KY3 HOGS INSIDER

Harrison's Pratt Inks Pro Ball Contract

2010-06-30T11:17:00.002-05:00

Harrison, AR - Harrison High School and University of Arkansas' Jordan Pratt is living the dream of playing professional baseball.

The right-handed pitcher inked a contract to play pro ball with the Detroit Tigers organization. Pratt was drafted in the 15th round in June's Major League Baseball amateur draft.

The former Goblin and Razorback will begin his career in the New York-Penn Class A Ball league with the Connecticut Tigers.

The 6'3" 215 pound pitcher graduated from Harrison High School in 2007. Pratt played two seasons of JUCO baseball at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.
He transferred to the University of Arkansas for his junior season. Pratt appeared in 24 games for the Hogs, compiling a 3-1 record and a 3.76 ERA. He became the closer late in the season in the Hogs deep run into the postseason.

Hogs nation adds new lil' Razorback

2010-06-15T17:57:00.005-05:00

Meet the newest Razorback ready to "Call the Hogs." Elise Garretty Replogle was born June 13. She's perfect. She too thinks all of this expansion talk is just a scheme for ESPN to boost its Summer ratings. Elise, her momma and her big sister Grace are all doing well. She can't wait to make a road trip to Knoxville or Tuscaloosa or whatever school joins the SEC in her lifetime.
Oh, she's already appeared on KY3 News at Six.
Click HERE to watch the video.

NCAA gives Hogs hoops a reprieve

2010-06-09T14:11:00.001-05:00

Fayetteville, Ark. - The NCAA rules it will not eliminate a scholarship from the University of Arkansas basketball program because of poor academic progress.
Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long says he's encourage by significant improvement in the most recent calculation by the NCAA.
The college sports governing body released newest figures Wednesday. The program improved by 47 points. It first scored an 886. Teams that fall below 925 are subject to immediate penalties.
It raised its APR score because of "the team' demonstrated academic
improvement and favorable comparison based on other academic or
institutional factors."

Eibner to the Royals

2010-06-08T12:12:00.001-05:00

Kansas City, MO - Arkansas all-SEC outfielder Brett Eibner didn't have to wait long to hear his name on the second day of the Major League Baseball Draft.

The Kansas City Royals chose the Houston, Texas native with the 54th overall selection in the second round.

"Eibner is a two-way player who has some ability as an outfielder, though most agree his future is on the mound," writes MLB.com's scouting department.

Eibner in his junior season hit .337 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI's. Arkansas primarily used him as a centerfielder at the end of year because of his defense. Scouts noted some uncomfort with Eibner's strikeout to at-bats ratio which rose this past season.

Scouts began to see Eibner as a pitcher at the next level after a very good summer in the competitive Cape Cod League.

"He has all five tools they're looking for," said his Cape Cod League manager Cooper Farris. "It's just a matter of when it's going to all come together."

Hogs vs. Sun Devils: Super Regional

2010-06-07T23:20:00.003-05:00

Super Regional:
Hogs (44-19 ) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (50-8)
Saturday: 8:05PM (CST) (ESPNU)
Sunday: 9:05PM (CST) (ESPN2)
Monday (If Necessary) 6:05PM (ESPN2)

Arizona State is the #1 seeded team in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. The winner of the Super Regional will make it back-to-back trips to the College World Series in Omaha.
The Hogs swept the Sun Devils in a 2-game series in 2009 at Baum Stadium. A Baum record 11,014 fans saw the second game of the sweep. Arizona took two of three from the Hogs in Tempe in 2008.
Head coach Tim Esmay is the Pac-10 coach of the year in 2010, despite in an interim capacity. He was named head coach shortly before the regional announcements on Memorial Day. Sophomore Zach MacPhee is the Pac-10 Player of the Year. MacPhee hit .381 with eight home runs and 59 RBI's.

Hogs signee hears name called in 1st round of MLB Draft

2010-06-07T22:43:00.003-05:00

Arkansas Razorbacks skipper Dave Van Horn is a great recruiter. However, that can sometimes backfire in college baseball. Minutes after hearing all-America sophomore Zack Cox's name in the first round of the MLB Draft, Van Horn heard a Hogs signee's name called. Cowan (IN) High School shortstop/catcher Justin O'Connor was selected with the 31st pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. O'Connor was projected as a high draft choice, but maybe not this high by scouts.

Here's what MLB.com has to say about the first rounder.

"After hitting the summer showcase circuit, O'Conner is one of the best-known high school players in the Midwest. He has serious tools, most notably an ability hit for average, plenty of power, and a plus throwing arm. He has the athleticism to play shortstop, though his range may dictate a move. Behind the plate, he could be a very intriguing, yet raw, prospect. There are some teams who like his arm strength from the mound, though most see his future as a position player. Don't be surprised if a team takes his bat pretty early, puts him behind the plate and lets him develop at whatever pace he needs."
Highlights @ MLB.

Baum to Hammons? Possibly soon for Arkansas' Zack Cox

2010-06-07T22:33:00.003-05:00

St. Louis, MO - He just kept falling and falling in the Major League Baseball amateur draft. St. Louis Cardinals fans aren't complaining.
The Cardinals selected University of Arkansas third-baseman Zack Cox with its first round, 25th overall selection.
"(Cox) has a tremendous swing," said Cardinals' Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jeff Luhnow.
The six-foot, 215 pound sophomore is batting .424 with nine home runs and 48 RBI's for the Razorbacks as they compete for back-to-back trips to the College World Series in Omaha. He has played third-base the past two seasons at Arkansas. Scouts project him as a middle-infielder in pro ball.
"His best tool is his bat and he should hit for plenty of average with at least decent power," writes MLB.com. Regardless of the position, the bat should be enough to get him off the board sooner rather than later."
Scouting experts call the late-round pick a steal. Baseball America rated Cox as the draft's sixth best prospect. A late-season back injury may have made some teams skeptical. However, Cox says he's fine.
The all-SEC player is in an unique situation as a college player. The true-sophomore was eligible for the MLB draft because he turned 21-years-old before it. That extra year should be a good bargaining tool.
"Our sense is that Zack wants to sign," said Luhnow. "He wants to play baseball, and I think he sees his career moving fairly quickly in getting here, which is what we see for him as well."
Cox's confidence is no coincidence. He's not only proven himself as a hitter in the tough Southeastern Conference, but also last summer in the infamous Cape Cod League. He hit .344 against some of the best pitching in that league that exclusively uses wood bats.
"We've seen him hit with wood, says Luhnow. "We've seen him hit with aluminum. We've seen him hit good pitching. He can hit a breaking ball. He can hit a fastball. There's not a lot this guy can't do with the bat."
Negotiations will have to wait. The Razorbacks and Cox will play in the Super Regional this weekend against Arizona State with the winner earning a trip to the College World Series in Omaha.

Hogs win in blowout ...

2010-06-04T18:23:00.002-05:00

Fayetteville, Ark. - Arkansas' all-SEC outfielder Brett Eibner showed he's healthy again. The junior slugged three of Arkansas' school record nine home runs in a 19-7 route of Grambling State at Baum Stadium in the Fayetteville Regional. Arkansas (41-18) batters Collin Kuhn, James McCann and Andy Wilkins each homered twice. Arkansas starter T.J. Forrest lasted 4 2/3 innings. Reliever Sam Murphy (1-2) threw 2 1/3 innings of relief to earn the victory. Hogs will face the winner of the Washington State/Kansas State game Saturday night at 7:05PM.

Hogs ready for NCAA regional...

2010-06-04T11:12:00.003-05:00

Fayetteville, AR Regional:

#15 University of Arkansas (40-18) vs. Grambling (22-30)

2:05PM Friday
TV: arkansasrazorbacks.com (Live Streaming)
T.J. Forest (7-0, 2.76 ERA) vs. Odingo Davilla (6.00 ERA)

7:05PM: Kansas State vs. Washington State (2nd game in regional)

Hogs are finally healthy. Third-basemen Zach Cox, outfielder Brett Eibner and starting pitcher Drew Smyly are all expected to play in the regional. This is Arkansas' 9th straight NCAA baseball tournament appearance. The Razorbacks swept four games from the Washington State Cougars in 2009, including three games at Baum Stadium and one at the Norman Regional.

Ready for the NCAA Baseball Regional

2010-06-04T11:00:00.007-05:00

Fayetteville, AR Regional:

#15 University of Arkansas (40-18) vs. Grambling (22-30)
2:05PM Friday
TV: arkansasrazorbacks.com (Live Streaming)
T.J. Forest (7-0, 2.76 ERA) vs. Odingo Davilla (6.00 ERA)
7:05PM: Kansas State vs. Washington State (2nd game in regional)

Arkansas' Cox getting national attention ...

2010-06-01T22:50:00.003-05:00

Two pieces of good news concerning Arkansas third-baseman Zach Cox.

First, he has been named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes award given to the country's top player. Second, he took BP Tuesday and said back/rib injury gave him no problems.
Hogs will need his big stick in the lineup. Cox is batting .432 with 8 homers and 47 RBI's. Read Cox's competition for the Golden Spikes and vote for him.

VOTE!

Petrino quiets his recruiting critics ...

