OXNARD, Calif. – With the arrival of Micah Parsons final yr, the Dallas Cowboys bought formally launched to an idea that has drawn the love of Cowboys administration – “Juice.”
Parsons introduced a talent that far exceeded his projections. What he additionally introduced was an vitality and aggression that was contagious.
Because it unfold all through the protection, the entrance workplace and coaches watched as a group weak spot developed a stage of respect whereas transferring to the center of the pack within the league.
With that in thoughts, phrase is the workers wished to copy and develop the juice on the group in hopes the protection may progress additional right into a Tremendous Bowl stage protection. However juice cannot come from simply anybody regardless of how a lot they’ve.
Former Kentucky cornerback Kelvin Joseph was regarded as somebody who would possibly carry that very same vitality and edge contributed by Parsons. Nonetheless, the workers realized rapidly that Joesph could not be trusted and have become cautious of him as a pacesetter of vitality on the group.
These intestine instincts proved true as Joseph discovered himself using in a automobile with two different males whereas photographs had been fired from the automobile, killing Cameron Ray in mid-March.
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With that in thoughts, the Cowboys entrance workplace went into April on the lookout for the proper of juice to combine in alongside Parsons.
That quest fulfilled itself by means of fifth spherical draft decide John Ridgeway of Arkansas. Simply months earlier, the monstrous defensive lineman ran down proprietor Jerry Jones after a Razorback recreation to let Jones know he was going to draft Ridgeway so he may take over.
Now he is in camp seeking to run by way of anybody he can to additional show himself a prophet.
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There are males you wish to go to conflict with after which there’s Ridgeway – a mountain of a person who not solely reveals no concern, he relishes fight. He is the type of man who appears to be like throughout the way in which at offenses with the look of a child in a toy retailer with an enormous reward card.
There are tails to be kicked, he cannot wait to kick them, and he’d adore it in the event you would be part of him within the gleeful kicking of so many tails.
In fact, that is the PG model. We’re a household publication in spite of everything.
His violent, but skilled demeanor, an method that has generated discussions of a future profession in WWE alongside fellow Razorback Dalton Wagner, brings simply the kind of juice the Cowboys entrance workplace hoped.
Nicknamed the “Vanilla Gorilla,” Ridgeway set the tone instantly each verbally and bodily.
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“I’ll attempt to break somebody’s neck once I get on the market,” Ridgeway instructed “The Draft Present” after his choice.
Then, throughout OTAs, he bought right into a battle with offensive lineman Josh Ball and needed to be despatched to the showers to chill off. The previous newbie wrestling champion might have flung a helmet or two through the incident and may in all probability keep away from getting despatched away from apply early going ahead, however the message was despatched.
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Do not mess with Ridgeway or pull any of that rookie hazing mess as a result of he’ll knock your head off. In fact, meaning when one other group strains up throughout the way in which, his teammates know that no-nonsense violence and vitality is used of their favor.
Phrase out of camp is that Ridgway has already begun to develop a sure stage of belief. If he can honor that belief towards the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 13, he could also be effectively on his approach to serving to construct a protection with sufficient juice to beat an NFC championship recreation that dates again to when Dallas and Arkansas followers who really feel actually previous had been in junior excessive.
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If he cannot and proves to simply be a scorching head as a substitute, he might discover himself relegated to a WWE NXT ring quicker than he’d like.
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EARLY PRACTICES INDICATE CHEMISTRY STRONG WITH HOGS’ BASKETBALL TEAM
ERIC MUSSELMAN’S COMMON-SENSE VIEW OF DIRECTION COLLEGE SPORTS CONFERENCES ARE TAKING
TREYLON BURKS FINDS WAY TO HANDLE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES WITH TITANS
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RAZORBACKS’ SPECIALISTS NAMED TO WATCH LISTS FOR NATIONAL TROPHIES
MIKE NEIGHBORS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
RAZORBACKS’ FOOTBALL RECORDS THAT WON’T BE BROKEN
CARDINALS QB IN DANGER OF CHECK EQUALING PASSING YARDS AGAINST HOGS
RICKY STROMBERG ADDED TO WATCH LIST FOR OUTLAND TROPHY
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BUMPER POOL’S DRIVE TO BE ALL-TIME LEADING TACKLER FOR HOGS
HOW DID PITTMAN RANK IN TERMS OF ENTERTAINMENT AT SEC MEDIA DAYS?
