Arkansas
How Arkansas and South Carolina compare at each position
Here’s a position-by-position evaluation of the Razorbacks and Gamecocks forward of Saturday’s 11 a.m. kickoff in Fayetteville:
Offense
Quarterbacks
SOUTH CAROLINA Spencer Rattler (23-37-2, 227 yards, 1 TD, 62.2%) was a freshman all-America at Oklahoma in 2020. He’s 93rd within the FBS in effectivity (111.8), weighed down by 6.1 yards per try. The 6-1, 215-pounder was sacked 3 instances final week and had minus-12 rush yards. The Gamecocks didn’t stretch the sphere however are doubtless to take action at the moment. Luke Doty, a 6-game starter the previous 2 seasons, is 129 of 241 (60.3%) for 1,380 yards with 7 TD, 6 INT.
ARKANSAS KJ Jefferson (18-26-0, 223 yards, 3 TDs) ran 18 instances for 62 yards and a TD vs. Cincinnati. Jefferson is twenty eighth within the FBS with 179.4 effectivity and averages 8.6 yards per try. He had a handful of errant throws final week with a troublesome crimson zone collection during which he appeared to have leg cramps. Malik Hornsby had a collection that included one snap beneath heart and he took a lateral 13 yards for a primary down.
ADVANTAGE Arkansas
Working backs
SOUTH CAROLINA UA Coach Sam Pittman is a fan of prime again MarShawn Lloyd (11-33), a former 5-star recruit who suffered a torn ACL in 2020. Jaheim Bell, a 6-3, 232-pound TE/FB, led the crew with 40 yards on 7 carries final week. Senior Christian Beal-Smith, who led crew with 732 rush yards in 2020 and had team-high 604 yards, 7 rush TD final yr, didn’t play final week (foot) however ought to be again. Juju McDowell (7-14) is a 5-9, 180-pound change of tempo.
ARKANSAS Raheim Sanders (20 carries, 117 yards, 5.9 ypc) posted his second profession 100-yard sport final with 80% of the TB carries. AJ Inexperienced (3-18) and Rashod Dubinion (2-16) break up the others and confirmed sturdy flashes and reducing abilities. Dominique Johnson (97-575, 7 TDs, 5.9 ypc in ’21) is questionable (knee). The Razorbacks, like South Carolina, have a various operating assault with QBs/WRs additionally concerned.
ADVANTAGE Arkansas
Receivers/tight ends
SOUTH CAROLINA Antwane Wells Jr. (7 catches, 55 yards) was an FCS All-American at James Madison in 2021 (83-1,250, 15). Jalen Brooks (4-88), a 6-2 senior, is a spotlight maker and deep-ball risk. Josh Vann (1-9) is coming off a giant yr. Dakereon Joyner was out final week. Could have finest TEs this aspect of Georgia with Jaheim Bell (4-18) and Austin Stogner (1-7) main the best way.
ARKANSAS TE Trey Knox (6-75, 2 TDs), who led the Hogs in all 3 classes final week, offers a giant consolation issue for Jefferson. Matt Landers (3-43), Jadon Haselwood (3-42, 1 TD) and RB Sanders (3-12) all had 3 catches, and Warren Thompson (2-22) had a key third-down seize. Ketron Jackson Jr. will add extra catches to his blocking, which was sturdy throughout the board aside from a few holding calls.
ADVANTAGE None
Offensive line
SOUTH CAROLINA There’s a veteran, skilled entrance however they struggled final yr and didn’t present out within the opener because the Gamecocks didn’t run the ball effectively and allowed 3 sacks. OTs Jaylen Nichols, a 322-pounder, and Dylan Wonnum are seniors together with C Eric Douglas and RG Jovaughn Gwyn, and LG Vershon Lee is a junior. The group averages 6-4, 306 kilos. Matchup with UA entrance looms key.
ARKANSAS The Razorbacks had been dinged up in camp, however the quintet of C Ricky Stromberg, OGs Brady Latham and Beaux Limmer and OTs Luke Jones and Dalton Wagner performed your complete opener and confirmed physicality. Limmer graded in Professional Soccer Focus prime 10 with 79.8 rating. The group was not flagged for holding. Cincinnati had two sacks on consecutive snaps. Ty’Kieast Crawford is the sixth OL and may get snaps at the moment.
ADVANTAGE Arkansas
DEFENSE
Line
SOUTH CAROLINA DTs Alex Huntley (2 tackles, 1 PBU) and Zacch Pickens, are each 6-4, 305-pounders who’re sturdy block eaters and disruptive. Pickens is a former 5-star recruit; Huntley a 4-star. The depth behind them can also be good, with Tonka Hemingway (1, 1 hurry) and M.J. Webb (1). Finish Jordan Burch (5, 0.5 TFL) is a 6-6, 275-pound former 5-star. Jordan Strachan (4, 1.5 TFL) tied for FBS lead in sacks (10.5) in ’20 at Georgia State.
