The team’s at the hotel

August 31, 2007

By Drew Champlin

The first thing I usually ask a coach on Friday is “did anyone of significance get left back in Troy?“

The answer I got was no, so it looks like the whole roster is ready to go tomorrow in Fayetteville.

I’ve heard the Marketplace Grill in Springdale is very good, so I’ll be trying that out in about an hour. I flew with the team and am staying at the Holiday Inn in Springdale, which is the team’s hotel.

So if you see a young-looking dude, that’s me. Stop and say hello.

Friday links

By Drew Champlin

From me, here’s the offensive line story.

From the NW Arkansas Times, the Hogs focus on the return game.

Bob Holt of the ADG focuses on how Arkansas is playing an easier non-conference schedule this year, with some potshots taken at Troy and the Sun Belt from his quotable sources.

Here’s the Razorback report from the ADG.

More on tight end Ben Cleveland from the Morning News of NW Arkansas.

Team flight out of Dothan was delayed until 4 p.m., so we won’t get to Hogville to later on tonight.

A little bit from the other side

August 30, 2007

By Drew Champlin

A big thanks to Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for providing answers to this. I haven’t written much about Arkansas, but here’s the look from a media member who covers the Razorbacks. I’ll try to do this Q and A every week.

Besides the running attack, what about Arkansas should Troy be concerned
about?
Look for some twists in the package with Darren McFadden at quarterback, which was renamed the “WildHog’‘ during camp. Also, the
Razorbacks’ return game, with Felix Jones and Darren McFadden on kickoff and burner Michael Smith joining Reggie Fish on punts, could rank with the best in the nation. Defensively, speed is Arkansas’ top asset, though many of their coverage guys are getting their first significant action. Count on
Arkansas DC Reggie Herring having some pressure packages the Trojans will have to adjust to.

What areas of Arkansas do you think Troy could exploit? 
As mentioned above, Troy’s wideouts like Gary Banks, Mykeal Terry and Andrew Davis will be running against some relatively untested
corners, outside of Matterral Richardson, whose play has been erratic during his career.

The casual SEC fan looks at a Sun Belt team and thinks SEC blowout. Do you get that same vibe from Arkansas players and coaches? 
A couple of factors prevent the Razorbacks from dismissing Troy as just another Sun Belt team. They’re all aware of the tussle that ensued in Arkansas 23-0 win in Little Rock in 2002, and they know the Trojans have veterans all over the field. If Troy pulls off the upset, it won’t be because Arkansas overlooked them.

How much will Arkansas miss Marcus Monk? 
Significantly. In addition to his veteran presence and having the best hands on the team, Monk’s 6-6 height allowed him to turn jump balls into big plays. Camp did not produce a clear-cut go-to receiver. Keep an eye out for true freshman Crosby Tuck, however, a local product who showed glue-fingers in camp.

Finally, if you feel comfortable, what’s your prediction on the game? 
I’ve got to go with the home team because the intangibles swing their way, though the more I look at Troy’s talent, I’m convinced they could put a big smackdown on the Sun Belt. Razorbacks 27-17.

Fearless forecasting, Week 1

By Drew Champlin

In case you don’t get our print edition, we do a fearless forecasters graphic every Thursday, where all five of us predict 8 high school games and 8 college games.

Here’s what I predicted:

Houston Academy over Rehobeth
Wicksburg over Ariton
Cottonwood over Slocomb
Jeff Davis over Dothan
Northview over Robert E. Lee
Pike County over Andalusia
Ashford over Houston County
Providence Christian over Isabella

Arkansas over Troy
Alabama over Western Carolina
Auburn over Kansas State
Georgia Tech over Notre Dame
California over Tennessee
Clemson over Florida State
LSU over Mississippi State
Georgia over Oklahoma State

Thursday links

By Drew Champlin

From me, Sean Dawkins is ready to get back into the game.

From the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, defensive end Chris Wade doesn’t want to be embarrassed like he was against USC.

Here’s some notes from the NW Arkansas Times, including cornerback Jerell Norton looking to make good in his first start.

The Morning News also has a feature on Chris Wade, plus an update on Marcus Monk, who is injured but in good spirits.