Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Wednesday’s Arkansas football media availability…

I. No Change
South Carolina dismissed starting quarterback Stephen Garcia nearly four weeks ago. Star tailback Marcus Lattimore was lost to a knee injury a week later.

Still, Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said he notices no significant drop off in the Gamecocks. They are getting good running production from freshman Brandon Wilds (137 yards last week against Tennessee) and new quarterback Conner Shaw adds a running dimension from that position.

Plus the Gamecocks still have all-SEC receiver Alshon Jeffery.

Regardless of the changes, No. 7 Arkansas expects to have its hands full with the No. 9 Gamecocks on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

“It doesn't seem like he's cut anything back at all,” Robinson said of Spurrier.

Robinson said he’s been impressed with both Wilds and Shaw. Shaw, Robinson said, is “playing with a lot of confidence and a lot of toughness.” 

II. Inspiring Loss
South Carolina’s 41-20 loss to Arkansas last year was apparently equal parts frustrating and inspiring for the Gamecocks.

Coach Steve Spurrier said his team took two days to review film of the Razorbacks after the home loss in 2010. He wanted his team to see how Arkansas controlled the line of scrimmage and made big plays.

“Hey, Arkansas came in here and really played well,” Spurrier said. “After the game we took about 2 days off before we played Florida the next week to watch them on tape, watch them block and tackle and play defense. … I told some people later that they may have been the best team we played all year, when we played Arkansas last year.”

Spurrier said that game would have no added motivational impact for this year’s team, however. Coach Bobby Petrino said the 2010 victory will have no bearing on Saturday when the No. 7 Razorbacks (7-1, 3-1) host No. 9 South Carolina (7-1, 5-1)

“We know we’re a completely different team,” he said. “They’re a completely different team. They’re 7-1. We’re 7-1. It’s a great matchup.”

III. Wright Time?
Arkansas defensive end Tenarius Wright practiced Tuesday and Wednesday. It’s unknown if he’ll be available for Saturday’s game against the Gamecocks.

Coach Bobby Petrino said Wright “got some good work” on Tuesday, but declined to offer an assessment of the end’s availability. Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said Wright is “day to day.”

Speaking Out
“Oh my. The fact that he's 6-4, 233 pounds. Shoot, that's why you're always looking for big corners and stuff. You know, he's a guy that can take over a game. The idea is to not let him get into the flow of things.”
—Defensive  coordinator Willy Robinson on South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. He has 12 catches for 215 and a touchdown in two previous games against the Razorbacks.