ARKANSAS The Razorbacks displayed respectable depth final week. Transfers Landon Jackson (5, half-sack, 1 hurry), Terry Hampton (3, 1 TFL) and Jordan Domineck (2, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR) all had impression behind DEs Zach Williams (2, 1.5 TFL, half-sack), Jashaud Stewart (1), Eric Gregory (2 hurries) and Isaiah Nichols. Cam Ball (2) and Marcus Miller ought to assist at DT, whereas Dorian Gerald and Eric Thomas present veteran depth at DE.
ADVANTAGE None
Linebackers
SOUTH CAROLINA WLB Brad Johnson (5, 1 hurry), a 238-pound senior, transitioned from DL final season. Mohamed Kaba (4, 1 PBU), a 239-pound junior and former 4-star, had an enormous offseason and beat out sixth-year senior Sherrod Greene for a beginning job. Greene was banged up in preseason however may return at the moment. Debo Williams (5, 1 TFL, 1 hurry), a switch from Delaware, earned loads of reps final weekend.
ARKANSAS Bumper Pool (13, 1 TFL) is eighth on the UA profession tackles chart. The fifth-year senior would attain a tie for fourth with 10 tackles at the moment. The worth of Drew Sanders (5, 1 sack) as a go rusher was evident final week as he smoked a RB on his sack. Chris Paul Jr. (5) earned the third-highest reps final week, and true freshman Jordan Criminal additionally bought taking part in time. Jackson Woodard (1), a giant particular teamer, is subsequent within the rotation.
ADVANTAGE Arkansas
Secondary
SOUTH CAROLINA Sam Pittman touted multi-purpose DB Cam Smith (2) as one of many nation’s finest within the backfield. He’s listed at nickel, with upperclassmen Marcellas Dial (3, 1 INT, 3 PBU) and Darius Rush (1, 1 hurry) at CB. Shane Beamer didn’t replace the standing of injured senior SS R.J. Roderick (2) on Wednesday. Devonni Reed (5, 0.5 TFL) Nick Emmanwori (3, 1 PBU) and DQ Smith (2) give the Gamecocks sturdy run assist and protection.
ARKANSAS The Razorbacks can be with out captain Jalen Catalon (8, 1 hurry) and NB Myles Slusher (3, 1 TFL), so Latavious Brini (5), NB Jayden Johnson (2), Khari Johnson and Trent Gordon ought to get extra run with security Simeon Blair (7, 1 TFL). High corners Dwight McGlothern (4, 1 INT, 1 PBU) and Hudson Clark (3, 1 PBU, 1 FF) held up OK, although some open, deep WRs weren’t discovered. Malik Chavis and LaDarrius Bishop (1) should play higher.
ADVANTAGE South Carolina
Particular groups
SOUTH CAROLINA Best helmet on the board this week. P Kai Kroeger (49.1 common) was the Ray Man punter of the week. PK Mitch Jeter went 2 for two on FGAs from 53, 51 yards. Pretend FG arrange a TD final week and blocked punts by Rashad Amos and Journey Kenion returned for TDs by Ahmareon Brown and DQ Smith. Jeter had 4 touchbacks on 6 kickoffs. Josh Vann averaged 11 yards on 3 punt returns.
ARKANSAS Cam Little made a 32-yard FG and is 5 for five on FGs/PATs. Jake Bates had touchbacks on 5 of 6 kickoffs final week. Internet punting (29.0) ranks 114th after Max Fletcher (38.5) bought off to a shaky begin. P Reid Bauer may get work at the moment. Bryce Stephens had 1 punt return for 3 yards; AJ Inexperienced one kickoff return for 16 yards. Hogs penalized on lone KOR. Snapper Eli Stein and holder Bauer off to a superb begin by going beneath the radar vs. Cincinnati.
ADVANTAGE South Carolina
Intangibles
SOUTH CAROLINA The Gamecocks follow within the mornings, so the 11 a.m. begin will hit them proper in stride and so they shouldn’t be fazed. How they react to their first hostile street crowd of the season is a distinct matter. The O-line should carry out higher after permitting 3 sacks final week and producing a scant 79 speeding yards vs. a stunting protection. The familiarity between Shane Beamer, Sam Pittman and UA particular groups coordinator Scott Fountain is an element.
ARKANSAS Sam Pittman posted a video on social media early within the week urging college students to be in place and rowdy for the 11 a.m. kick after seeing what Georgia followers did to the Hogs in an early begin final yr. Likelihood is Razorback followers reply in power for the SEC opener. Each groups had tons to wash up from their openers, with UA needing higher third down protection, offensive effectivity and run manufacturing between the tackles.
ADVANTAGE Arkansas
Arkansas
DoorDash activates severe weather protocol, suspending service in parts of Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Due to the ongoing winter storm sweeping through the Natural State, DoorDash has activated its Severe Weather Protocol and temporarily suspended operations in Little Rock and various parts of the Natural State.
