Posts Tagged ‘Arkansas’

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Diamond Hogs bring drama to Little Rock

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

FAYETTEVILLE – It might have been 24 years since the Razorback baseball team played in central Arkansas, but the game might have been well worth the wait for fans from the area.

Junior first baseman Andy Wilkins used a walk-off single to give the No. 12 Razorbacks a 5-4 come-from-behind win in the 10th inning over Louisiana Tech at Dickey-Stephens Park in what should be considered a positive night for the program.

In front of a sold-out crowd and ballpark record of 9,426 fans, Arkansas baseball returned to Little Rock for the first time since 1986 when the Razorbacks beat Memphis in the 10th inning. The excitement and buzz that was created down in the area displayed how much Razorback sports means to the region—and how much the Diamond Hogs were missed.

The central region of the state has always been important to the Arkansas program, and it shows with football still playing two games a year in Little Rock while basketball schedules a game every season.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said the Razorbacks (37-11) were excited to play a game in Arkansas outside of Fayetteville and to get an opportunity to play in a pro ballpark.

But with the popularity and the attention that the Louisiana Tech game was able to draw, it won’t be the last time. The Razorbacks hope to plan a game there every year and already have a game worked out with Memphis which will be played at Dickey-Stephens Park.

The game was able to attract fans who usually might not be able to see the Diamond Hogs play, including recruits who didn’t have to drive extra miles to get an opportunity to watch the Razorbacks play.

“It seemed like a good fit because we are recruiting kids from all around down south,” Van Horn said. “A lot of the kids I know are going to the game. It’s a chance for their parents to get to a game and be around the Razorbacks in spirit. They can get an idea of how strong our fan base is.”

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Bolsinger picks up SEC Pitcher of the Week award

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

Arkansas senior pitcher Mike Bolsinger could have had his best performance during a 7-0 series clinching win over Ole Miss on Sunday. And in addition to picking up the win, the McKinney, Texas, native later added the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week award.

He pitched a career-high eight shutout innings against the Rebels while striking out 11 and allowing just two hits during the critical game that secured a one game lead in the Western Division for the No. 12 Razorbacks (37-11).

Bolsinger was making his first start since April 4 when he lasted just 2.1 innings while allowing seven earned runs against Kentucky in a 12-8 loss. The senior started the year as the top starter for Arkansas but was moved to the bullpen after the performance against the Wildcats.

The right-hander was used primarily as a reliever last year, making 30 appearances while allowing opponents to only hit .201 against him in 69.1 innings.

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Inside the series: Razorbacks take care of Rebels

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

By Harold McIlvain II

There was no question how big this series was for the No. 14 Arkansas Razorback baseball team (37-11, 16-8 SEC) against No. 11 Ole Miss (34-15, 15-9 SEC) with the two tied atop the Western Division standings. Arkansas was coming off two SEC series losses while Ole Miss had won seven straight conference games. But the Razorbacks pulled away with two of the three games and now lead the West by a game.

Below are some notes and newsworthy items that happened over the weekend for the Diamond Hogs:

Rotation help is on the way: Van Horn has admitted that constant success from Saturday and Sunday starters has been an issue for the team recently. The Razorbacks have yet to have the same rotation in an SEC series this year, starting five different combination of pitchers.

But senior Mike Bolsinger stepped up for the Razorbacks and pitched a gem Sunday during the 7-0 win to clinch the series. The McKinney, Texas, native and former ace pitched eight scoreless innings while striking out 11 and allowing only two hits.

And senior TJ Forest, who started 11 games last year, pitched 4.1 innings of scoreless relief Saturday after DJ Baxendale was pulled in the second inning and allowed three earned runs. With the performance, Forest could be in the mix for a conference start perhaps.

Wilkins breaks out of slump: The Broken Arrow, Okla., native showed Sunday that he could still hit, as he led the Razorbacks at the plate going 3-for-4 with two runs, a home run and three RBIs. Entering the day hitless in the series, the junior hasn’t found much success at the plate recently, as he was 4-for-31 in the last three conference series and dropped his average to below .260. With a long ball today, Wilkins now has the fourth most home runs in program history with 40.