2010-06-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

Springdale, ARK - Bobby Petrino has quieted his recruiting critics, especially those in Northwest Arkansas.
Rivals.com reports Springdale High School offensive lineman Mitch Smothers has committed to the University of Arkansas. The senior-to-be is literally a big-time prospect.
The 6-4, 291 pound lineman had scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and Missouri.
Smothers recently took on-campus visits to Alabama, Auburn and Missouri.
The commitment is an important one for Bobby Petrino. Shiloh Christian High School (Springdale, AR) quarterback Kiehl Frazier committed to Auburn. Frazier grew up as a Razorbacks fan.
Smothers is the seventh commitment in the class of 2011 for the Razorbacks.

2010-05-31T12:23:00.001-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - The road to get back to Omaha is set for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

The NCAA seeded the Hogs 16th in the 2010 baseball tournament field. They'll open the Baum Stadium regional against Grambling University Friday night. Washington State and Kansas State round out the four-team field.

The Razorbacks (40-18) come into post-season play in slump, losing 10 of their last 15 games. They were swept in the SEC tournament. Grambling finished the season 22-30. However, it has won six straight games including a sweep in the SWAC Tournament.

Washington State is a familiar foe to the Razorbacks. The Hogs swept (4-0) the number two seeded Cougars a year ago, including a win in the Norman Regional. Washington State has won 12 of its last 15 games. In that streak Wazzu took two of three games from number one seeded Arizona State.

Kansas State struggled down the stretch in the Big 12 finishing play at 14-12. That was good enough for third behind Oklahoma and Texas.

The secret to a second straight College World Series in Omaha for the Hogs is third-baseman Zach Cox.

"To me he's the most complete hitter in college baseball," said ESPN analyst Kyle Peterson. "Cox is about as good as you will see."

Cox is hitting a team-high .432 with eight home runs and 47 RBI's. He missed much of the Vanderbilt series and all of the SEC Tournament with back spasms. Head coach Dave Van Horn believes he should be healthy enough to go.

Centerfielder/pitcher Brett Eibner has been cleared to play in the regional. The all-SEC selection has a hairline fracture in his wrist. It's possible he may just DH.

The winner of the Baum Stadium regional will likely matchup against number one seed Arizona State.

Slumping Hogs earn regional hosting bid

2010-05-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

Fayetteville, Ark - The Arkansas Razorbacks heard what they wanted to hear, despite their late season slump.
The Hogs will host a regional in the first round of the NCAA baseball tournament. The NCAA will announce the brackets at 11:30AM Monday morning on ESPN.
Hosting didn't look too promising down the stretch for the Razorbacks (40-18). The Hogs dropped 10 of 15 games to end the season, including an early exit in the SEC tourney. They finished second in the SEC-West behind Auburn with at 18-12.
Razorbacks skipper Dave Van Horn used the tourney to rest three all-SEC players, pitcher Drew Smyly, center-fielder Brett Eibner and third baseman Zach Cox. Smyly and Eibner are expected to be fine. Van Horn is hopeful all-America candidate Cox will be the lineup as well. He continues to suffer from back spasms.
National college baseball analysts still believe the Hogs are a strong contender for a second straight trip to the College World Series in Omaha.
"Sure, the Razorbacks didn’t exactly show well at the SEC tournament," writes Kendall Rogers of Yahoo! Sports and Rivals.com. "But this is a team that played a solid schedule and compiled a very solid record and postseason resume. Arkansas will be a major postseason force if Drew Smyly, Zack Cox and Brett Eibner can stay healthy."
Baseball America's Aaron Fitt pencilled in the Hogs as a 15th seeded team across from 7th seeded Louisville in the bracket. He predicts Oregon, Kansas State and Dartmouth rounding out the regional at Baum.

Hogs lose QB prospect to Aubbie...

2010-05-29T22:53:00.003-05:00

Shiloh Christian High School's (Springdale, AR) highly-touted quarterback Kiehl Frazier announced he has committed to the University of Auburn. He had narrowed his choices down to three: the Tigers, the University of Miami and the University of Arkansas. He's considered by most recruiting analysts as one of the country's top dual-threat QB's. Does it hurt to lose in-state recruits as good as Frazier? Yes. However, the Razorbacks did receive an early commitment from Fayetteville (AR) High School quarterback Brandon Allen. Allen's father Bobby is an assistant at the University of Arkansas. Brandon Allen even has the playbook. He's the more of a fit in the Bobby Petrino system than Frazier. Just count it up to another top-notch recruit from Shiloh going elsewhere.

Congrats Ronnie Caveness...CFB HOF

2010-05-27T18:21:00.003-05:00

Former Hogs all-America center and defensive lineman Ronnie Caveness has been named to the College Football Hall of Fame. He'll be inducted later in the year. Caveness played both sides of the ball as a Razorback from 1962-1964. He set an Arkansas record with 29 tackles in one game. That's still in the record books.
"We are extremely proud that Ronnie Caveness has been selected for enshrinement in the College Hall of Fame," athletics director Jeff Long.

Are you Hog-Wild about the new uni's?

2010-05-25T21:57:00.003-05:00

Nike is back for another run with the University of Arkansas. The Hogs left the famous Swoosh behind in 2002 for the the three stripes of Adidas. When Jeff Long, a Nike man, took over as AD you knew the decision was gonna happen. We just didn't know when. So what do you think?

Click HERE for a look at the video of the Mallett photo shoot.
P.S. I just like seeing Ryan Mallett in a jersey with ARKANSAS on the front of it.

Pelphrey says no contract rollover necessary...

2010-05-25T17:52:00.003-05:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -Arkansas hoops coacch John Pelphrey says there's no need for his contract to be rolled over with a one-year extension.

Or at least that's what he has told athletics director Jeff Long.

Annual extensions are commonplace in college sports as schools try to show stability for recruits.

Pelphrey's Razorbacks have missed the NCAA Tournament the past two seasons.

2010-05-20T17:32:00.001-05:00

Fayetteville, Ark. – Arkansas Razorbacks basketball coach John Pelphrey has hired former University of Florida all-American guard Brett Nelson as an assistant on his staff.
Nelson was an assistant at Marshall University last season. In March, he accepted a coaching position at Central Florida.
“I am very excited to have Brett join our staff,” Pelphrey said. “Brett has a tremendous basketball IQ and will bring our student-athletes a first-hand perspective of the commitment and dedication that is required to win Southeastern Conference championships and competed nationally."
Nelson played four years under Gators’ head coach Billy Donovan in the mid-2000's. He led Florida to two overall SEC championships.
He was an assistant coach at both Colorado State and Virginia Commonwealth before settling down at Marshall.
"I have known Brett throughout his basketball career as a player and a coach," said Pelphrey.
"He is an exceptional person and will be an excellent addition to our coaching staff and our program.”

Dorial meets Drew (Brees)

2010-05-20T10:55:00.002-05:00

KY3 cameraman John Kelly caught a chance meeting between Hillcrest High School football star Dorial Green and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.

Former Razorbacks assistant investigated ...

2010-05-19T18:22:00.004-05:00

NORMAN, Okla.- The NCAA is investigating former Arkansas hoops assistant coach and current University of Oklahoma assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro for possible cell phone call infractions.
The university released a statement Wednesday indicating Taliaferro had made calls to a Merrill Lynch representative in Florida that has ties to freshman Tiny Gallon. TMZ.com is reporting Gallon received a wire transfer from the same Merrill Lynch represenative. Gallon last month declared for the NBA Draft. Taliaferro served as an assistant under Arkansas head coach Stan Heath for six seasons.

Springfield High School star talks about recruiting rush

2010-05-18T12:26:00.002-05:00

Springfield - When does Dorial Green have time to sleep?
The Springfield Hillcrest High School football star has a schedule that will keep him going and going and going. But it also keeps him in the spotlight.
"I'm pretty busy, all-around," said Green in a one-on-one interview with KY3.
The soon-to-be junior is considered one of the the top college football prospects in the recruiting class of 2012, if not the best wide receiver in the country.
Green has received interest from some of the top college football programs in the country despite his underclassmen status. The list includes both Mizzou and Arkansas as well as Oklahoma, LSU, Illinois and Kansas.
"I just don't know where I best fit in yet," said Green.
The 6'6 215 pound freak as an athlete has coaches drooling while looking at his tape. Green nearly doubled his production from a very good freshman season. As a sophomore he caught 66 passes for 1,616 yards and 23 touchdowns. Green still believes he can better those numbers with some off-season work.
"(I need to) get better mentally and physically, all-around balance," noted Green.
He expects stay busy this summer, participating in several football camps including Mizzou's at Parkview High School in July. However, he's hoping to pickup more scholarship offers by traveling to other top-notch schools such as Florida and Ohio State.
"(I'm) going to work hard, come into the combines and show them what I've got," said Green.
Football is just part of his summer. Green also excels on the basketball court. He led the Hillcrest Hornets to a state championship in March. The forward will play AAU ball for the Kansas City Select. And yeah, basketball may play a big factor in his choice of colleges.
"I'll probably walk-on basketball if I could," said the two-star athlete.
The big-frame, athletic body is just part of the package that makes Green a wanted high schooler. His attitude to be the best he can be on and off the field is setting him apart in the recruiting process.
"(I'm) trying to stay in shape and show these schools what I got," said Green. "I just want to be one of the best players in the nation."
It's so far, so good for Dorial Green's moment in the recruiting spotlight.

