Hogs Begin Work for AT&T Cottbon Bowl Classic

DALLAS – The No. 24 Arkansas Razorbacks began preparations for the 72nd AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic with a spirited, two-hour practice in crisp, overcast conditions at SMU’s Ford Stadium. Arkansas (8-4, 4-4 SEC) will square off against the No. 7 Missouri Tigers (11-2, 7-1 Big 12) in the Classic on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008.

The Hogs worked out in full pads on the two grass fields adjacent to Ford Stadium. This was the squad’s first practice in a week, as the players left Fayetteville last Thursday for the Christmas holiday.

Head Coach Reggie Herring, preparing for his first game as a head coach at any level, was happy with how the Razorbacks worked today.

"We had a great practice this morning," Coach Herring said. "It’s always a big concern after a layoff to see how the players respond, but I was really pleased with their effort today. We started strong and we finished strong. The team was crisp and very businesslike, and I liked how they competed."

The entire Razorback squad arrived into Dallas yesterday. Arkansas has no reported injuries.

Thursday night both teams attended the Dallas Mavericks-Cleveland Cavaliers NBA game.

Tomorrow the Hogs will work out at SMU’s Ford Stadium from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Media may obtain video footage in the first 20 minutes of practice; however, practice is CLOSED to the media following the 20-minute video window.

Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, will address the media at approximately 11 a.m. on the Third Level of the North End Zone facility at Ford Stadium. Jones will discuss the Cowboys’ new stadium and its role in the future of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.

The Hogs’ defensive personnel will be available tomorrow at a new conference starting at 1:15 p.m. at the Omni Mandalay Hotel. Additionally, the Arkansas players will visit the Children’s Medical Center (1935 Motor Street) from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

The 72nd AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic will be televised nationally on FOX Sports and broadcasted nationally on Westwood One Radio. Kickoff is slated for 10:40 a.m. CST.