Kuhn continues to get hit…again: The Razorback lead-off man has taken a couple pitches for the team this year at a record pass. The outfielder was hit by a pitch Sunday for the 23rd time this year, which is now a school record.

New closer shows promise in role: With Baxendale in the rotation this weekend, junior Jordan Pratt was moved to the closer role and picked up a save Friday night while striking out four in 1.2 scoreless innings. Pratt came back Sunday to pitch the ninth, lowering his ERA to 3.40 and now has 39 strike outs in 29.1 innings this season.

Cox is still really, really good: It wasn’t a surprise to see Cox to keep producing this weekend at the plate. The sophomore third baseman finished 3-for-3 on Friday with two runs scored, including hits off one of the best pitchers in the nation in Drew Pomeranz. He then went 2-for-4 with a run, home run and RBI during the Saturday loss before not getting a hit Sunday, which was the second time for that to happen all season.

Friday Night not a problem: Arkansas picked up another win to start the conference series. But it isn’t a surprise despite playing a talented Ole Miss team. The Razorbacks have won 11 of 12 Friday night games this year, only dropping a 12-8 game against Kentucky when Bolsinger pitched his last Friday night start, allowing seven earned in 2.1 innings. Starter Drew Smyly took over the ace role since then and has picked up six straight wins.

Tom still terrific: It might not have been a walk-off hit, but the home run by Tom Hauskey during the ninth inning of a 3-2 Saturday loss just goes to show how clutch the Springdale, Ark., native has been this year when given an opportunity. The senior has already produced with two game winning hits this season for the Razorbacks.

What’s next: The Diamond Hogs will travel to North Little Rock, Ark., to take on Louisiana Tech this Tuesday. With a 9-3 loss on Sunday to Kentucky, No. 6 South Carolina dropped the series and will be the next opponent for Arkansas at home next weekend. The Razorbacks are now one game back of the overall SEC lead.

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2 Razorbacks arrested on drug charge

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE —Arkansas defensive backs David Gordon and Hunter Miller were arrested Monday night on a charge of possession of a controlled substance by University of Arkansas police.

During a welfare check of two subjects in a vehicle, a UA police officer detected the odor burned marijuana, according to the UA police arrest report. When the officer opened the door a cloud of smoke escaped the vehicle, and an officer saw a plastic baggie containing a leafy substance.

Gordon, a scholarship player from Tulsa who started in three games and played in 10, was initially reported to be David Lopez. Gordon was injured and did not participate in spring practices. Miller is a walkon defensive back.

Both players were released on bond after being booked into the Washington County Detention Center at 8:05 p.m.

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Red-White Game Recap Part 2: Running Backs

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

4550483519_34c79d6a24Photo by Ross Brown: Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson.

FAYETTEVILLE — Going into Arkansas’ spring scrimmage, Arkansas’ coaching staff felt like it had a strong, deep and versatile stable of running backs, and nothing happened on the field that should change that feeling.

Each of the Hogs top four running backs had their moments in the contest that saw the White team score the game’s final 17 points to post a 31-21 victory.

Ronnie Wingo Jr. led in carries with 18 and total yards with 88, but Knile Davis, Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson each average more yards per carry than Wingo’s solid 4.9 average. Davis carried 6 times for 49 yards for an 8.2 ypc. average, while Green had 8 carries for 53 yards for a 6.6 ypc. average and Dennis Johnson had 6 carries for 38 yards for a 6.3 ypc average.

The only truly disappointing aspect of the backs play was the fumbles by Wingo and Davis. Davis actually suffered a broken collar bone on his fumble. He had surgery Sunday. It is expected to take about month for him to recover.