Razorbacks QB transferring to UCA

2010-05-13T18:27:00.002-05:00

CAMDEN, Ark. - He was highly recruited. But he never threw a pass as quarterback at the University of Arkansas.
Jim Youngblood says he's eager to try to play right away transferring to football championship subdivision school Central Arkansas. He won't have to sit out a year.
Youngblood was a prep standout quarterback and baseball player at Camden Fairview High School.
Youngblood found himself buried on the depth chart at Arkansaas at tight end instead.

Do it Mike Alden. Make the move.

2010-05-11T12:10:00.002-05:00

Columbia, MO - University of Missouri Athletics Director Mike Alden keeps toeing that company line.
Alden has been persistent in denying any rumors the Tigers will switch conferences, becoming a member of the Big Ten.
"We are proud members of the Big 12," Alden continues to say.
But for how long? Kansas City sports talk radio station WHB 810 is reporting Mizzou is one of four schools the Big Ten has offered a feeler for joining. Rutgers, Notre Dame and fellow Big 12 school Nebraska are the other three.
"This is unchartered territory," Alden recently told KY3 News.
Unchartered yes. But Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney knows if he doesn't persue it, some other power conference will.
So, should Mizzou make the leap? Yes, while you have the chance. Signup today. Pass go and collect your millions.
That's right millions. Money best describes every conference's need for expansion, money. Lots of it. Mizzou stands to lose if they stay put in the Big 12.
"A source for our frustration for Missouri is we really believe equal revenue distribution and a better television package is critical to the league," says Alden.
The Big 12 generates between $7 million and $12 million a year in television money for each school. Compare that to anywhere from $20 million to $22 million shared to the eleven schools in the Big Ten. Missouri's athletics budget in 2010 is around $59 million dollars. That ranks seventh among Big 12 schools. It ranks just eleventh among the Big Ten schools.
Money, no doubt, is what's driving Mizzou's interest in a conference switch. Alden can't or won't deny that. However, it is not the only factor in this tug-of-war of athletics conferences.
"However we keep moving forward what are the things we can make sure Missouri does to continue to strengthen us academically and athletically in the country," Alden noted.
U.S. News and World Report ranked every Big Ten conference school in its top 100 list. No school ranked lower than 71st. By the way Missouri ranked 102nd. Those top rankings have caught the eye of Missouri alum and Governor Jay Nixon. So have the rankings of the Big 12.
"I'm not going to say anything bad about the Big 12, but when you compare Oklahoma State to Northwestern, when you compare Texas Tech to Wisconsin, I mean you begin looking at educational possibilities that are worth looking at," said the governor in a recent interview with the Associated Press.
The Big Ten presidents and athletics directors are expected to meet later this summer. Everyone will be watching; the PAC 10, SEC , ACC. No timetable has been given to when the conference will make a decision on one or all or another university.
"Mizzou is going to continue to do everything Mizzou can do to become better," said Alden.
If that's the case the Tigers need to pack up from the Big 12. Who doesn't want to spend October weekends in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania or Madison, Wisconsin. It's a change of scenery Tiger fans will eventually appreciate.

Mike Bolsinger named SEC Pitcher of the Week

2010-05-10T18:24:00.003-05:00

It had to Bolsinger. Arkansas Razorbacks reliever-starter has been named the SEC Pitcher of the Week. Bolsinger actually made two appearances in the weekend series win at Ole Miss. On Sunday, he pitched eight innings of shutout baseball, giving up just two hits leading the Razorbacks to a series clincher 7-0 victory. The sudden start on Sunday followed Friday's night's outing where he took a lined drive off his ankle. The senior joins sophomore Drew Smyly as the only Razorbacks named to the honor.

Daly's back! On the Nationwide Tour?

2010-05-07T23:26:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to the tour Big John Daly, the Nationwide Tour. Daly will play in the Fort Smith Classic at Hardscrabble Country Club June 14-20th. The former Arkansas Razorbacks standout will play on a sponsor's exemption. This is the first Nationwide Tour event for Daly since 1991, the year he won the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick. Daly has played limited tourneys on the PGA tour the past few years. Daly is also expected to play a little music with fiddler Charlie Daniels at an Arkansas riverfront park on the Thursday of the tourney.

Pel gets TALL commit ... looks for more.

2010-05-06T11:29:00.002-05:00

Jonesboro, ARK - Arkansas basketball head coach John Pelphrey is two-for-two in top recruits in the state. Will he go three-for-three?
Jonesboro (AR) Westside forward Hunter Mickelson verball committed to be a Razorback in the class of 2011-2012. Mickleson joins Little Rock Parkview guard Aarron Ross in a so far highly touted class.
The six foot ten Mickleson led Westside to a state championship victory over Huntsville in March. He's now playing AAU basketball for the Arkansas Wings.
Most recruiting services rank Mickelson as a top 50 prospect in the country. He averaged 19 points and ten rebounds in his junior year. Mickelson makes a living both inside the paint and on the perimeter.
Mickelson received scholarship offers from Kentucky, Wake Forest, Mississippi, and Baylor.
It's a boost John Pelphrey needed to keep the Razorback fan base happy for now.
Pelphrey is also recruiting Mickelson's Wings teammate Ky Madden. The six foot five point guard from East Poinsett High School in Lepanto, Arkansas is rated as a five player at his position. Madden is considering Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Memphis, and Mississippi.

Lady Razorbacks tennis to NCAA's

2010-05-04T18:16:00.001-05:00

Arkansas' women's tennis team is in the NCAA tournament. They'll play the University of Oklahoma Sooners in the first round next week in Austin, TX. The Lady Hogs beat Oklahoma earlier this season 6-1. If they win, they'll advance to play either Wichita State or Texas.

Polls drop Hogs in back-to-back week...

2010-05-04T09:45:00.003-05:00

Hogs drop several spots in all of the college baseball polls. They have lost 4/6 SEC games. The road doesn't get any easier. Next nine games are against ranked teams. Six of those games are on the road. EEEEESSHHH! Makes you wish for another series against LSU.
USA Today/ESPN: 10 (Previous Rank: 7)
Baseball America: 14 (Previous Rank: 9)
Rivals.com: 9 (Previous Rank: 6)

All-everything Eibner moved to pen ...

2010-05-04T09:37:00.003-05:00

A rough stretch has Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn shifting his pitching rotation again. Van Horn will now go with two freshman starters on the back end of the weekend, Randall Fant and D.J. Baxendale. Brett Eibner now goes to the bullpen. Van Horn believes Eibner's first four innings are his strongest. Maybe he's right.

I got Coach Anderson to talk Hogs hoops @ Tigers Caravan ...

2010-04-29T22:05:00.003-05:00

(Yep, that's a Razorbacks basketball)

Mizzou head coach Mike Anderson was great in a sit-down interview at Rivals Sports Bar in Springfield for the 2010 Tigers Caravan. He was even better when the camera was turned off. We got talking Arkansas hoops and how he stole the country's top JUCO player, Ricardo Ratliffe, from Razorbacks head coach John Pelphrey. To quote, "Come on man, I needed him too." No wonder Ricardo's mother fell in love with Coach Anderson.

Mizzou fans should feel lucky he continues to call Columbia home.
Thanks for a great night in Springfield Coach Anderson.
Join the Hogs discussion on Facebook @KYTV HogsInsider or Twitter @KY3HogsInsider.

Eibner takes care of Missouri State

2010-04-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Arkansas' all-everything Brett Eibner did it again to the Missouri State Bears.
Eibner's four RBI's and two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning lifted the Hogs to a 5-4 midweek victory.
The ninth-ranked Hogs improved to 34-8 before 7,678 fans. The Bears fell to 17-22.
Both teams traded runs in the first few innings. Then former Nixa High School star Christian Overstreet came up with the big blow for the Bears in the third inning. His three-run home run put the Bears up 4-2.
The Hogs got a run back in the fourth.
Then, Eibner's big blow in the 5th put the Hogs in front to stay for good.
Arkansas reliever Jordan Pratt of Harrison picked up the win, pitching 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball for the Hogs.
Bears head coach Keith Guttin and Bears assistant Brent Thomas were not around for the end. Guttin got tossed in the fourth for arguing balls and strikes. Thomas got tossed for in the eighth for arguing a call at second base.

