Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Thursday's Arkansas football media availability ...

I. No Word
Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson did not practice Thursday. His status for Saturday's game with No. 1 Alabama could be determined Friday.

Wilson went through at least a portion of Wednesday's practice. When asked why Wilson did not participate a day later, Coach John L. Smith would only say, "he was busy."

Wilson sustained a hit to the head late in the first half of last week’s 34-31 overtime loss to Louisiana-Monroe. Brandon Allen and wide receiver Brandon Mitchell have been getting increased reps in practice this week.

"They’re excited about going to the field and practicing, and competing for that spot," Smith said. "So it’s been a good week out of both of those guys. And this is just kind of what you do. You just keep preparing, preparing, preparing."

II. Other Options
Arkansas will likely need help at wide receiver with Mitchell taking so many snaps at quarterback.

Smith said he continues to expect good things from freshman Mekale McKay as a complement to established options like Cobi Hamilton and Chris Gragg. Smith also said Julian Horton had a good week of practice after hauling in a touchdown pass against ULM. McKay caught two passes for 74 yards and a touchdown against the Warhawks.

III. Battling
Brey Cook has been pushed of late by Jason Peacock at tackle. This week Cook was also battling the stomach flu, Smith said.

“He did a great job fighting through it,” Smith said. “He’d go to the sideline and throw up and come back and continue to practice. … So we have a little bit of that going on, but it’s been a good week for those guys.”

Peacock played against ULM after sitting out the first week. Smith said Peacock has had a “pretty good week.”

“Hopefully we’re getting a little bit more competition there,” Smith said. “Jason is bouncing back and have to keep working on him, but it’s been a pretty good week.”

Speaking Out
"I think it’s gotten better every day. Eearly on it was like everybody after a loss. You know? Chins on the ground. They’re all dragging their chin. But you’ve just got to kick them in the tail and, ‘Hey. Get your head up. Let’s get going.’ That takes time. But I think every day has gotten better."
—John L. Smith on the team bouncing back from a 34-31 loss to ULM in overtime