Wingo reeled off the longest run with a 37 yard scamper. He hit the holes hard and seems to have gotten over his habit of trying to dance around in the backfield that tripped him up at times as a freshman. He also caught two passes for 28 yards, one that went for a 31-yard touchdown.

Green seemed to pick where he left off last season. He is a punishing runner that doesn’t mind pounding defenses with is 5-, 245-pound frame.

Johnson is as nimble and tough as ever. He seems to have the best vision and cut-back ability of the group, and he also has nifty hands. He caught two passes for 42 yards with one going for a 38-yard gain.

Like Johnson, Davis has a nose for the hole and has a good combination of speed and strength. His only issue is his proclivity to be injured. This is the second spring that he has been hurt. But Davis did go through all of the 2009 season without being hurt.

The only real issue is that while all four backs had productive springs, none of them truly separated themselves from the pack from my point of view. Johnson did show a great amount of leadership and earned compliments from the coaching staff for doing so. But there is no clear No. 1 from my view, though any of the four would seem to be an improvement over last season when injuries kept Michael Smith from being all he could be as a senior.

Wingo and Davis also had fumbles.

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Red-White Game Recap Part 1: Quarterbacks

Monday, April 26th, 2010
Ross Brown Photo — White quarterback Nick Petrino rears back to pass in Arkansas' spring football game. The Whites won the contest 31-21 on April 24 at Razorbacks Stadium.

Ross Brown Photo — White quarterback Nick Petrino rears back to pass in Arkansas' spring football game. The Whites won the contest 31-21 on April 24 at Razorbacks Stadium.

FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks’ Red-White scrimmage last Saturday turned turned out to be a showcase for the Razorbacks’ quarterbacks even though starter and potential Heisman Trophy candidate Ryan Mallett watched from the sidelines as he did all spring.

Mallett foot is expected to be healed by at least mid June and barring another injury he not only is the unquestioned starter under center but also the team’s leader. But, that does not mean his understudies can’t play the game.

Tyler Wilson, Brandon Mitchell, Jacoby Walker and Nick Petrino all acquitted themselves well in the Red-White contest, which the White squad won 31-21.

Wilson, a sophomore, completed 8 of 15 throws for 133 yards and a touchdown, while red-shirt freshman Brandon Mitchell completed 2 of 5 passes for 80 yards, walk-on Petrino was 9 of 17 for 63 yards and true freshman Jacoby Walker was 6 of 11 for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind Mallett, Wilson is the quarterback who is the most ready to play. He has a deeper understanding of the offense, the most accurate arm of the four and the team’s trust. But Mitchell progressed a great deal in the spring and his size (6-3, 230) and natural athletic ability adds a dimension to the offense that neither Mallett nor Wilson can match.

That was evident when he turned a bit of busted play into an 88-yard touchdown. Now, understand, a third-team safety was suckered in on a fake and that allowed Mitchell to go the distance on the run. Things won’t be that easy in SEC play, but Mitchell is an intriguing athlete who is learning how to be a complete quarterback.

The same can be said for Walker, who gave up the second semester of his high school senior year to join the Razorbacks. While Wilson and Mitchell’s play may have suffered a bit by splitting up the teams, Walker’s actually benefited. Walker predominately practiced with the third team in the spring, but got to work with a combination of first- and second-team linemen in the scrimmage and it made a difference. With time to throw, he has a nice arm and like Mitchell has the wheels to make something happen when a play breaks down.

At 5-10, Petrino is a bit small for a SEC quarterback, but his understanding and execution of the offense is nearly on par with Wilson’s. He could play in a pinch, and it would not hinder Arkansas’ play calling at all. That’s saying a lot for a guy who will occupy the fourth spot on the Hogs’ quarterback depth chart behind Mallett, Wilson and Mitchell next fall. In fact, he is ahead of Mitchell in understanding of the offense and execution.

Arkansas’ playable depth at quarterback is a testament to the work done by head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Garrick McGee.

McGee said last week that Arkansas’ program is about developing quarterbacks, and that is evident from watching practice and watching practice and watching the quarterbacks perform.

