We talkin' bout practice man

Coach Nutt gave the Hogs got a much needed day off today. With injuries starting to pile up at a rapid rate, a day away from the pads may be just what the doctor ordered to ensure that Arkansas has at least one functional starter when SC comes to town. Two-a-days end tomorrow and Saturday is an open to the public scrimmage. Just the kind of thing that makes me sad I don't live in NW Ark, as I'd absolutely be there, and also glad I don't live there, as I'd be spending one of the last Saturdays of summer watching PRACTICE. I remember what college football practice felt like just fine, I don't need a visual reminder.

Robert Johnson was named the starter officially last evening, not that there was that much choice with Casey Dick closing in on a back amputation and Nutt smartly not wanting to ruin his prized heifer Mitch Mustain by sacrificing him to Pete Carrol in his first game. Mitch will likely see some action in this game - unless RoJo is lights out, which I am praying to Vishnu for - and I would fully expect the crowd to explode when this happens. It's an unfortunate situation for Johnson, as he would pretty much have to turn into Peyton Manning to get many Razorback fans behind him. What is often forgotten is that Johnson and the Hogs were moving the ball well in the first quarter against USC (of course, SC in turn was moving the ball in 20 yard spurts by breathing) and was having a decent game before getting hurt. Johnson, while never playing great to begin with, was not the same QB from that point on. He was tentative and made the short pass to the back rather than looking downfield. His confidence was shaken and Nutt probably waited a few games too many before making the change to Casey Dick. It's a new year however and with new coaches teaching him, it's hopefully a new RoJo as well. However, expect to hear folks calling for Mustain at the first sign of difficulty.

Coming soon to an SEC stadium near you..