According to a release Friday night, the precautionary measure comes as the winter storms deliver hazardous conditions across the city, including heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Cities with suspended operations include Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Pine Bluff, Jacksonville, Cabot, Searcy, Malvern, Lonoke, Heber Springs, Star City, Clinton, Rison and Sheridan.
“With heavy snowfall and low visibility, the snowstorm is a serious threat to our community, and we’ve taken decisive action by activating our Severe Weather Protocol,” DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley said. “We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of Dashers, merchants and consumers, and will resume operations as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Officials said they will continue to monitor conditions on the ground and will communicate additional changes to their operations as needed.
Arkansas
Knowing the Florida Gators Opponent: Arkansas Razorbacks
Gainesville, Fla. – The Florida Gators men’s basketball team’s next destination is Fayetteville, Ark., as they’ll take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (11-4, 0-2) on Saturday for their third SEC matchup of the season.
Florida is currently sitting at 14-1 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. They opened their SEC slate with a nail-biting loss to the Kentucky Wildcats, losing 106-100 in Lexington.
However, the Gators were able to avenge this loss with one of the most dominant wins in men’s basketball history on Tuesday over No. 1 Tennessee. They trounced the Volunteers 73-43 in the O’Dome, marking the Gators’ first regular-season win over an AP No. 1-ranked team in program history and the biggest win over a No. 1-ranked team in the NCAA since 1968.
But enough about what Florida has done this season, let’s shift the focus to their opponents, the Razorbacks, and see who they are.
Arkansas’ season started out nice with a win over Lipscomb. However, it wouldn’t be the same for them in their second game of the season against then-ranked No. 8 Baylor, as they found themselves on the losing end of a tightly contested battle.
Then, following a good stretch for the team in red, they were tasked with the current No. 13 in the AP Poll, Illinois, and things wouldn’t go so well for new Razorbacks head coach John Calipari. His team was outclassed in this game 90-77, which ended their winning streak at four.
Arkansas did make amends with their fans a few games later, though. While participating in the Jimmy V Classic, they matched up with then-ranked No. 14 Michigan, who they narrowed past 89-87.
This win over the Wolverines helped maintain a three-game win streak that would eventually turn into a six-game streak. However, since SEC play started for the Razorbacks, they are 0-2 with losses to Tennessee and Ole Miss, who are currently ranked in the Top 25 AP Poll.
These pair of losses put Arkansas at just a 1-4 record against teams on their schedule to have been ranked or that are currently ranked.
While it was a complete roster overhaul for Calipari and the Razorbacks this offseason that was fueled by the transfer portal, their biggest grab has been from the high school ranks.
They added highly ranked players like Johnell Davis, Adou Thiero and Jonas Aidoo all from the portal, but it’s former five-star guard Boogie Fland who’s been arguably the best player for the Razorbacks this season.
Fland is averaging 15.5 points, 5.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game through 15 games this season. He is also connecting on 35.7 percent of his threes, which shows he’s more than just an inside scorer. Additionally, his 5.9 assists rank 24th among his competitors.
But in these first two SEC games, Fland is just 10-for-35 from the field and 3-for-17 from deep.
If the Gators can’t keep him in check like he’s been over these last two, then it might be a long afternoon for the visitors on Saturday.
Despite bringing in tons of talent that should’ve resulted in a great offense, Arkansas has been anything but that.
They currently rank inside the bottom five teams in the SEC in scoring offense, averaging 79.4 points per game. They do have two players scoring at least 15.0 points per game, but that’s pretty much it. Outside of Thiero (16.9) and Fland, they only have one other player in double figures (DJ Wagner, 10.5).
Moreover, if this becomes a free-throw-dominated affair, the Gators shouldn’t be too worried about the Razorbacks’ performance at the line. They are shooting 71.1 percent from the charity stripe, which is good for 12th in the league.
And, lastly, they have little to no presence on the glass. They are the worst team in the SEC in offensive rebounding, and they are 13th out of 16 teams in overall rebounding. These are two areas where the Gators dominate, and if things play out like they have been this season, then the visitors should outmuscle their counterparts.
This game will be televised on Saturday at 4 pm on ESPN.
Arkansas
Viewer pictures: The Natural State transforms into a winter wonderland
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A winter storm rolled into Arkansas Thursday and brought with it snow to the majority of western and central Arkansas.
Many from around the Natural State sent in pictures of their area covered in snow.
Though Arkansas is already full of natural beauty, there’s something about the state covered in snow that makes it even more of a winter wonderland.
Several kids from around the state got out and took advantage of the day off of school by throwing snowballs, digging up the snow, sledding and of course making snow angels.
Many who got out in the snow had enough accumulated to make snow men.
Share your snow day pictures at KARK.com/winter-pics.
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