Hogs, Bears renew midweek diamond rivalry

2010-04-28T11:51:00.003-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Who says mid-week games don't mean anything in college baseball.
The Missouri State Bears will travel to Baum Stadium Wednesday night at 6:30PM to face the top ten ranked University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Bears catch the Razorbacks after an unusual weekend in SEC play. The Hogs dropped two-straight at top 15 ranked Florida after winning 13 straight. Despite the losses, the Razorbacks hold a two-game lead in the SEC-West and a 33-8 overall record.
Missouri State may finally be getting their season back on track. The Bears are 6-4 in their last ten games. However, overall they are 17-21 and 3-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The hot bat of Kevin Medrano leasd the Bears at the plate. The preseason all-Valley selection is hitting .430 on the season. Infielder Aaron Conway leads MSU in homers with six.
The Hogs hope to feast on a Bears pitching staff that has a team ERA of 4.57. Golden Spikes national player of the year candidate, sophomore third-baseman Zach Cox leads the Razorbacks at the plate with a .432 batting average. Sophomore outfielder Colin Kuhn has supplied power in the leadoff position batting .388. As a team, the Hogs are batting .327.
Senior Geoffrey Davenport is expected to start on the mound for Arkansas. Davenport is 2-2 with an ERA of 2.81 in 16 appearances.
Missouri State has yet to name a starter.
Arkansas leads the all-time series 46-20. The Razorbacks beat Missouri State twice last season. This season the Hogs and Bears are playing a single-game series instead of the typical home-and-home. The Bears will host the Hogs next year at Hammons Field.

JERICHO!!! He's now the leader of this defense

2010-04-25T21:54:00.004-05:00

(Jericho #31 with sophomore Darius Winston)

Arkansas Razorbacks' soon-to-be junior defensive back/linebacker Jericho Nelson is the heart and soul of the defense. He's seen the lows, now he's ready for the highs. Here's why his teammates look at him as a leader.
“To me, our whole team is trying to bring the swag. We are trying to make a name for ourselves. Our defense doesn’t want to be at the bottom of the pole. We want to be up there with the offense,” said Nelson.

Your NCAA tourney bracket just got tougher ...

2010-04-22T11:36:00.002-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS, IND - The NCAA has a new men's basketball tournament deal and a new TV partner. Oh yeah, it recommends three more teams added to the bracket.
CBS and Turner sports has paid $10.8 billion dollars to show every game live. It's a 14-year deal running through 2024.
Here's the kicker. Every game will be shown live across the four national networks for the first time ever.

Forston signs with agent, ending Razorbacks career

2010-04-21T22:47:00.002-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Arkansas Razorbacks point guard Courtney Fortson has played his final game as a collegiate.
The 5' 11" sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama signed with an agent late Wednesday night, giving up his final two years of eligibility.
BP Sports Management agent Charles Briscoe says his new client is ready for the jump to the next level.
"Courtney is very excited to be moving on and starting what will be a very successful professional career," said Briscoe.
Fortson averaged 17 points, nearly six assists and a little more than five rebounds in a shortened sophomore season. Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey suspended Fortson for the first 14 games of the season for an unspecified reason.
Agent Charlie Briscoe also represents Razorbacks teammates, senior forward Michael Washington and senior guard Stef Welsh.
"Courtney and Michael are one of the top guys at there position in the draft," said Briscoe. "I expect there skills to translate very well to the next level."
Pelphrey had high praise too when Fortson declared for the NBA draft without yet signing with an agent.
"He certainly has the talent to play the game of basketball at the highest levels and we support him in his decision to explore that option," said Pelphrey. "More than anything we appreciate Courtney and his family communicating to us his intentions and support his actions whichever they may be."
Fortson's departure means just soon-to-be junior guard Rotnei Clarke is the lone remaining player of a six-signee recruiting class in 2008. Many publications ranked that class as a top 10 in the country. Fortson was considered the star of that class.
The NBA draft is June 24th.

Former Arkansas Assoc. AD found dead

2010-04-20T17:01:00.003-05:00

Salt Lake City, UT - Police say Colorado Rockies president and former University of Arkansas Keli McGregor was found dead in his hotel room Tuesday morning in Salt Lake City. He apparently died of natural causes. Police were tipped off after associates tried to contact him. McGregor was an all-America tight-end at Colorado State. He spent a few years in the NFL before becoming an associate athletics director at Arkansas in 1989. McGregor left Fayetteville in 1993 for the Rockies.

Second chances ...

2010-04-20T09:59:00.004-05:00

Arkansas Razorbacks baseball coach Dave Van Horn is into second chances. P robably not third chances. Tuesday night, freshman pitcher Randall Fant is expected to start for the Hogs against Oral Roberts. He returns to the mound following his arrest for public intoxication earlier this month. No doubt Fant has the stuff. He dominated Mississippi State in his last start.
We just hope Fant learns a tough lesson.

Add another Carroll College coach to the staff ...

2010-04-13T18:11:00.003-05:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas football head coach Bobby Petrino does it again. He's picked another Carroll College graduate to be on his staff. And he didn't have to go far. Kevin Peoples is joining the program as director of high school relations. Peoples has spent the last nine seasons as a defensive line coach at Arkansas State University.
He replaces Dean Campbell, who left for a high school football head coaching job in Texas.

Baseball Polls: Hogs disrespected?

2010-04-12T18:18:00.003-05:00

Baseball Polls for week of April 12th ...

Rivals: 5th

ESPN/USA Today: 8th

Baseball America: 9th

Hogs will host New Mexico for mid-week games, then Jaw-Guh for three games this weekend. ESPN2 will broadcast Friday night's game.

Halftime: Spring Practice

2010-04-09T23:39:00.002-05:00

The Arkansas Razorbacks are two weeks away from the 2010 Spring game. Head coach Bobby Petrino seems happy. So far, the quarterbacks have lit it up, but then again under very little duress. The running-backs, led by sophomore-to-be Ronnie Wingo, Jr., are also on pace to finish Spring practice on a high note. That's an emphasis for the Razorbacks going into the Fall.
"I think we are doing a lot of good things. I think we are on track. We had one day where we didn't do things right on the practice field and that starts with your concentration and focus in the meeting room. We are pushing these guys hard. It's time to step up the intensity, the demands, making sure we are doing things right, playing with great effort. I don't expect assignment errors and I thought we were a little sloppy today. We need to clean up our penalties offensively. We were using four different quarterbacks so penalties can happen." Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino.

Arkansas' Cox SEC Player of the Week

2010-03-29T21:50:00.003-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - The SEC has named Arkansas sophomore third-baseman Zach Cox its SEC Player of the Week. And why not?
Cox led the Razorback offense in series sweeps at McNeese State and at home against Alabama. He batted .556 with eight RBI's in those games. Six of those RBI's came in the series-opening comeback against Bama. Cox also extended his season-opening hitting streak to 23 games., seven games shy of the school record 30 games.
Arkansas plays host to the SEC's Kentucky Wildcats this weekend.

Not your typical Spring practice for the Hogs

2010-03-28T21:58:00.002-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - 2010 is one of the most anticipated football seasons for the Arkansas Razorbacks. And the play on the field starts this week.
The Hogs will begin Spring practices Tuesday March 30th. They'll finish the practice session with the annual Red-White Spring game April 24th.
Arkansas' program has made headlines for reasons it never imagined in the off-season. Preseason all-SEC quarterback Ryan Mallett broke a bone in his foot during conditioning. His injury won't keep him away from the field.
"(Ryan) Mallett will just have to do a good job in the meetings and get a better understanding of taking reps, without really doing it," said head coach Bobby Petrino. "He's done that before during his first spring when he transferred."
The soon-to-be sophomore backup quarterback Tyler Wilson is expected to get most of the reps in the Spring. The Greenwood, Arkansas product threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns in limited action in 2009.
"We expect Tyler (Wilson) to jump out with the ones and Tyler is excited about it getting a lot of the reps," said Petrino. "He's certainly done a nice job in the leadership role."
Redshirt freshman Brandon Mitchell and incoming freshman Jacoby Walker will also work behind center.
Fans know what to expect out of the high-scoring offense. As for the defense, fans just hope for improvement.
"Our goal is to bring up the caliber of our defense, we always set our expectations high and in order to do that we have to be more consistent," said junior defensive back Isaac Madison. "We have to have those complete games and we are holding teams in singles digits and really shutting them down."
Madison earned a starting role after a strong practices before the 2009 season. He then suffered a season-ending knee injury before the opening Missouri State game.
"I'm really excited about spring ball, said Madison. "It's the first time that I've gotten to go out and actually compete and touch a ball. I'm fired up and ready to see where we are at."
He's not alone. The Hogs come into this Spring with high hopes. The Razorbacks rattled off five out of six victories to end the season, including a win against East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl. That late push has the country talking expectations too.
"Coach has made it clear that we do have the pieces to contend for a national championship but we have not been too wrapped up in expectations," said defensive end Jake Bequette. "The first thing we have to do is go out and practice in the spring and continue to get better."
Hogs fans hope they see that new confidence carry over from the Spring to the challenging SEC season.

Urban is stressed again ...

2010-03-25T18:07:00.004-05:00

(Picture Courtesy: Orlando Sentinel)
Just when you thought Urban Meyer was stress-free. He's back in the headlines again. No he didn't retire then unretire agian... Instead he confronted Orlando Sentinel beat writer Jeremy Fowler at a Spring practice. Why Fowler? Meyer contends he took comments from wide receiver Deonte Thompson out of context. Thompson exclaimed something about being more excited to play with new quarterback John Brantley instead of Tim Tebow. Coach Urban didn't like that. Nobody criticizes Timmy T. (Unless you're an NFL scout)

Click HERE Fowler's response to Urban's heated words.

