense every week. South Carolina may be the biggest mystery in the East. The Gamecocks are talented. They make big plays, but they also may be the sloppiest team in the division. Good luck to the Head Ball Coach in figuring out that quarterback situation, because right now, Stephen Garcia looks more like a true freshman than he does a fifth-year senior, and sophomore Connor Shaw still doesn’t look quite ready. Don’t forget about Tennessee and Vanderbilt, either, although the Vols lost a lot of their punch when Justin Hunter went down and the Commodores have zero punch on offense.
5. Riding Rainey and Demps: First-year Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis promised when he arrived in Gainesville that he’d find more than a few ways to get the football to Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Weis said he’d never had that kind of speed at running back before at any level and was going to make sure he used it to the max. So far, he’s been true to his word. Rainey and Demps have already left several vapor trails out on the field this season, and they both rushed for more than 100 yards in the 48-10 battering of Kentucky on Saturday. The Gators rushed for 405 yards in that game, and even though Rainey and Demps aren’t the biggest guys, they’re finding their way into open spaces with regularity. And when they get a step on you, it’s goodbye. They’re easily the most dynamic running back combination in the SEC to this point. They’ve combined for nine touchdowns, and each has a scoring play of 80-plus yards. You better not blink when either of these guys touches the ball.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s a picture-perfect day at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The sun’s out. There’s a little breeze in the air, and here in a little bit we find out a lot about Alabama and Arkansas’ football teams.
If Arkansas is going to win this game, the Hogs will almost certainly have to hit some big plays in the passing game. Alabama’s defense is too good to expect a lot of long scoring drives. The Crimson Tide lead the country with 21 three-and-outs.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said this week that Arkansas’ top four receivers were the best set of receivers on any one team in college football.
You talk to a lot of people around the league, and there's a growing feeling that Arkansas’ Joe Adams is perhaps the SEC's best playmaker in the open field since Florida’s Percy Harvin.
The Hogs will certainly make every effort to get the ball to Adams in space today, and he’s also returned two punts for touchdowns this season.
The jury is still out on how far back Greg Childs is after missing the last part of last season with a torn patellar tendon. He missed last week’s game because of the death of his grandmother and was pretty quiet in the first two games.
Childs is a stretch-the-field guy, and the Hogs could also use a big game from him to help soften up that Alabama defense.
This is also a prove-it-to-me game for Alabama’s secondary, which was a liability at times last season because of inexperience, but has been one of the most improved units on the team so far this season.
Teams are completing just 38.5 percent of their passes against Alabama’s defense, which leads the country.
Alabama junior cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, whose improved consistency has mirrored that of the entire secondary, knows what’s coming Saturday.
“This is one of those games where as a kid you dreamed of having the ball thrown your way,” Kirkpatrick said. “I know they’re going to try me, and they have great receivers. But I’m going to be ready for whatever they throw at me.”
The sun’s out. There’s a little breeze in the air, and here in a little bit we find out a lot about Alabama and Arkansas’ football teams.
If Arkansas is going to win this game, the Hogs will almost certainly have to hit some big plays in the passing game. Alabama’s defense is too good to expect a lot of long scoring drives. The Crimson Tide lead the country with 21 three-and-outs.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said this week that Arkansas’ top four receivers were the best set of receivers on any one team in college football.
You talk to a lot of people around the league, and there's a growing feeling that Arkansas’ Joe Adams is perhaps the SEC's best playmaker in the open field since Florida’s Percy Harvin.
The Hogs will certainly make every effort to get the ball to Adams in space today, and he’s also returned two punts for touchdowns this season.
The jury is still out on how far back Greg Childs is after missing the last part of last season with a torn patellar tendon. He missed last week’s game because of the death of his grandmother and was pretty quiet in the first two games.
Childs is a stretch-the-field guy, and the Hogs could also use a big game from him to help soften up that Alabama defense.
This is also a prove-it-to-me game for Alabama’s secondary, which was a liability at times last season because of inexperience, but has been one of the most improved units on the team so far this season.
Teams are completing just 38.5 percent of their passes against Alabama’s defense, which leads the country.
Alabama junior cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, whose improved consistency has mirrored that of the entire secondary, knows what’s coming Saturday.
“This is one of those games where as a kid you dreamed of having the ball thrown your way,” Kirkpatrick said. “I know they’re going to try me, and they have great receivers. But I’m going to be ready for whatever they throw at me.”
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
Edward Aschoff
Aschoff joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years covering the University of Florida for The Gainesville Sun. He grew up in Oxford, Miss., before attending UF, graduating with a B.S. in journalism.
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