Humor

Hogs Back on Practice Field

Date: 2011-12-09T05:28:14.973
Author: Zach Turner
Editor note: The Arkansas Razorbacks ae back at practice for the Cotton Bowl.
Number of Views: 372

Arkansas took to the practice field Thursday in preparation for the team’s matchup with No. 8 Kansas State in the 2012 Cotton Bowl.

This was the Razorbacks first practice since before the 41-17 loss to No. 1 LSU.

“It felt really good,” senior defensive end Jake Bequette said. “We had about a week and a half off there. I think the team looked pretty good. We didn’t have all the guys there because some of them had class issues and some of the coaches were out recruiting, but other than that it was pretty sharp.”

Linebacker coach Reggie Johnson said the thought the team responded well, too.

“The work was good,” Johnson said. “They were all excited to have an opportunity to play in the Cotton Bowl, we are excited to be coaching in it and it was a good day’s work.”

Since the team last played, Arkansas has lost both its coordinators on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson resigned Tuesday after four seasons with the Razorbacks.

“We are pretty programmed through practices to go period to period,” Bequette said about Robinson’s absence at practice. “You don’t have much time to look around and notice who is there and who is not there, so I think we had a pretty good day.”

Robinson was also the secondary coach in addition to defensive coordinator.

With Arkansas not having named a new defensive coordinator, Bequette said it is up to the seniors and experienced players to fill the leadership void.

“As a leader, it falls on the guys that have been around here and know the defense,” Bequette said. “To lead the young guys and help them figure out how we are going to get this thing handled. Down a coordinator and some guys on offense we have to rally together and rely on our experience.”

Senior linebacker Jerico Nelson is one of those team captains and leaders that Bequette mentioned.

“Being here for four years, our role, and the way we practice we have so many leaders on the team besides the captains,” Nelson said. “There is kind of a feeling at practice that everyone already knows what we are out here to do and knows what we need to do.”

Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee was introduced as the new head coach at Alabama-Birmingham on Monday, but Arkansas has his replacement announced on Tuesday. Paul Petrino, younger brother of coach Bobby Petrino, takes back over as offensive coordinator, a position he held during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

“Just seeing him come in today and him and coach (Bobby Petrino) get along, they haven’t missed a beat,” defensive line coach Bobby Allen said. “He knows exactly what we’re doing and how we’re doing. It’s just like he’s never left, to be honest with you.”

Arkansas will make its 12th appearance in the Cotton Bowl in January. For seniors like Bequette, the time before their last game is limited.

“Well first of all we have to keep our goals in mind and that is to beat Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl,” Bequette said. “I can’t be thinking about my last time as a Razorback and get distracted from our goal. I think we have a good chance to perform well and it is going to be fun to practice hard to get ready for my last game.”

###