Click HERE for video of the confrontation.

Auburn gives Barbee $1.5 million, 6-year deal

2010-03-25T17:50:00.001-05:00

AUBURN, Ala. - New Auburn basketball coach Tony Barbee is pledging to take the program "to heights it's never been before." Really?
Auburn introduced the former UTEP head coach beneath the scoreboard of the school's new $92 million dollar areana. Barbee hopes to bring a Calipari-style of play to Aubie.
He's getting paid to get it done. Barbee will earn $1.5 million dollars a year for the next six years.
Auburn has finished above .500 just once in the SEC in a decade.

Forbes Magazine is "Hog Wild" about Fayetteville

2010-03-22T18:23:00.003-05:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Here's another reason for the University of Arkansas to "Call Those Hogs. Forbes Magazine ranks the city of Fayetteville as its number 7th college sports town in America. The magazine uses several factors in the rankings: success of its college sports teams crime rates, quality of life, cost of living, cost of housing and the public school system.

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor topped the list. Chapel Hill, North Carolina & Norman Oklahoma finish out the top three.

Read the entire top ten LIST and how each earned it.

2010-03-19T18:50:00.001-05:00

BUFFALO, NY - The Missouri Tigers' offense is running smoothly once again and just in time.
Kim English and Keith Ramsey each scored 20 points to lead Mizzou to a first round 86-78 victory over the seventh seeded Clemson Tigers. It's the 10th seeded Tigers fifth-straight opening round win.
"Our guys really stepped it up," said Missouri head coach Mike Anderson. "I thought the game was in rhythm for our basketball team."
It didn't start that way. The Clemson Tigers jumped on Mizzou early opening up a double-digit lead. Mizzou countered with a run to end the half tied at 39. The Tigers from columbia scored 16 points the first 20 minutes on turnovers.
Mizzou's shooting heated up in the second half.
"Missouri made their run in the second half by knocking down some big 3-point shots," said Clemson head coach Oliver Purnell.
Mizzou pulled away late in the second half with its defense again, forcing Clemson into both turnovers and bad shots.
"(It was) a game of runs and we wanted our run to be the longest," said Mizzou guard Kim English.
Next up for Missouri is West Virginia. The two seeded Mountaineers blew out 15 seeded Morgan State 77-50.

2010-03-19T09:55:00.003-05:00

Arkansas (12-3) #13 vs. LSU (14-2) #3
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
TV: CST
Radio: 107.5 (KOMT)

Call it the most-hyped opening SEC series in years for the Arkansas Razorbacks. The defending national champions are reeling a bit. Kansas took 2/3 from the Tigers @ Alex Box Stadium last week. The Hogs have dropped games against Ball State, @ Cal and South Dakota State.

"We have three games, and they all count the same as the others, but obviously we're playing the defending national champion, so it brings a little more hype to it," says Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn. You have a couple of ranked teams and a couple of teams that squared off in Omaha. That was the last game we played (last season) when they eliminated us, so there are always things out there in the back of the players' minds. As far as the coaches, we just want to win on Friday and move from there."

Breaking News: Former Hog released from Eagles

2010-03-17T12:36:00.003-05:00

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles released former Arkansas Razorbacks all-America guard Shawn Andrews. Injuries forced the Philly's hand. The former first found pick has played in just two games the past two seasons because of a back injury. The Eagles had hoped Andrews would replace right tackle Jon Runyan last year. Andrews made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007.

NCAA Tournament Podcast

2010-03-16T14:51:00.001-05:00

Join KY3, KSPR and TAGSGF for a conversation about the NCAA men's college basketball tournament.

Tune in at 11:00 AM Central time on Wednesday. Call in with your questions at 917-932-1277.

Pelphrey makes staff change for 2010-2011

2010-03-15T18:31:00.001-05:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - There's a vacancy on the staff of Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Pelphrey.
Assistant coach Isaac Brown has been moved to an administrative position.
Fans expected changes after another missed NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks finished the season 14-17, ending the season with a sixth game losing streak.
Pelphrey made the switch after an end-of-season meeting with athletics director Jeff Long. Long says he asked Pelphrey "to do more than win basketball games" and build the program on and off the court.

Pelphrey makes staff change for 2010-2011

2010-03-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hogs season ends early in the Music City

2010-03-12T02:40:00.002-06:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - One and done for the Arkansas Razorbacks in the SEC Tournament in Nashville.
All-SEC forward Trey Thompkins scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Georgia Bulldogs (14-16) to a 77-64 victory in the opening round win against the Hogs.
Georgia started hot in the opening minutes building a double-digit lead. The Razorbacks (14-18) fought back with a 10-1 run to narrow the lead to a bucket.
The Bulldogs built the lead to seven at the half.
The Hogs worked the lead down to three midway through the second half. The Bulldogs pulled away down the stretch at the free throw line.
Arkansas senior Mike Washington finished with 20 points and three rebounds. Sophomore guard Courtney Fortson added 16 points.

Are you smarter than a college football player ...

2010-03-10T12:23:00.004-06:00

This year's Wonderlic Test scores from the NFL Combine are in the grade books.
It is an aptitude test that judges intelligence.
OU's Sam Bradford: 36
Colt McCoy: 25
Tim Tebow: 22

The highest score possible on the test is a 50. (Harvard's Pat McInnally only perfect grade) The average quarterback score is a 24.

Some well-known names scores:
Tom Brady: 33
Peyton Manning: 28
Dan Marino: 16
Jeff George: 10
Take the TEST yourself!!!

History is on the Hogs side in SEC Tourney

2010-03-10T11:54:00.002-06:00

Nashville, TN - It's four wins in four days or bust for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Arkansas (14-17, 7-9) opens play in the 2010 SEC Tournament late Thursday night in Nashville against the Georgia Bulldogs (13-16, 5-11). The Hogs defeated Georgia earlier in this season in Athens 72-68. Arkansas overcame a double-digit lead in the second half for the win.
"We had a hard fought game in early February, says Georgia head coach Mark Fox. "Both teams are a little different today than they were five six weeks ago."
The Hogs started 1-3 in the league. Then, that road win against Georgia was in the middle of a six game winning streak. The Hogs followed that streak with a five straight losses to end the season.
The Razorbacks defense has been consistently bad in that losing streak. The matchup down low doesn't favor the Hogs on paper. All-SEC forward Trey Thompkins is averaging nearly a double-double with 17 points and 8 rebounds per game.
"Georgia is a big challenge, big literally with their front court," says Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey.Arkansas point guard Courtney Fortson continues to lead the Hogs in scoring at 18 points per game. Georgia's Fox knows first hand stopping Arkansas starts with Fortson."
"(Courtney) Fortson had a huge second half against us," said Fox. "A huge year. He makes the guys aruond him better."
Fortson was a 2nd team all-SEC selection.
Thursday night's winner will play Vanderbilt Friday night in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.
The Hogs can only go dancing the NCAA Tournament. To do that they'll have to win four games in four days. History is on the Hogs side. The Hogs pulled it off in 2000. Georgia pulled it off in 2008. Mississippi State won it by winning four last year.

All-conference picks include Hogs...

2010-03-09T17:30:00.005-06:00

The Arkansas Razorbacks are somewhat represented on the all-SEC teams.
Sophomore Courtney Fortson was named a 2nd team all-SEC performer. Fortson led the Hogs with 18 points, 5 rebounds and nearly 5 assists a game. The Montgomery, Alabama native was an all-freshman team selection a year ago.
Freshman Marshawn Powell made that all-freshman team in 2010. The Newport News, Virginia forward was a unianimous selection. Powell ranks 3rd in the SEC in scoring at 15 points a game. He grabs on average 6 boards a game.
Sophomore Rotnei Clarke is a member of the SEC's Community Team. His involvement off-the-court includes work with the Christian Fellowship of Athletes and the Fayetteville Juvenile Detention.

Hillcrest High School sophomore Green in the national spotlight ...

2010-03-04T11:38:00.004-06:00

Springfield - The Ozarks already knows he's a human-highlight film on the football field. Now word is spreading throughout the country about Springfield Hillcrest's wide receiver Dorial Green.
Sports Illustrated's Max Preps is the latest publication to jump on the sophomore's bandwagon. The high school sports website lists Green on its sophomore all-America team. It also includes the Hornets star on its five high school players to watch at a future NFL Combine.
Green surely passes the eye test for big time college coaches. The 6' 5", 215 pound wideout runs a sub 11 second 100 yard dash. He's coming off a 66 catch, 1,616 yards sophomore season. He caught 23 touchdown passes.
"Green may have deserved a spot on the overall All-American team as a sophomore," says Max Preps recruiting analysts. "He was a first-team 4A selection in Missouri, and shaping up to be a mega-recruit."
The Hillcrest star has caught the attention of both coaches at Mizzou and Arkansas. He has visited both universities. Oklahoma and Kansas are also showing interest.
High school football recruiting experts say Green would have been a top five wide receiver if he'd been a senior this year.
"Regardless of class or position, Green will be one of the country's top football players in 2010," writes Max Preps. "You can probably pencil in his ticket to the NFL Scouting Combine."
Oh, and can he dunk on the basketball. Green is considered one of the Ozarks top basketball players. The hoops Hornets will play Saturday in the quarterfinals in the Class 5 tournament.

