Razorback Notes: Coaches Testing Players' Effort By Shaking Up Lineup

FAYETTEVILLE - Bobby Petrino seemed surprised to learn Arkansas used eight new starters in Saturday's game against Eastern Michigan.

"Is that right?  I didn't know there was that many," Petrino said.

Don't be surprised if Petrino and the Razorbacks shake things up again.

Arkansas based last week's starting lineup on a day-by-day evaluation of personnel. That could happen again this week as the Razorbacks (4-4, 1-4) prepare for South Carolina (6-3, 3-3).

Improving effort and work ethic is something the coaching staff was looking to do. That resulted in David Gordon, Broderick Green, Brett Haris, Anthony Leon and Terrell Williams making the first starts of their careers. Damario Ambrose, Alfred Davis and Reggie Fish also found their way into the starting lineup.

"We'll continue to grade practice," Petrino said. "We'll really make sure guys out on field will put in a great effort in practice."

Players said that message got through to them.

"The point was made to not be satisfied," quarterback Ryan Mallett said. "Just because you're starting this week doesn't mean you will next week. Guys stepped in and did a good job."

There were a number of other players that didn't start, but got more action than usual.

Among the guys who saw increased playing time was fullback John Durmon. He personified what Petrino was looking for, giving good effort and allowing regular starter Van Stumon to get some much-needed rest.