ALL-AMERICAN SAFETY JALEN CATALON ON INJURY LAST YEAR, LOOKING AHEAD TO SEASON
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Arkansas State University named Latika Johnson as the new director of its Multicultural Center, officials announced Thursday.
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The Multicultural Center, housed in the Carl R. Reng Student Union, provides “social, cultural, educational and leadership opportunities with specific attention to the needs of underrepresented and marginalized students,” according to the university’s website.
Even though the film festival season in Arkansas is over until next year, there are still plenty of film-related events. Last week, there were two such events, one in Northwest Arkansas at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the other taking place outdoors at a flower farm outside…
After three weeks standing on the verge of bowl eligibility, Arkansas football has its best opportunity to secure a spot in college football’s postseason this weekend against Louisiana Tech.
The Razorbacks (5-5) will host the Bulldogs (4-6) on Saturday (3 p.m., SECN+). Twenty players are projected to take part in Senior Day festivities as Arkansas closes out its home schedule in 2024.
The Hogs are coming off back-to-back losses inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium, most recently falling to Texas 20-10. Arkansas’ offense couldn’t muster enough production across the first two quarters as a comeback bid fell short against the Longhorns.
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Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, is coming off its biggest win of the season. The Bulldogs beat conference rival Western Kentucky 12-7, knocking the Hilltoppers out of first place in Conference USA.
Here are four things to watch and a score prediction for Saturday’s contest between Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.
More: Why Sam Pittman believes new NCAA revenue-sharing could boost Arkansas football recruiting
More: Where Arkansas stands in latest college football bowl projections after Week 12
Arkansas football must get off to a fast start
The best way to prevent an upset is to eliminate any hope. Arkansas didn’t do that against UAB in September, and the Razorbacks came out of the gates slow last year in this same spot against FIU. They eventually won both games, but the final scores were closer than desired.
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“We’re trying to live up to the Arkansas standard, and that results in executing on the field. And if we don’t live up to that, then we’re going to see a similar slow start,” Arkansas offensive lineman Josh Braun said. “So that’s what we’re focused on this week, just starting fast and playing our brand of football.”
Take care of the football
This is arguably the biggest key for Arkansas every weekend. The Razorbacks are 0-5 when they lose the turnover battle this season, and two costly giveaways spoiled any chance at an upset last week against Texas.
Fortunately for Arkansas, Louisiana Tech ranks 111th in the country in turnover margin. The Bulldogs are averaging nearly two turnovers a game, so this might be an opportune matchup for the Hogs’ defense.
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Control the running game on both sides
The Bulldogs have struggled on the ground all season, and they’ve won both games in which they rushed for more than 150 yards. By contrast, they are 2-6 when held under that mark.
Arkansas’ running defense has been strong throughout the year. Only two opponents have averaged more than 4 yards per carry, and the Razorbacks should be able to keep Louisiana Tech running backs Omiri Wiggins and Amani Givens in check.
On the flip side, Arkansas needs to commit to running the football early and stay vigilant with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Relying on the pass too heavily proved a mistake in the first half against Texas, and look for Bobby Petrino to adjust.
All eyes on Tru Edwards
Edwards, a senior wide receiver, is by far Louisiana Tech’s most dangerous weapon. He has four games this season with more than 100 yards receiving and leads the team with six touchdowns.
He’s a big-play threat who will require the full focus of the Arkansas defense. The Razorbacks’ secondary will try to maintain its momentum after holding Quinn Ewers and Isaiah Bond in check last week.
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Prediction
Louisiana Tech is better than its record indicates, but there is still a gulf in talent between the two rosters. If Arkansas handles its own business and avoids sloppy turnovers, it should have no problem securing bowl eligibility Saturday. An upset loss would be unacceptable. Arkansas 38, Louisiana Tech 13.