Hogs hoops eliminated from SEC West crown

2010-03-03T21:08:00.003-06:00

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Sometimes a technical foul can pay off for you. Just ask Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl. Pearl's second half "T" started a 10-0 run to break open a 3-point lead to a going away 80-73 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The loss extends the Hogs losing streak to four games. It eliminates them from an SEC-West Championship.
The Volunteers opened the game on an 17-8 run. The young Razorbacks scrapped their way back into the game, even taking the lead late in the first half. They trailed by three, 39-36 at the half.
Tennessee started fast in the second half. Then the Hogs narrowed a double-digit lead back to three. That's when Pearl got his technical that started that ten point run. Arkansas would never get closer than six points.
Arkansas guard Courtney Fortson led the Hogs with 21 points.
Tennessee seniors Bobby Maze, J.P. Prince, and Wayne Chism all scored in double figures in their final home game at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The Razorbacks will finish the regular-season at Bud Walton Arena Saturday afternoon.

Step OFF!!! UoA's win in competion fuels racism debate

2010-03-03T17:55:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Girls of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at the University of Arkansas stepped into controversy and became a you-tube sensation because of it.
The Zetas won the Sprite Step Off competition in Atlanta. They beat out several universities from across the country.
The win was the talk of the sport, made popular at historically black universities. Now even more.
Sponsor Coca Cola has ruled the Zetas must share first place with an all-black group from the University of Indiana because of a scoring discrepancy.
That sparked debate over reverse racism among students at The University of Arkansas.
Coca-Cola disagreed calling it "... a scoring discrepancy. There is no conclusive interpretation, nor definitive resolution for the discrepancy."
Both groups received the first place prize of $100-thousand dollars in scholarship money.

See the YouTube video: Click HERE!!!

Powell's no freshman ...

2010-03-02T11:10:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Pull the freshman label off him. Arkansas Razorbacks forward Marshawn Powell has accepted another label from his teammates, leader.

The 6' 7" forward from Newport News, Virginia is coming off a game to remember against Vanderbilt. He scored 21 points in the first half. But Vandy's more physical defense held him to just six points over the second 20 minutes. His 27 points was just a bucket shy of his career-high (29 points) set against Applachian State earlier in the season.

The Vanderbilt game was a learning experience for both Powell and Razorbacks fans.

"He responded very well in terms of individual effort. He basically kept us in the game in the first half," said Pelphrey.

The same could be said for the season. Powell is averaging 15.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game in his freshman season as a Razorback. He has started every game.

"Powell's one of the top freshmen in the league," says Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl.

Pelphrey admits Powell's production is meeting his expectations set before the season. However, those expectations are comparably different to other freshmen of the past.

"Marshawn is in better situation than Rotnei (Clarke) and Courtney (Fortson)," says Pelphrey. "We need him to perform but got a few others guys who can help."

There's no secret to Powell's success. The freshman is usually the first and last Hog in the gym. That's a trait his coach has noticed.

"I try to go hard every day. I want to prepare to the best of my ability. I think it's been showing on the court," says Powell.

"He's been arguably our hardest worker," says Pelphrey. "That's a huge compliment for a first year player. He (Powell) brings his hard hat and lunch pale and shows up."

Marshawn continues to shed the freshman label for another one, star. That's a label he'll have to live up to for years to come.

Bruce Pearl worried about letdown against Hogs

2010-03-01T12:19:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK - Tennessee Volunteers head coach Bruce Pearl is worried about Wednesday's home finale against the Arkansas Razorbacks. He knows the Hogs will present a challenge. But the real challenge is this week in practice keeping his team focused following Saturday's emotional win against Kentucky.
"It's human nature, said Pearl about a possible letdown. "You do everything you can to prevent it and it still exists. I hope there is enough senior leaderhship to deal with it."
Tennessee is coming off that upset victory at home against the previously ranked #2 Wildcats. The Vols defense held the Cats to 3 of 22 from the 3-point range. Pearl acknowledges his team's perimeter defense better show up again.
"Even though Arkansas lost to Vanderbilt Saturday, I thought it was how Vanderbilt played," said Pearl. "We know offensively they're one of the better teams in the conference."
The Razorbacks travel to Knoxville on a three game losing streak going from first to second in the SEC West. The Hogs have dropped back-to-back road tests.
"(It is) a difficult raod game at Tennessee, very difficult environment," said Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey. "It wont be much fun playing on senior night."
Tennessee has won more games than any SEC team the past five years. ESPN's Full Court will air Wednesday's game at 6:00pm.

Hogs lose third straight SEC game to Vandy

2010-02-27T15:46:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK- It was too much inside, outside for the already defensively depleted Arkansas Razorbacks.
Jeffrey Taylor scored 18 and A.J. Ogilvy added 14 to lead the #16th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores (22-6, 11-3) to an 89-72 win over the Hogs.
Vanderbilt showed why their a top 20 team in the country early by scoring the game's first six points. Then going up by double-digits minutes later.
"I think we just got off to a good start," said Commodores head coach Kevin Stallings.
The Hogs fought back on the back of freshman Marshawn Powell. Powell scored 21 of his game high 27 points in the first half. Also, 21 of the Hogs 35 points in the half.
"Powell obvioulsy killed us in the 1st half," Stallings added.
His play helped eliminate a double-digit lead down to ten at halftime (45-35). That was despite Vandy shooting a red-hot 65 percent from the field.
But as Powell went, so did the Razorbacks. Vanderbilt's defense limited the freshman's touches in the second half. Powell scored just six points over the final 20 minutes.
"They played me more physical in the second half," said a dejected Powell. "They wouldn’t let me post up."
The Hogs couldn't muster any offense with Powell on the bench in foul trouble. Arkansas shot 34 percent (13-38) in the second half. They shot 28 percent (4-14) from 3-point range.
An experienced Vandy took advantage of that, growing the lead to 27 points late in the game.
"They executed really well," said Arkansas guard Rotnei Clarke. "They ran they’re game plan really well."
That they did. The loss is Arkansas' third straight in the SEC. All have come after the Hogs took over sole possession of the SEC-West lead.
Razorbacks head coach John Pelphrey had no answer for the stretch of poor play.
"Teams are playing better than us, that’s a reality."
The Hogs will go on the road Wednesday night to Knoxville, Tennessee to play their second ranked team in as many days. They'll end the SEC portion of the schedule at home next Saturday against Ole Miss.
Pelphrey knows this Razorbacks team has not quit on him.
"This team has never shown any signs of ever doing that."

UPSET describes the game & the feeling

2010-02-24T22:38:00.001-06:00

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Winless in Baton Rouge no more. LSU's Tasmin Mitchell scored 16 points to lead the Tigers to a 65-54 upset over the SEC-West leading Arkansas Razorbacks.
LSU (10-17, 1-12) jumped out early on the Hogs with a 10-0 run. They lead as much as 20 in the second half.
Arkansas (14-14, 7-5) point guard Courtney Fortson again led the Razorbacks with 18 points.
The Hogs shot just 34 percent (18-51). They topped that with 21 turnovers.
Arkansas hosts Vanderbilt Saturday at Bud Walton Arena.

Col. Reb is crying ...

2010-02-23T18:11:00.004-06:00

JACKSON, Miss. -Col. Reb is no more at the University of Mississippi. Students voted out the old Southern gent with a cane and hat. The Rebels mascot hasn't been on the field since students dismissed it from sporting apperances in 2003. Now it's for good. Some students still argue Colone Reb's image has been misconstrued by an older generation.

Hogs back on the road @ LSU

2010-02-23T09:45:00.002-06:00

Hogs (14-3, 7-5) @ LSU Tigers (9-17, 0-12)
Wednesday: 7:00PM
SEC Network

The Arkansas Razorbacks need this road win in Baton Rouge to stay in the SEC-West hunt with both Vandy and Tennessee up next. The Hogs defeated LSU 87 to 52 earlier this month. Guard Courtney Fortson continues to lead the Hogs in scoring at 19.4 a game. LSU's Tasmin Mitchell is nearly a double-double guy inside average 17 points & 9 boards a game.

PGA Tour golfer John Daly goes from pitching a Joplin casino to pitching underwear.

2010-02-22T17:23:00.001-06:00

DALLAS- Former University of Arkansas golfer John Daly has a new endorsement deal that goes perfectly with those loud and outrageous pants.

He also will be pitching underwear.

Slix is using Daly in its adds to endorse a new line of boxer briefs.

Daly has lost more than 100 pounds after lap-band surgery a year ago.

The former Missouri State high school golf champion is still on the tour despite only playing four tournaments this season.

I need a loan! Football tickets going up ...

2010-02-22T17:02:00.001-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas' athletics director Jeff Long says he has no choice but to raise the price of football tickets.

Tickets for the 2010 season will go up by $10 for Southeastern Conference and games played at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.

Athletic director Jeff Long says he made the move to "address the future funding needs of our program to compete and succeed in the Southeastern Conference and nationally."

Tickets will now start at $55. Nonconference games will still cost $45.

