Saturday's Live Action

Just back from the "live action" event at Razorback Stadium. Had a chat with a friend along the way.

I've heard ESPN Gameday is going to be here for the USC game, which likely will be moved to Sunday, September 3rd. A camera crew will follow the Hogs on and off the field as they prepare for the game. With the exclusive audience on Sunday, this is a really big deal for the Hogs.

From the "live action"...

Robert Johnson made some nice throws. Saw nice runs by Felix Jones, Reggie Fish, Michael Smith, Darren McFadden and Hezekiah Smith. Peyton had some nice catches and yards after the catch. He won't be disappointing in the fall. The running game seemed to be taking advantage of the defense thinking pass. Perhaps a preview to what we might see.

I was about ten minutes late. If Casey Dick did anything good it had to have happened then because it sure didn't happen while I was watching. The first group did have a pretty good running game while I was there.

The defense took the worst of it today. I think we saw a bit of the play calling skill of Gus coming into play. Herring and Rocker yelling is great entertainment.

Again, Robert Johnson made some nice throws. Looked really good and poised. Alex Mortensen couldn't make any of the throws they were asking him to make today. He was throwing off his back foot, throwing late, hanging the ball up or overthrowing people. He can throw the slant pass really well. It's good to have that back in the arsenal with a big receiver like Monk.

Despite the public statements, I'm hearing Gus is doing a bit of mumbling under his breath in regard to the quarterbacks. After what I saw today, with guys wide open all over the field, and other than the occasional Robert Johnson throw, balls tended to land far from the receivers. Or they were hanging in the air so long that the safeties could cover half the field and knock it down. I bet Gus can't wait to get Mitch on the field. Don't count on Mitch as savior though. The speed of this game is way different than what he was used to at SHS.

My view has been reinforced that we should expect to see multiple "skill" people on the field at once. Don't be surprised to see McFadden, Felix Jones, Michael Smith and Marcus Monk on the field at the same time. Also don't be surprised if Damian Williams jumps to the top of the heap in the fall and joins those guys in the formation.

Still a work in progress, but progress has been made in the first five days. It is fun getting to go to the practices. Don't forget to wear sunscreen.