Razorbacks Remain Focused with LSU in Sight

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.The No. 5 Arkansas football team strapped on the pads for the first time this week in preparation for Friday’s post-Thanksgiving showdown with No. 9 LSU at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.

The Hogs practiced for 90 minutes Tuesday, split between the grass practice fields and Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

“We had a real good practice today,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “We had excellent focus and the guys are moving around pretty well.”

The Razorbacks got a boost on Tuesday when several of their injured starters return to the practice field.

“We got Stephen Parker back today, and got a lot done with him,” Nutt said. “Matt Hewitt really tired to go through some things. He is not full speed, but he is really working to get back out here. Peyton (Hillis) still has a deep (thigh) bruise, we’ll have to see how it goes, but it doesn’t look promising. He is trying to get back out here.”

The Tigers represent the toughest defense the Hogs have faced this season and getting the running game established will be a key for the Hogs.

“That (the running game) is what makes us go,” Nutt said. “This is the best defense we have seen all year. They are the most talented, very deep and big, strong guys. We have to have our best game.”

Friday’s game is set for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff on CBS.