The $55 ticket price is the sixth-highest in the SEC.

Bobby Petrino talks up 2010 expectations

2010-02-22T12:21:00.007-06:00

ESPN blogger Chris Low is officially on the Razorbacks football bandwagon for 2010. Low writes
the Hogs could shakeup not only the SEC but also the BCS!!!

Here's his entire interview with head coach Bobby Petrino:

Q:Even though Mallett’s going to be sidelined this spring with the broken bone in his left foot, how important are these next three or four months for him if he’s going to become a truly great quarterback?

Bobby Petrino: The one thing you know he’ll do is work real hard at it. He just won’t get the 15 practices in, but should be good to go for all the summer work. He’ll certainly be in the classroom doing everything
he needs to do to get ready and take that next step.

Q:What gives you hope that your defense will be better next season and more consistent?

BP: We’ve recruited hard the last two years on defense and really tried to address issues in the secondary and the defensive front. So I think we’re going to be more talented and more physical on defense this year.
We have to tackle better, and we have to stop the explosive plays. That’s what really hurt our defense a year ago. We would play good and play good and then give up a big play.

Q:Sort of like the Alabama game last season when you were within a touchdown in the third
quarter and then give up an 80-yard touchdown pass?

BP: Our defense had played great, and they hit an 80-yard touchdown. And we’re right there. We just don’t make the play on the ball. So we’ve got to do a better job of playing the ball in the air and just stopping the big plays. The deep play-actions and screens are what hurt our defense more than anything.

Q:How important is getting Isaac Madison back at cornerback after he missed all last
season with a knee injury?

BP: He’ll be back and is doing real well (with his recovery). That was a huge loss for us because he’s our fastest, most experienced, smartest secondary player. He should be back at full speed and ready to go. He’s
doing everything right now. I’m not sure I’ll let him do the contact part of spring ball. He’ll do everything else.

Q:How would you assess the rest of your defense?

BP: Our defensive front will be good, and we’ll have depth. We’ve got [Jake] Bequette coming back and Damario Ambrose and Tenarius Wright at the defensive ends and then inside a lot of guys with a lot of
experience coming back with [Zach] Stadther and D.D. Jones, Pat Jones, [Lavunce] Askew and [Alfred] Davis. All those guys have played a bunch of football, which is new. We haven’t had guys who’ve played a bunch of football before. At linebacker, I’m a little concerned about depth. That’s been an area where we’ve been hurt by a lack of depth. We have to have a good spring in developing depth at linebacker, but we do have a lot of experience in Freddy Burton and Jerry Franklin. Jerry has started every game since I’ve been here, and he’s just a junior. But I am worried behind those guys.

Q: As you look at all the intangibles it takes to compete for a championship, do you believe you
guys are closer to being there?

BP: We’re definitely closer. Experience is something that really helps, the understanding of what we want to do and then our expectations. I think we took a huge step last year from the Alabama game to the Florida game. We went into the Alabama game and didn’t execute and didn’t play as well as we could. But also, I don’t think we expected to win, and I don’t think we executed because we were a little intimidated. Then when we went to Florida, our guys competed really, really hard and did everything they could to win the game. Mentally, we grew up and matured.

Q:Your new offensive line coach, Chris Klenakis, was on staff at Nevada last season where the
Wolf Pack led the country in rushing with an average of 344.9 yards per game. They were third nationally in 2008. What kind of dimension does he bring to your running game?

BP: He’s the guy who invented the Pistol [offense], he and coach Chris [Ault] together. I coached with Coach K before [at Nevada] and put together an offense before with him and were very successful. He’s a very good teacher in the offensive front, but he also understands every other aspect of the offense. I think we’ll be much more physical in the run game next year. We actually ran what everybody wants to call the Pistol last year and executed the passing game really well out of it. Now, we need to run the ball better out of it.

Q: When you look at your running game, you appear to have all the different pieces in place in
the backfield?

BP:I’m really excited about our backfield. This spring will be very, very competitive. Ronnie Wingo has sprinter speed. He won the 100 and 200 meters in the state of Missouri in high school and today weighs 230
pounds. He really excites me. The other guys are all capable. Broderick Green is 248 pounds and the big guy we need back there. Knile Davis is up in the 220s. We have a chance now where we can be much more physical running the ball and running the ball downhill. That’s so important in this league. When you get into a battle with Alabama, you have to be patient and run the ball and not give up the negative plays. That’s
what they’re so good at, causing you to have negative plays.

Q:You’ve obviously had some potent offenses during your career. Where do you think this one
stacks up in terms of playmakers and the ability to score in a variety of ways.

BP: When you look at the overall picture, it’s the deepest group [of playmakers] I’ve had. We have to prove that we can do it up front. That’s where we have to make great improvement. But when you have a
Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Jarius Wright all coming back with two years of experience, and they’ve all made a lot of plays in this conference, that’s exciting. Our young guy, Cobi Hamilton, might be better than all
of them. He’s a special, special talent and made a lot of plays last year as a freshman. But we’ve got to take care of business in the offensive front so we can be consistent.

Q:How much do you feel the fans’ expectations?

BP: I feel good about the expectations of our players, the expectations of our team. That’s the key. We’re hoping everyone expects us to win, and if the fans do, then obviously that’s great. But the best part of
it is when our players expect to take the field and win, and I think we’ll be that way this year.

Hogs give one back in SEC West race

2010-02-20T22:47:00.002-06:00

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Tay Waller scored 29 points and made seven 3-pointers to lead Auburn to a 92-83 win over Arkansas on Saturday night.
The Tigers (13-14, 4-8 Southeastern Conference) shot 61 percent, made 11 of 19 3-pointers and put five players in double figures.
The Razorbacks (14-13, 7-5) dropped into a first-place tie with Mississippi State in the SEC West after making only one basket in the final 3 minutes.
Waller made 7 of 10 3s and hit four in the game's opening 7 minutes. His jump shot from the free throw line with 2:45 left broke a 79-79 tie and started a 7-0 run.
Auburn made 13 of its last 18 shots and was 28-of-46 in the game. Frankie Sullivan hit four straight free throws in the final 34 seconds to seal the win.
DeWayne Reed added 17 points and Lucas Hargrove had 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Tigers.

Arkansas opens 2010 baseball season with rout...

2010-02-20T13:03:00.001-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE - In the 2010 season opener, the University of Arkansas baseball team pounded out 13 hits in support of starter Mike Bolsinger en route to a 10-2 victory over Ball State Friday evening at Baum Stadium. Junior Andy Wilkins had two hits and a pair of RBI, including a solo home run, to lead the offensive charge. Four Razorbacks had two hits and each player in Friday's starting lineup came away with at least one base knock. Bolsinger picked up the win on the mound for Arkansas with a five-inning effort, allowing just one run and striking out six.
"You're always worried about coming out and playing well in the first game in front of the home fans," head coach Dave Van Horn said. "I thought we answered that question pretty early. In the first inning, we had a couple of sac flies and scored three runs on no hits. (Ball State) didn't make an error so we took advantage of the opportunities they gave us. Overall, it was a good ball game for us today."
In the bottom of the first, the Razorbacks were given two base runners, Jarrod McKinney and Bo Bigham, when Ball State starter Brad Piatt plunked the first two hitters of the game. Zack Cox followed with a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Wilkins collected the team's first RBI of the season with a sacrifice fly to left field. A wild pitch from Piatt plated the next Arkansas run in Bigham. Cox scored the third run of the inning on another sacrifice fly, this time by Brett Eibner. In a weird twist, the only official at bat of the inning came on James McCann's lineout to end the inning.
The Cardinals posted their first run of the game in the top of the fourth when Kolbrin Vitek crossed the plate on an RBI single by Ian Nielsen. Bolsinger struck out Kory Benbow to end the inning and Arkansas led, 3-1.
"I thought (Bolsinger) did a good job," Van Horn said. "He only had one spot in his five innings where he got a little wild, but for the most part he kept the ball down in the zone. He ended up throwing in the mid-sixties (pitches) and we were trying to keep him to 70-75 pitches so it worked out."
Arkansas increased its lead with a three-run fifth inning. The first three hitters reached with a single and Cox, the first batter of the inning, scored on the base hit by Monk Kreder. On great execution of a hit and run, McCann lined a ball through the right side to move pinch-runner Kyle Atkins to third and bring Wilkins home. After Matt Reynolds walked to load the bases again, Collin Kuhn lofted a sacrifice fly that allowed Atkins to score.
Ball State got one of those runs back in the top of the sixth off TJ Forrest who was on in relief of Bolsinger. Ryan Chenowith doubled down the right field line and came around to score on a single by Zach Dygent. Forrest limited the damage to that lone run, getting Nielsen to fly out for the third out. Forrest pitched four relief innings to pick up the save, his first as a Razorback.
Cox picked up an RBI in Arkansas' half of the sixth with a double to the base of the wall in left center. McKinney, who led off the inning being hit with a pitch for the second time, came around to score. From the top spot in the lineup, McKinney reached base four times and scored twice. He also drove in the first of two Razorback runs in the seventh with a double down the right field line to plate Reynolds. Kuhn scored the second run after tagging up on the team's fourth sacrifice fly of the game, this time by Tim Carver.
Wilkins tacked on the final run of the game with an opposite field shot into the Razorback bullpen in the bottom of the eighth.
Opening day brought 4,847 fans to Baum Stadium (paid attendance of 7,359). Arkansas continues its season-opening series with Ball State Saturday afternoon. First pitch for game two of the season is set for 1:05 p.m. Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal, the president of the Republic of Panama and 1973 University of Arkansa graduate, is scheduled to throw out the first pitch.

