Concentration High as Arkansas Wraps Up Tennessee Practice Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorbacks completed their week of practice with an hour workout on the practice fields just south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas had its final tune up before Saturday’s 6 p.m. clash with Tennessee.

“We had a great concentration level today with good intensity,” head coach Houston Nutt said. “I love the mental part of the game that everybody brought today. (The game) is just about here.”

Earlier in the week, Nutt noted that Tennessee has the best defense the Razorbacks have faced all season long. His feelings haven’t changed much throughout the week.

“I expect (Tennessee’s) best on Saturday,” Nutt said. “(Tennessee’s) Xavier Mitchell is number 93 and if you watch him you’ll see a real SEC defensive end. Tremendous speed, he’s a great football player. He has great speed in the secondary. (Tennessee’s John) Chavis is one of the best defensive coordinators in America and does a great job mixing up fronts, mixing up pressures and they have some great athletes to work with.”

Nutt and his staff have been striving for balance with the running and passing games. Nutt is looking to a specific group of players to strive against the Tennessee defense and dent the scoreboard.

“Our receivers have to make plays,” Nutt said. “Our receivers have to make plays and they are going to get some one-on-one chances. They have to be ready.”

Not only will Nutt be looking at the receivers in Cardinal and White, he’ll keep a close eye on those who don Tennessee orange.

“(Tennessee) has some great receivers,” Nutt said. “They have great height. They are not only fast but they are strong too. You see a lot of corners fall off them. We have to do a great job of tackling them.”

Marcus Harrison is the lone Razorback who status is not certain for Saturday’s game. Harrison was injured during Wednesday’s practice but was back out on the field Thursday afternoon.

“I think (Marcus Harrison) will be available (on Saturday),” Nutt said. “I have much more hope today then I did yesterday. I think he’s going to be okay. He won’t start but he’ll maybe be ready for action.”