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9.3.2022 BEST OF THE WEB running back. "They're kind of a go-at- you, physical football team," Pittman said. Cincinnati's last two losses have come to SEC heavyweights Georgia and Alabama to end the past two seasons. Fickell admitted it has been eye opening to see the size of those teams, a feature Pittman is beginning to successfully replicate in Fayetteville. Not only are the Razorbacks heavier along the offensive and defensive lines, but longer at most positions. "I think it's a physical, physical football team that will definitely test us in a lot of the ways that we pride ourselves on," Fickell said. "Playing Georgia and Alabama the past two years, the thing you see that is a bit different is the size up front. Whether they're O-linemen or D-linemen, just by nature there are some guys who were probably born to be 320, 330, 340 pounds, and they've got them. "It's definitely a program that's built around those big guys. They've added a guy in Drew Sanders who is an Alabama transfer, who is 6-5 and 235 pounds at middle linebacker. As you look at those things across the board you can definitely tell there was an emphasis on length and size." QB PLAY Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson in 2021 finished with a completion percentage of 67.3% and four interceptions. Those figures likely exceeded the expectations of many across college football. But Jefferson had to shake off some nerves and shaky moments early last season. Half of his interceptions came in the first two weekends against Rice and Texas. The Razorbacks' offense has the potential to be more explosive than in 2021, but that, in part, hinges on Jefferson's ability to get the football to intriguing playmakers on time and on target. He was mostly sharp last season keeping the ball out of harm's way, and his turnover-worthy throws were few and far between. The Bearcats are likely to throw a number of looks and coverages at Jefferson, and there will be moments when he must make accurate throws under duress. How will he handle what Cincinnati brings to the party? Jefferson posted strong down-the-field passing numbers last season, completing 22 of his 44 attempts that traveled 20-plus yards for 7 touchdowns against 1 interception. If he is locked in in this area, the Razorbacks could strike in a hurry. It would also force the Bearcats to take a safety out of the box, giving Arkansas numbers in the run game. Fickell said this week that he is interested to see if Jefferson runs as much as last season when he led the team with 664 rushing yards. "I would imagine that the next step in his growth of being a great quarterback, because they're kind of touting him and pushing him for the Heisman, is he will be able to throw the ball better than maybe they gave him the opportunity to do last year," Fickell said. "You're kind of curious going into it. I know he can run and I know he can throw it. It will be interesting to see what kind of balance they have offensively." The Bearcats have not announced a starter for the game, though Fickell said Tuesday the team knows who will start and take the majority — if not all — of the snaps. Ben Bryant and Evan Prater have battled to replace Desmond Ridder as Cincinnati's starting quarterback this offseason. Bryant spent three years as Ridder's backup at Cincy before transferring to Eastern Michigan, where he completed 68.4% of his passes for 3,121 yards, 14 touchdowns, and was intercepted 7 times last season. Prater, who is three years younger than Bryant, saw limited action as Ridder's backup last season and was Mr. Ohio in high school. Fickell hoped to determine a starting quarterback within the first two weeks of fall camp, but the battle lingered. "Both of them were doing a really good job," Fickell said. "There were a lot of things that had to be ironed out. It went a little bit longer than we envisioned it, but all in all I think it was an incredible competition and we're going to need both of them throughout this year." PENALTIES In an evenly matched game, it is in both teams' best interest not to give away yardage in any phase of the game. Arkansas struggled in that respect against Rice to open season. The Razorbacks were flagged 13 times for a season- high 117 yards in the 38-17 victory. "I know this: If we did that again, we'd lose," Pittman said. "I get it. It's anxiety and all those type of things, but that's also coaching. I believe I probably said that last year after the Rice game, that's on me. I think we'll be much better. "We do have a lot of guys coming back. I think that'll help them, too, a little bit with a little bit of nervousness and anxiety, as well." The 13 penalties in the 2021 season opener — later matched in a loss at No. 1 Georgia — were the most by an Arkansas team since October 2011 against Texas A&M (14). The Razorbacks have been penalized 10-plus times in six games under Pittman. That has happened twice in Pittman's season openers against Georgia two years ago and Rice last year. Cincinnati also struggled with penalties last season. Its 102 penalties were 13th most nationally, just behind Arkansas' 104. ARKANSAS CORNERBACKS According to Arkansas' coaching staff and even safety Jalen Catalon, no cornerback had a more productive or consistent preseason than Hudson Clark, the former walk-on who became a national story in 2020 after his three-interception game against Ole Miss. After the Razorbacks' second scrimmage of the fall, Catalon noted that Clark had four interceptions to his credit in the team's workouts, and he likely would have had another if not for a drill when he wore boxing gloves and could not hold on to a pass that was in his grasp. Right tackle Dalton Wagner said the corner has "magnets for hands." Clark's starting job is about