Like it is: Hogs show no fear, concerned focus in practice

WALLY HALL
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

FAYETTEVILLE -- There wasn't a hint of the deer-in-the-headlights look, so it definitely wasn't fear.
What was showing in the eyes of the coaching staff and players after a hearty Wednesday practice -- almost but not quite as good as Tuesday's practice -- was concern.
Or focus.
Or both.
Let's be totally honest, you don't lose a Cedric Cobbs and not be concerned.
You don't lose his backup Fred Talley, who was having a very good year, and not be more concerned.
Alvin Ray is a talented running back, and he may do exceptionally well Saturday and help Arkansas beat Georgia just as he did Alabama.
Ray, though, had not beaten out Cobbs or Talley, which, admittedly, would have been difficult to do for the majority of running backs around the country.
Ray, who celebrates his 20th birthday today, came into this season with one start -- as a redshirt freshman when he got 85 yards on 24 carries against Memphis -- and 40 career carries for 148 yards.
He has one pass reception and no touchdowns and had become somewhat lost behind Cobbs and Talley.
His claim to fame this season was an August scuffle with Cobbs.
Ray did show some quickness and desire against Alabama, and where, at times, Cobbs has looked to make big plays this season, Ray took what they gave him Saturday night.
Still, the bell cow of the offense will be about 24 hours out of shoulder surgery by kickoff, and there may come a time when, at least mentally, everyone looks around for Cobbs.
Starting right guard Kenny Sandlin said the offensive line can't afford to do that.
"Sure, we'll miss Ced, there are a few things only he can do because he's special," Sandlin said. "We can't let that be a factor for this game. We have to be better.
"That doesn't mean we're not happy to have Alvin back there, because we are. This is not just hype, we really have confidence in him.
"We might have to be more patient at times and we might have to hold our block longer here or there, but we have total confidence that Alvin will give it all he has."
Sandlin thought about it for a second and added: "Georgia has a great defensive line, but you come to college, to a program like Arkansas' for these types of challenges. I can't imagine anyone not being up for this game."
Center Josh Melton agreed.
"We've been told all week we have to hold our block a little longer," he said. "It hurts to lose Ced and Fred, but we still have to be prepared. Today is the only day you have to succeed."
Houston Nutt knows exactly what needs to happen Saturday.
Certain positions have to play better.
"The offensive line, the receivers, the backfield all have to be better," he said. "And so does the defensive line, the linebackers and defensive backfield. Plus the specialty teams.
"As good as Ced can be, you still win or lose as a team, and this whole team has to be ready to play better on Saturday."
Brandon Holmes, a true freshman, was given extra work this week and will back up Ray. At 6-2, 210 pounds, Holmes looks like the prototype of an SEC running back.
But Holmes still doesn't know the whole offense and at times appeared rusty Wednesday.
On the other hand, Ray appears ripe and ready.
"Alvin has come to practice this week and worked hard," Nutt said. "He's done everything we've asked him to do and I believe he's ready."
Almost from the moment they heard about Cobbs' injury, the coaching staff has prepared for this game with a concerned focus.
"I expect the defensive line to be more than 10 percent better than last week," said Bill Johnson, the defensive line coach.
"The offensive line has improved each week," said Mike Markuson, offensive line coach. "I don't expect a drop-off now."
That was the sentiment expressed by every coach.
The Razorbacks and their coaching staff have approached this game with the full knowledge of what they would be missing.
"We also know what we still have," said Nutt.
Concerned focus is a good thing.

This article was published on Friday, September 29, 2000

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