Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman gave plenty of updates on the Razorbacks during his weekly appearance on the SEC Teleconference, including the latest on starting quarterback Taylen Green:
Latest on Taylen Green’s injury status
“I have been encouraged with how he’s practiced. He’s still not full speed yet, but we certainly think there’s a possibility that he can get there. We’ll have to wait and see. Obviously, we have two more practices, but I have been encouraged by his progression this week.”
New freshmen entering fold after bye week?
“Charlie Collins, I think he’s coming on. I think he can help us. I don’t know who else that would be in that category. Brad Shaw might be another one that we feel could move into a more significant role as well.”
Breaking the one-score game curse
“We didn’t have any turnovers, so that obviously helps. It puts in our mind that if we keep the ball and limit turnovers we have a lot better chance to win.
“I think that was huge because we preach it and it became real and we were able to win. Confidence. I think it’s about the process. What it’s done for us is put confidence in if we’ll do the process of weekly preparation and take it one day at a time and have a good Monday and a good Tuesday that we’re able to play our best ball.
“If we’ll play our best ball, we’ve got a fine team. More than even the confidence of winning, it was the confidence that the process works if we’ll continue to do it that way.”
How big of a rival is LSU, really?
“I think any time you have a long history with anybody — you spoke of Texas and certainly LSU — and the proximity where we are recruiting against each other, I think it puts a different feel towards the game. Then you throw a trophy in there.
“Certainly we talk to our kids about the significance of the history of this game and what it means to the state of Arkansas.”
Carmona hitting stride at left tackle
“I think it’s technique. He’s always been a good athlete. This was his best technique game, especially in pass protection. He’s always played hard and a joy to be around. He played a little more physical, and his pass-pro technique was as good as its been this year.
“I expect that to get better and better, and he’s going to need to be this week because they’ve got outstanding defensive ends.”
Hogs closer to full strength after needed bye week
“I think it’s big. And Paaske and Taylen Green. We’ve had several… Rodney Hill, hopefully he’ll at least be available. All those guys. We haven’t played a whole lot of offensive linemen, so it certainly helped with the bruised and dings they have.
“We were very cautious about still having the physicality but having these guys… Luke Hasz, Ty Washington, there’s a whole bunch of them, Hudson Clark that we needed to get healthy. It depends on what Taylen does, but we’ll be just about full strength for the second half of the season.”
Hogs-Tigers under the lights in Fayetteville
“I’m looking for our fans. Our players will be ready. LSU will be ready. I’m looking forward to the drive in. The setup, the people, the excitement on their face, and a loud, loud, loud crowd.
“Our fans can be a major problem for opponents when we give them excitement. So, we need to start fast and get the crowd involved. They’ll be involved early if we start fast.
“I said it last week, nobody had anything on the game day experience on us across the country. I’m not saying we were No. 1, but we were up there with all the programs in the country when we played Tennessee. I expect it to be that or even better on Saturday night.”