The Arkansas Razorbacks can beat the USC Trojans in the season opener
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by user Douglasvgibbs
The Arkansas Razorbacks are humping it through two-a-day-practices in preparation for their opener against the USC Trojans. Last year, the number one Trojans had trouble containing the Razorback's running game during the first half of the game, but the Hogs were unable to throw at all during that game, and USC's high powered offense walked all over the Razorback's defense (70-17).
Arkansas' Head Coach, Houston Nutt, said. “We are a little tired, we are getting a little sluggish and sore towards the end of the week. We got some things done and we are improving. That’s what camp is about; you get a little tired but you have to keep going, keep playing hard, keep lining up the correct way and keep giving us full-speed effort.”
Nutt's pre-season plan of choosing between three healthy quarterbacks, Casey Dick, Robert Johnson and Mitch Mustain, was derailed Dick’s absence from the last week of practice because of a nagging back injury. Nutt named Johnson as the first-team signal-caller and is excited to see his squad stand behind him.
Even though the quarterback decision has been made, Nutt is more then aware of what is waiting on the sidelines.
“Mitch Mustain is an excellent quarterback,” Nutt said. “For a freshman, he has done a lot of good things. He has taken a lot of reps because of Casey’s situation and he has done a very, very good job; I’m real proud of him. Mitch is so mature; that is what I love about him. It’s really easy to see why he won so many games in high school. He’s so mature and he’s very positive. He’s good to go and I think it motivates him to work even harder.”
Nutt’s decision, based on numerous qualities and attributes that are imperative for a quarterback to possess, came down to experience.
“Robert Johnson is a little older and I think he is much better now then he was a year ago,” Nutt said. “We are going to keep him going and hopefully our team will keep improving. It’s hard to replace experience. He’s experienced; he’s been out there a little bit more. He’s a little bit more familiar with things. We have two quarterbacks now; we expected to have three but we only have two. Both of our quarterbacks are extremely important. I just feel like Robert is a little bit further a long.”
Nutt also made the decision based on Johnson’s relationship with quarterbacks coach Alex Wood and his improved decision-making skills.
The USC team they will face on September 2nd at Razorback stadium is without Leinart, Reggie Bush, and Lendale White, but is still a dangerous offensive threat. In addition to that, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden had a pin removed from his toe Monday, and is still doubtful for the Sept. 2 season opener against No. 6 Southern California.
The Razorbacks are beginning a season just outside the top 25, so a win against USC would be huge, hurtling them into the top 25. The Hogs have only completed a season in the top 25 twice in the last eight years under Houston Nutt.
With the speed they have in their running backs, the Razorbacks will run the football, spread the field, and with that spreading of the enemy defenses will come the passing game. Though Johnson is starting the season at QB, watch Freshman Mustain, who is a superb athlete, take over the QB responsibilities before the season completes itself.
Defense will do as it has always done, stop the run. What they need to do is stop the pass as well. This is the second year under defensive coordinator Herring, and the defense will be much much better.
So can the Arkansas Razorbacks beat the USC Trojans? There's a good chance, especially since the game is being played in Fayetteville. Nonetheless, outside of that, the rest of the season is winnable, and I expect to see the Hogs in a bowl game after it is all over, and finish as a resident of the top 25.
Date
Sun 08/27/06, 12:38 pm EST