I would venture to say there is not a program in America that has better coached quarterbacks. That is the reputation Petrino had first as an assistant and later as a head coach. It is that reputation that brought McGee to his coaching staff.

Look out for McGee, too. He will make a fine head coach for a program some day, and it might be soon. A break-out season for the Hogs this year might just do the trick for the Hogs’ impressive offensive coordinator.

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Red-White Game on tap for 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE — As I’m writing this, moderate to heavy showers are making their way through Northwest Arkansas, but with more than 11 hours until the 6 p.m. start of the Arkansas Razorbacks spring football scrimmage, it should be dry for the festivities.

In fact, the storms should be out of the way by the time RazorFest begins at noon at Razorback Stadium. The charity event benefits a number of children’s charities in the state and features contests and games as well as autograph sessions with former Razorbacks. NCAA regulation prohibit current players from signing at the event, although Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino will be signing from 1 to 2 p.m.

Tonight’s contest ought to be good. The squads have been split relatively evenly to promote competition and fun from and for the players. Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said “a lot” would be on the line in the game, so expect the players to be attempting to win.

Will the contest give fan’s a true indication of where the Hogs’ stand for the 2010 season? Not really, but it will give those on hand or who watch on ESPN3.com a good look at individuals.

What I do believe, though, is that the fact Petrino opted to split the teams instead of continuing to work his starters against his starters this week means he and his staff are fairly happy with the progress made this spring.

For all practical purposes, the hard-nosed portion of spring practice ended with the Hogs scrimmage April 16. The final three practices this week were spent preparing for the spring game rather than the Razorbacks pounding each other for progress, as Petrino has had the Hogs do in his previous two springs.

Certainly, there is work to be done come August. Ryan Mallett needs to get back in the saddle at quarterback, but Petrino believes his junior quarterback made progress by observing and even helping teach on the field while allowing his foot to heal.

Things are not settled on the offensive front in a good way. While the Hogs returned four of its starting five across the offensive front, it is not out of the realm of possibility that a couple of those starters might be beat out before the 2010 season begins or ends.

Back-up guard Alvin Baily and tackle Anthony Oden are physical specimens, who have pushed for starting roles and before all is said and done, they might earn them. This is progress for the program and bodes well for its future under Petrino.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Razorbacks look to be much better at the cornerback position with young players letting their talent take over and older players providing solid leadership and experience. As long as injuries don’t strike too deeply, the Razorbacks will be able to keep fresh corners in the game.

The safety position is in better shape than a year ago, but it is not altogether settled. Expect Rudell Crim, who started quite a bit a corner last season, to remain at safety because of his speed. Tramain Thomas and Elton Ford give the Hogs a solid twosome at free safety and Ross Rasner can play as well. Big, fast Anthony Leon has yet to really click at the position, but he is not a bust at the spot, either. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff opts to experiment with him at another position or if they feel he has so much time invested at safety that they need to leave him there and get the most out of him they can.

The Razorbacks have no true stars on the defensive front, although junior Jake Bequette could be close at the end spot, but the Hogs are solid at the spot and deeper than they have been since at least 1999. Sophomore D.D. Jones is another lineman who could breakout this season if he can continue to add good bulk in the weight room. He is cat quick, but he can be pushed around a little after dropping about 20 pounds in the off-season.

Middle linebacker remains a concern for the Hogs. Jermaine Love (5-10, 234) had a good spring there as did Terrell Williams (6-3, 237), but until they line up and produce in the SEC, you can’t remove the question mark.

But the biggest trouble spot of the spring remains place kicking. Alex Tejada didn’t have a great spring. He needs to be better in the fall. It’s that simple.

Well, since I started writing the rain has stopped and the forecast calls for less of a chance of precipitation as the day goes on. So, come on out to the Red-White game. It’s the last taste of football until August.

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Depth making a difference for Petrino’s Hogs

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE — How much difference in a season can one football player make?

