Hogs hope to become bowl eligible

Football

By: Robert Beckmann

Posted: 11/19/08

Following a bye week, the Arkansas Razorbacks (4-6, 1-5 Southeastern Conference) are gearing up for their final road trip of the season, slated against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-7, 1-5 SEC) in Starkville, Miss.

For the Hogs, it's do-or-die time since they must win their final two games to become bowl eligible. It begins this Saturday when they face the Bulldogs, a team with some similarities to their last foe, South Carolina.

Defensively, MSU likes to change coverages, and they have the ability to make real-time changes throughout the game.

"They go back and forth between a four-man front and a three-man front," Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said. "They'll pressure you and they'll get an extra guy down in the box to stop the run, whether that's seven guys or eight guys, depending on what personnel you have in the game. They're very sound."

Senior quarterback Casey Dick did not practice during the bye week because of a concussion he suffered late against South Carolina. Since his departure from that game, a quarterback controversy has arisen between him and brother Nathan Dick.

Nathan, a redshirt freshman, showed some poise in the pocket against the Gamecocks, completing 4-of-8 passes for 38 yards. Conversely, Casey struggled by throwing three interceptions.

"[The quarterback controversy] is kind of a combination based on both health and performance," Petrino said. "It wasn't Casey's best game of the year and we want to make sure that he gets back healthy."

Yet the decision on who starts Saturday will be based on more than just whether Casey is fit to play. Also taken heavily into account will be which quarterback gives the Hogs the better chance for a victory against the Bulldogs.

Considering Casey's troubles against the Gamecocks, his ability to deal with a similarly confusing defense this week may be an issue with coaches.

"[Casey] made some mistakes prior to getting hit in the head," Petrino said. "We also liked the way Nathan played when he came in."

However, never one to give up, Casey has impressed coaches and teammates since returning to practice this week. Receivers Lucas Miller and Carlton Salters noted Casey's increased intensity.

"I think Casey has come back with his mind into it," Miller said. "One of the things Carlton Salters discussed, when we were just throwing routes, was how much harder and more accurate Casey was throwing the ball."

Also healing from injury is junior tailback Michael Smith, who banged up his shoulder against South Carolina. Thus far, Smith has recovered quicker than expected, getting back on the practice field last week.

Though coaches continue to monitor him, Smith should be ready by Saturday.

"He's looked very quick and fast," Petrino said. "His legs are back and feeling good. [The injury] has been bothering him a little bit, but he has felt real good."

A key offensive player for Arkansas was recognized earlier this week. Tight end D.J. Williams was named one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award.

The award is given to the top college football tight end in the nation each year. As a sophomore this season, Williams has set single-season Arkansas school records for receptions and receiving yards for a tight end.

"He's been our go-to guy and he's the guy who has had the big plays and a lot of third down conversions," Petrino said. "When D.J. is healthy at full speed he can run routes with anybody. He can break tackles and make big plays."

Next week it will be announced if Williams is one of the Mackey Award's three finalists. On the season, he is the Hogs' leading receiver, having caught 48 passes for 613 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 12.8 yards per catch and has a long of 76.

"He creates mismatches," senior center Jonathan Luigs said. "You wouldn't think a tight end and a linebacker would be a mismatch, but he has that speed and ability. He doesn't necessarily make people miss, but he fights off tackles. His double-digit catches the past few weeks has sparked the offense and helped us get things going."

As the 2008 season of heartbreaking losses and growing pains nears its end, the Razorbacks are eager to end their year on a high note. And though primarily a young team, both Arkansas upperclassmen and underclassmen are focused on making it to the postseason.

"I've played here two years and I've played in two bowl games," defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard said. "I couldn't imagine not playing in one this year. Nobody wants to be sitting at home around Christmas and watching everyone else play."