as set in stone as can be, but Arkansas' cornerback opposite him is still unknown. "I don't know that we're set there, to be perfectly honest with you," Pittman said this week. "We're still trying to figure that out. We obviously know they're all going to play and things of that nature. We're still trying to figure out who is going to run out there with the ones." Throughout the preseason, LaDarrius Bishop, Malik Chavis and Dwight McGlothern all took first- team reps. A transfer from LSU, McGlothern opened game week as a top corner in a period of practice open to reporters, and Chavis began fall camp as the No. 1 corner. Bishop was listed as the starter on the Razorbacks' official Week 1 depth chart. He started 9 games in 2021 and finished with 15 tackles and 3 pass breakups. McGlothern, described as a confident player who brings swagger to the position, started six games for the Tigers the last two seasons and went through spring drills with the Razorbacks. Chavis started twice last season and intercepted a pass against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. BACKUP LINEBACKERS Who the Razorbacks plan to run on the field at linebacker to start games this season was never in question. Bumper Pool is back for his super- senior season and Drew Sanders, a transfer from Alabama, essentially secured a starting job in the spring with an impressive string of practices. But to get through a rugged 12-game schedule, Arkansas will need more than two ready and able bodies. Glancing at the Razorbacks' game-week depth chart, redshirt freshman Chris "Pooh" Paul is in line for snaps behind Sanders, and freshman Jordan Crook and redshirt sophomore Jackson Woodard are slotted behind Pool. Coaches believe each reserve can make an impact on a successful defense, but it will be interesting to see who gets the first crack at playing time. Paul soaked up knowledge from former linebackers Grant Morgan and Hayden Henry a season ago and feels prepared to contribute as a result. Crook is said to be mature beyond his years with a high football IQ, and Woodard is moving as well as he has since arriving on campus, according to linebackers coach Michael Scherer. "I think we've got a good amount of guys that can go and play in a game right now," Scherer said. "I think Bumper and Drew can take a large load. They're going to need to go in and out. "I can't tell you if (the rotation is) going to be three guys, right now. I think we've got more than that, to be honest with you." ATMOSPHERE Fickell, who said this week he did not properly prepare his team for the environment before its game against No. 1 Alabama in the College Football Playoff last December, was blunt about the type of environment he expects at Reynolds Razorback Stadium — tough and nasty. "We started probably last week really kind of talking about it, talking about the atmosphere, making sure we're aware of what it's going to be like," Fickell said. "I can't exactly tell them, because I've never been there." Fickell does have experience with Arkansas, having assisted Ohio State for its 31-26 victory over the Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl at the end of the 2010 season. "It is something that does stick with you," Fickell said of hearing the Hog Call. "Hopefully we can do something about it, that we don't have to hear it all the time." Most tickets to the game were sold by the middle of the week and Fickell expects a loud environment. How to prepare for that environment in practice is a balancing act. "You can turn the music on and crank it up for practice and not be able to hear a darn thing, because that's what it's going to be like," Fickell said. "But then you think, 'Did we get a good practice out of that, or did we just come out with a headache and a lot of mistakes?' I think there is a balance that we've talked about. From the start of camp and even during the summer we've talked about atmospheres and emotions and how you've got to be able to play at a high level. "I don't know that you can actually say, 'Hey, we've done this to prepare ourselves.' It's like going to play at altitude…. There are some things that you're just going to have to understand and prepare yourself for mentally and be willing and ready for whatever it is." For Arkansas, Saturday marks its first ranked-versus- ranked season opener in more than 40 years, and the first-ever such matchup to open a season in Fayetteville. Emotions will run high, but keeping them in check will be paramount on both sides. "When your emotions spike pregame and there are 75,000 or 80,000 people hollering at you…then it's really hard for them to recover," Fickell said. Arkansas safety Jalen Catalon said he expects "an elite atmosphere" that might be reminiscent of last year's Texas game. An announced crowd of 74,531 watched the Razorbacks beat the Longhorns 40-21. "It's something you dream of as a kid, to play in atmospheres like this," Catalon said. "It's going to be something great for everybody to see and it's going to be a physical matchup. When that ball is set down, I know both teams will be ready to go. "I know our squad's going to be ready to go, so just ready to get it on." Ethan Westerman contributed to this article. Keys n Continued from Page 2 Here are some selected comments from the message boards at wholehogsports.com. THE MOST INTRIGUING RAZORBACKS GOING INTO THE SEASON … elihogs: Three guys that intrigue me most considering Frank Broyles' famous saying, "luck follows speed," are Malik Hornsby, A.J. Creen and Isaiah Sategna. Three guys that can change field position in one play, that can turn a bad play into a touchdown. ScottieBordelon: Really intrigued to see what A.J. Green looks like at the kickoff return this year after a full preseason on the field. He's dynamic and a blur when at 100%, and