Sporting Life Arkansas

Live with Jim Harris: UAB at Arkansas Homecoming

  It’s game day: UAB at Arkansas Homecoming and the Razorbacks are massive favorites in the game agains the Blazers. Today’s game time is set for 11 a.m. in Fayetteville and on the SEC Network. Jim Harris will be posting his thoughts throughout the game here, so check this page often. (Scroll down about halfway and you’ll see the posts from Jim.) Pre-game comments: Linebackers coach Randy Shannon on sophomore linebacker Josh Williams: “You come here to be a part of something special. He had an opportunity to come in and play and didn’t miss a hit. He got us lined up, made a lot of tackles and chased the football hard. We were excited to give him a chance to get in the game and see what kind of player he was.” Defensive backs coach Clay Jennings on UAB’s receivers: “Jamarcus Nelson is doing a great job stretching the defense. They have some pretty talented receivers. The quarterback also does a great job extending some plays and getting the ball down field. We have our work cut out for us. I think our guys are excited about putting in work this week and trying to get back on the right track.” Sophomore cornerback DJ Dean on physical play: “Everyone’s trying to come back a little bit harder than we have before. Last week wasn’t Arkansas football. We’re trying to come back and rebuild. Dean on defensive takeaways: “It’s been three weeks without a takeaway so we are definitely looking to get some Saturday. We just have to keep our eyes in the right spot and we will be alright.” arkansas homecoming  
11:04 p.m. — Drew Morgan gets behind a cornerback. Brandon Allen delivers a perfect pass. A 44-yard play down the left sideline.
11:03 p.m. — Jonathan Williams with a 1-yard loss on a sweep right and Keon Hatcher with a drop on a slant pass. Not a good start. But, out of the shotgun, Arkansas RUNS with Williams getting 14 on the draw play going right.
11:01 a.m. — If the UAB kicker can boot it 8 yards deep into the end zone, it’s time to move the kickoff back from the 35. Say the 25?
10:58 a.m. — I’m not blaming the fans who decided not to show up. Heck, at 9 a.m. after a big night on Dickson Street, I didn’t want to have to come here either. So, needless to say but I’ll say it, only about half the usual student turnout is in the student section. You’ve got your diehards who will be on the front row no matter what in those first-come first-serve seats But there are some pretty good student section seats available up higher in the east lower stands. Randy Ramsey is wearing a different number today, I think that’s what the PA said, but we have an open-air press box today on this fabulous Saturday morning. I’m thinking he said Ramsry would be wearing 18. UA will receive and be running out of the north end zone.
10:56 p.m., ….er, a.m. — I left Springdale at 10:04 and arrived at my seat in Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 10:30, which tells you about all you need to know about today’s turnout. Minutes before kickoff, I can count the fans in the east upperdeck, easily.