We all have watched enough to know that one player can be THE DIFFERENCE in a team being great or good or good or mediocre. Generally, we think of those guys being quarterbacks or running backs or maybe even a great pass rusher. But depending on a team’s depth, even a routine starter can be a difference-maker.

The point never stood out more last season for the Arkansas Razorbacks than in their game against Georgia. For a quarter and a little bit more, it appeared the Razorbacks would run the Bulldogs out of Razorback Stadium. Ryan Mallett was putting the ball on the money down field and Arkansas’ receiving corps was making plays Hogs fans hadn’t seen in years, if ever.

Arkansas’ defense was holding up pretty good, too, until linebacker Jerry Franklin brushed an official and was tossed from the game. Franklin’s backup came into the game ill prepared, and Georgia coach Mark Richt was sharp enough to take advantage of the weakness the rest of the night. What had been shaping up to be a Razorback victor swiftly turned around and the Bulldogs went home 52-41 winners.

The loss of Franklin was the turning point in that ballgame, and it’s one of the reasons the Hogs’ coaching staff has not taken the routine scuffles that develop during spring practice as well as other needless penalty situations lightly this spring.

While Petrino doesn’t want to offer any gifts to opponents this year, the Razorbacks should be better outfitted across the board to play in the SEC. Other than last week when Brandon Mitchell’s absence due to a death in his family left the Hogs a little short at quarterback, Arkansas routinely worked three offenses against three defenses this spring.

That has been a true luxury for Petrino and his staff and has made spring practice much more beneficial. Working three full teams has actually made practices more efficient and players more attentive. That may sound counter intuitive but it is true.

With three full teams, players are able to get more rest between repetitions, but also allowed the coaches to work the teams at a quicker pace. The end result is that the players stay more attentive thus getting more out of each play, but because the pace is quicker because the players are able to go harder for longer, each player is getting as much work as they had in previous years when the pace was not as quick.

This depth has allowed each Razorback to maximize his spring workouts and the improvement has shown both for individuals and the team. There is no way to count the benefit that depth will have on the Hogs next fall, but it will be considerable.

Speaking of depth, it was good to see Isaac Madison working virtually full speed with the second team in Tuesday’s practice. Madison is coming off surgery to repair his ACL and he has progressed enough that he could see some contact this week and even play a bit in Saturday’s Red-White game.

If you remember, Madison started his entire sophomore season in 2008 and while he had his ups and downs, he was the Hogs best defensive back in camp last spring. Until his injury sidelined him for the season, Madison was having an excellent preseason camp and was poised to have a stand-out junior year.

Like when Franklin went out of the Georgia game, the Hogs did not have a true answer for the void left in the secondary by Madison’s injury. That kind of experience can only be replaced over the course of a full season.

However, this spring cornerback is not the worrisome position for the Hogs that it has been in the past. In fact, Darius Winston has improved enough over the spring that Robinson felt comfortable trying starting corner Rudell Crim at safety the last week of spring ball to add more speed at the position. Who knows if Crim will stay at safety or move back to corner, but with Madison back and the experience gained last season, Arkansas’ secondary shouldn’t be the weakness that it has been five of the last six seasons.

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Red-White Game televised, on radio

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

The University of Arkansas football Red-White Spring Game presented by Cox Digital Cable, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, will be available to fans through a variety of outlets.

The game will be televised live by Cox Sports Television (CST) as part of the Athletic Department’s partnership with Razorback Sports Properties. KATV anchor Scott Inman (play-by-play), ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes (color) and former Razorback running back Michael Smith (sideline) will call the game.

Fans can also watch the game live at ArkansasRazorbacks.com. The live stream will be available via ESPN3 in markets that do not carry Cox Sports Television.

The game can be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from ISP with the Voice of the Razorbacks Chuck Barrett (play-by-play), former NFL tight end Keith Jackson (color) and former Razorback quarterback Quinn Grovey (sideline) handling the call. The broadcast is also airing on XM station 143 and Sirius station 122.