Arkansas needs a game changer at that spot. bartonrougehog: We used to be lucky to have one guy who "might" be able to make a difference. Now we have a plethora of them… Until (and if) injuries step in, we now have quality backups in almost every position to wear out the guys on the other team …. Until I see different, I am very optimistic going into this year, killer schedule or not. I may be drinking Kool-Aid, but it sure tastes like top shelf bourbon to me! golfinhog: If we're talking speed, what about Matt Landers? I don't know if we have a 100-meter time for him like with do for Sategna, Green and Hornsby but the defensive backs have mentioned how fast he is in several articles. Does he have elite speed? Enough to break away any time he gets the ball? We may have more players with breakaway speed than ever before. LDhog: What intrigues me in KJ Jefferson taking the next step as a big-time quarterback. The key will be to stay healthy. WHAT ABOUT NICK SABAN'S NEW 8-YEAR, $93 MILLION CONTRACT? mdw: He honestly might be headed in the same direction as Bear Bryant. I've seen a quote or two from Saban (or maybe about him) that indicates he really has no desire for retirement activities … one big difference is that Bryant died at age of 69. Saban is already 70 and will be 71 in a couple of months. If you compare pictures of Saban and Bryant, though, Bryant looks much older in his photos than Saban does today. MattJones: In general I think people today look younger than people their age looked a generation ago. There are a couple of men who live in my neighborhood who walk together every day. Both are in their mid-80s, but they look like they could be in their 60s. hawgcotton: Saban has said he wants to coach until Miss Terry tells him he's too old. As long as he can recruit and they make Little Debbie snacks, everyone else will have to work harder. LDhog: No problem on the Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies. We're building a new plant just down the road from me. youdaman: I'm a Nutty Buddy man myself. stillgreghog: Clearly we need (Saban) to punch a player (opposite team) on the sidelines, on national TV … nlrbuzzard: Singing the eight-year contract just means other schools can't use Saban's age/possible retirement against 'Bama on the recruiting trail in the next couple of years. They were going to give him a nice raise no matter how long he was going to coach. dfwtexhog: If Saban is 70 and capable of coaching for another eight years, is it possible that Coach Pittman, who is 60, could coach Arkansas for another 18 years? RichardDavenport: Some people can't live without football while others want to slow down and enjoy life. It blows me away how guys in their 70s still put in the crazy hours. I'm sure some delegate more but hard to see Saban ever doing that. ARE FANS EXCITED OR NERVOUS FOR THE SEASON OPENER? bayouhog: Well boys, I'm a little nervous about starting with Cincy and our schedule in general. Still not too far removed from those two-win seasons, I suppose. But I do think Sam Pittman is in the process of building a sustainable force in the SEC. We have to recruit better on the defensive line and build more depth. batonrougehog: Heck, bayouhog, after what I've seen over the last two years and reading what has been written in WholeHogSports and the forum there in, for the first time in many years I'm fired up for our playing in the final four! GuynHawaii2: Relax and enjoy the ride. For the first season in a long time, the Hogs will be very competitive with a chance to win every game on the schedule, including 'Bama at home. MattJones: I understand nerves because of the teams Arkansas will play, but I think the Razorbacks have a good team that will compete well in every game. razorwill: Not trying to start anything, Matt, but we could compete in every game and go 3-9. Name of the game is winning. I think we can win eight to 10 regular season games but the injuries concern me. … Can't find much info on Cincinnati, but their coach is a very good one. Just nervous I guess. SwineFusion: The two things to know about Cincy is they lost their quarterback and most of their defense. What the have coming back is good, mind you, but not College Football Playoff good. suigeneris: I'm nervous, too, and expect the feeling to last all season. Lots of nail-biters. After all, ESPN's football power rankings have us 25th in the country, and dead last in the SEC West. ARKANSAS FANS PREDICT SATURDAY'S FINAL SCORE… coloradohog: Really have no idea what to expect from Cincy other than playing hard and being well coached. They for sure have talent. I look for the Hogs to win a hard- fought, close game. Perhaps, 35-31, but who knows what to expect? gentryrzrbk: Arkansas 42, Borecats 27. LDhog: Hogs are itching to hit someone, win 37-14. Bearcats cry mercy. harleyhawgidson: I'm thinking along the lines of Hogs/Texas 2021, so I'll go 40-21. KrazorbackHog: Cincinnati should finish 11-1 this year with only a loss to Arkansas. Their schedule looks pretty easy. Snout: I looked at their schedule last year and two games stand out. They beat Notre Dame at South Bend to give ND their only loss in the regular season. Second they lost to Alabama 27-6 in the playoffs. They had nine draft picks so this is a totally different team. I put all of this information into my hopper and out comes: UA 31, UC 24. wizardofhogz: Hogs 27, Cincy 20. www.innisfreeseniorliving.com "Treating you like family" NOBODY'S PRICES OR CARE CAN COMPARE IN NWA! Innisfree Senior Living We are cheering on our College Team this season! GO TEAM! 300 Innisfree Circle • Rogers, AR • 479-636-7363 1003 MCCLAIN ROAD • BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 RIVERGRILLESTEAKHOUSE.COM 479-271-4141 STEAKHOUSE

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