Razorbacks Begin Game Week Preparations

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas Razorbacks begin game week preparations, looking toward their first opponent, UL-Lafayette, on Saturday.

After practice, each team captain was available to the media, and senior center Travis Swanson spoke about the team’s outlook on Louisiana.

“We know they’re a really good team obviously, and won nine games last year and returned a lot of guys,” Swanson said. “They play hard. I think that’s the biggest thing. … I never really looked at any team as a blow over because I’ve seen so many big upsets in history.”

Senior defensive end Chris Smith described his history with Louisiana quarterback Terrance Broadway.

“Actually, what a lot of people don’t know is that I played in the offense-defense All-American game in high school, and he was our quarterback,” Smith said. “I already know he’s athletic, so we’ve just got to try to contain him and stop him.”

Smith also described being chosen as a team captain.

“I was kind of surprised,” Smith said. “It’s just exciting. It’s a blessing from my teammates to see me as a leader. I’ll go out there and play on the field and lead the team. I’m not one of those who’s a big talker. I lead by example. I’m just blessed. It was just exciting. I called my dad and my mom and I was like ‘It’s crazy. I’m a captain.’ I’m just glad people see me as a leader.”

Senior fullback Kiero Small explained the advice he gives to the freshmen on managing excitement for their first game.

“I don’t really say ‘contain,’ just ‘focus,’ Small said. “It’s your first game, you’re going to be excited. Every time you run out there, you’re going to get excited. So I don’t know about containing it, but you’ve got to pick your spots. You’ve got to focus and be able to be excited at the same time.”

Senior defensive tackle Robert Thomas spoke to the team’s current outlook on the season.

“We come out there with the same mindset,” Thomas said. “We’re going to shock the world. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s game against Louisiana inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is set for 3 p.m. and the game will be televised by FSN.

Arkansas Razorback football single-game tickets are now on sale online and can be purchased at ArkansasRazorbacks.com, at the Razorback Ticket Center or by calling 800-982-HOGS (4647). Additionally, tickets for the two Little Rock games can be purchased at the War Memorial Stadium Ticket Office, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Courtesy University of Arkansas Department of Athletics