The game will be archived on ArkansasRazorbacks.com and ESPN3.

Razorback fans are encouraged to visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com for the most up to date information on the Red-White Spring Game presented by Cox Digital Cable.

2009-10 Razorback Sports Network from ISP Affiliates:

KVRC-AM 1240 Arkadelphia, AR

KWOZ-FM 103.3 Batesville, AR

KTHS-AM 1480 Berryville, AR

KHLS-FM 96.3 Blytheville, AR

KQMJ-FM 107.3 Blytheville, AR

KLCN-AM 910 Blytheville, AR

KSAR-FM 92.3 Cherokee Village, AR

KBKG-FM 93.5 Corning, AR

KCCB-AM 1260 Corning, AR

KAGH-AM 800 Crossett, AR

KAGH-FM 104.9 Crossett, AR

KDQN-FM 92.1 De Queen, AR

KMRX-FM 96.1 El Dorado, AR

KAGL-FM 93.3 El Dorado, AR

KELD-AM 1400 El Dorado, AR

KQSM-FM 92.1 Fayetteville, AR

KUOA-AM 1290 Fayetteville, AR

KUOA-FM 105.3 Fayetteville, AR

KEZA-FM 107.9 Fayetteville, AR

KBFC-FM 93.5 Forrest City, AR

KHGG-FM 103.1 Fort Smith, AR

KTTG-FM 96.3 Fort Smith, AR

KWXI-AM 670 Glenwood, AR

KWXI-FM 98.9 Glenwood, AR

KHMB-FM 104.9 Hamburg, AR

KHOZ-AM 900 Harrison, AR

KHOZ-FM 102.9 Harrison, AR

KAWW-AM 1370 Heber Springs, AR

KFFA-AM 1360 Helena, AR

KFFA-FM 103.1 Helena, AR

KHPA-FM 104.9 Hope, AR

KKIK-FM 106.5 Horseshoe Bend, AR

KLAZ-FM 105.9 Hot Springs, AR

KNEA-AM 970 Jonesboro, AR

KABZ-FM 103.7 Little Rock, AR

KZHE-FM 100.5 Magnolia, AR

KGPQ-FM 99.9 Monticello, AR

KVOM-FM 101.7 Morrilton, AR

KCTT-FM 101.7 Mountain Home, AR

KOMT-FM 107.5 Mountain Home, AR

KDYN-AM 1540 Ozark, AR

KDYN-FM 96.7 Ozark, AR

KCAB-AM 980 Russellville, AR

KCJC-FM 102.3 Russellville, AR

KRLQ-FM 94.1 Ruston, LA

KSMD-FM 99.1 Searcy, AR

KWAK-FM 105.5 Stuttgart, AR

KCFO-AM 970 Tulsa, OK

KWYN-AM 1400 Wynne, AR

KWYN-FM 92.5 Wynne, AR

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Terrell Williams catching on at middle linebacker

Monday, April 19th, 2010

FAYETTEVILLE — If Terrell Williams didn’t catch your eye in the Arkansas Razorbacks last scrimmage, he may have caught your ear.

Two of the most explosive hits of the day were delivered by the 6-3, 237-pound sophomore from Tulsa. Williams is settling in at middle linebacker, which is helping provide the answer for the Hogs’ biggest question going into spring.

“He’s very capable of being a physical player,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said following last Friday’s scrimmage. “I think he has really matured in spring ball. I think we have got him in the right position and he had some guys out there helping him get lined up and what to do. That’s good because he can just relax and run to the ball and make contact.”

Williams is battling senior Jermaine Love for the middle linebacker spot. Regardless of which player latches on to the starting role this spring, the battle will be waged again preseason drills come August.

The more competitive the battle is the better the situation it is for Willy Robinson’s Razorbacks defense. As brutal as the battles are in the SEC, the Hogs could use more than one headhunter in the middle.

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