The 2010 Road to Omaha begins this weekend

2010-02-18T11:45:00.002-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK - The University of Arkansas baseball team begins its most anticipated season in years this Friday afternoon.

The Hogs will open the season at Baum Stadium against the Ball State Cardinals.

The Razorbacks return much of its core lineup from last year's squad that finished third at the College World Series in Omaha. The fans have plenty of expectations. So does the rest of the SEC. The coaches picked the Hogs to finish second behind LSU in the race for the SEC West. LSU is college baseball's defending champions.

"We have tremendous depth in the SEC and I think the coaches' votes prove that," head coach Dave Van Horn said. "If you look at the preseason top 25 rankings, there are five or six teams represented in all of them. Regardless of rankings, every conference opponent is tough and teams sitting at the bottom of these preseason polls are just as good as the teams at the top."

The Hogs batting lineup looks to be a team strength. Preseason all-America Andy Wilkins has everyone's attention not only in the SEC but the country. in 2009, Wilkins hit .319 with 19 home runs, 58 RBI. The junior's hot bat carried the Hogs in their postseason run a year ago.

Van Horn expects centerfielder/DH Brett Eibner, 3rd baseman Zach Cox and 2nd baseman Bo Bingham to provide some pop in the lineup too.

On the mound, Van Horn is counting on three eturning pitchers and a freshman to keep opponents off the scoreboard.

Reliever, turned starter Mike Bolsinger will lead the rotation. The McKinney, Texas native has been natmed to several watch lists.

Eibner, Sophomore Drew Smyly and freshman D.J. Baxendale have also been mentioned by Van Horn as possible weekend starters. Baxendale could also become the team's closer.

The Hogs again will play one of the country's toughest schedules. However they'll play their fist seven and 12 of the first 15 games at home. They open up the SEC season on the road at LSU in mid-March.

Follow the Hogs on Facebook: KYTV Tiger Talk or on Twitter: KY3HogsInsider.

Freshman Powell leads Hogs to big win

2010-02-18T09:53:00.001-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas responded to its only loss in the last 25 days by getting back into the win column.
Freshman Marshawn Powell scored 16 of his game-high 26 points in the first half as the Razorbacks defeated South Carolina 92-79 on Wednesday night. Courtney Fortson added 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Sam Muldrow scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds for South Carolina, which lost for the third time in four games. Devan Downey scored 28 points for the Gamecocks (14-11, 5-6 Southeastern Conference), but the 5-foot-9 senior needed 28 shots
to get them.
The Razorbacks (14-12, 7-4) led 40-33 at halftime after shooting 52.8 percent and used a 17-1 run early in the second half to pull away. The Razorbacks have scored more points in a game only once this season - in a 97-94 home loss to Morgan State on Nov. 24.

Breaking News: Ryan Mallett breaks bone in his foot

2010-02-17T20:35:00.004-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - University of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has broken a bone in his left foo while conditioning.

Mallett will miss spring practice, however doctors expect him to fully recover in three to four months.

"It is unfortunate since Ryan works extremely hard and has made a commitment to the Razorbacks," said UA head coach Bobby Petrino. "I am confident in our athletic trainers and medical staff and believe they are the best in the country. Ryan is a strong competitor who I know will put all his effort into overcoming his injury and continuing to lead this team."

In 2009, the redshirt sophomore Mallett set or matched 16 different school records and finished the season with 30 touchdown passes and more than 3,600 yards.

This spring sophomore Tyler Wilson and resdhirt freshman Brandon Mitchell will share the reps behind center.

Arkansas host South Carolina & Downey

2010-02-17T11:21:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK--The Arkansas Razorbacks know the secret to slowing down the South Carolina Gamecocks. It's the same game plan teams use against them.

The Hogs will play South Carolina (13-12, 5-5) Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena at 8:00PM.

Guard Devin Downey leads the Gamecocks and the SEC in scoring at nearly 23 points per game. The 5-foot-nine point guard catches everyone's attention on the court, similar to Razorbacks' Courtney Fortson. Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey knows Downey makes his teammates better.

"There's this illusion that it's just him. He's good, but they have some other good players as well," said Pelphrey.

South Carolina was expected to contend for the SEC-East crown and an NCAA bid. Instead, second year coach Darrin Horn has fought through a year of injuries.

Arkansas (13-12, 6-4) is coming off a loss at Alabama Saturday, it's first in six games. The Razorbacks hold a half game lead in the SEC-West over Mississippi State. Guard Marcus Britt says even so, he feels the rest of the SEC is still taking the Hogs lightly.

"I think we're playing well as a team. We've had a chip on our shoulder. We go out in practice and work hard every day," said Britt.

Fortson leads the Hogs in scoring at nearly 20 points a game and in assists with six a game. ESPN Full Court will air the game.

Follow the Hogs on Facebook: KYTV HogsInsider or Twitter: KY3HogsInsider.

Hogs on the diamond ...

2010-02-13T22:08:00.002-06:00

Saturday the 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team competed in the first scrimmage of the year. The Hogs begin their quest for back-to-back trips to Omaha and the College World Series. The baseball Razorbacks open the season at Baum Stadium Feb. 19-21 against Ball State.

Here are some preseason rankings:
No. 15 - National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
No. 15 - Rivals.com
No. 16 - USA Today/ESPN
No. 17 - Baseball America
No. 23 - Collegiate Baseball

Hogs give away one at Bama...

2010-02-13T20:31:00.001-06:00

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — JaMychal Green and Anthony Brock both hit a pair of free throws in the final 14 seconds to help Alabama cap a 73-68 comeback victory over Arkansas.
The Crimson Tide (14-11, 4-7) rallied from a 13-point deficit early in the second half to snap a four-game losing streak.
The Razorbacks (13-12, 6-4) had won five straight games to take the SEC West lead but couldn't finish this one out. Courtney Fortson made 1 of 2 free throws with 36 seconds left to cut Alabama's lead to 67-66.
Arkansas quickly fouled Mikhail Torrance who, like Green and Brock, made both shots from the line.
The Razorbacks' only basket in the final 2 minutes came on Fortson's drive with 8 seconds left. Brock then secured the victory from the line.
Green had 22 points and nine rebounds and made all but one of his 13 free throw attempts.

Arkansas blows out LSU, keeps West lead

2010-02-11T11:11:00.001-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Starting guards Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke combined for 33 points Wednesday night as Arkansasdefeated LSU, 87-52.

The Razorbacks posted the largest margin of victory over the Tigers in the 49-game history of their series. The 35-point win also represented the school's third-largest conference victory since entering the Southeastern Conference.

Fortson led the way with 17 points and Clarke added 16.

Arkansas (13-11, 6-3) tallied the first 10 points of the contest and led 43-21 at halftime.

Tasmin Mitchell scored 15 points to lead LSU (9-15, 0-10), which has lost 10 straight games. That's the longest losing streak for the Tigers since a 12-game slide to end the 1997-98 season.

Arkansas has now won five-consecutive SEC games for the firsttime since 2006.

Arkansas took a one-game lead over Ole Miss in the SEC Western division with the victory.

Four game-winning streak on the line against LSU

2010-02-10T11:05:00.003-06:00

LSU (9-14) @ Arkansas (12-11)

Wednesday Night

7:00PM

TV: ESPN Full Court

Radio: Razorbacks Sports Network

LSU is winless in SEC play while the Hogs lead the SEC West after four straight wins. Senior Tasmin Mitchell leads the Tigers at 17 points and 9 rebounds a game. Arkansas sophomore Courtney Fortson is the reigning SEC Player of the Week. He's averaging 20 points.

"We need to do everything we can to take Tasmin Mitchell out of his element." Head Coach John Pelphrey

Fortson's fueling Hogs winning streak

2010-02-09T11:33:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK--Arkansas Razorbacks fans predicted some kind of turnaround after the return of suspended guard Courtney Fortson.

Nothing like this.

The Hogs are atop the SEC West standings at 5-3 after four straight wins in a stretch of ten days. Forston's play has sparked this mid-season streak.

"He helps put us in situations where we can win," says head coach John Pelphrey.

This week's SEC Player of the Week is averaging 20 points at game after returning to the lineup a game before the conference season from an unspecified suspension.

"He's (Fortson) obviously had an impact since he's come back," praised Pelphrey. "He keeps our guys from thinking they have to be perfect."

Fortson's game has shown all-around improvement. He's grabbing five rebounds a game and is dishing out six assists. What stands out the most is Fortson's timing. The sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama scored 10 of Arkansas' 15 points in overtime in a win against his home state Auburn Tigers.

"I always take what the defense gives me," said Fortson about that win. "They got a little lazy toward the end. That allowed me to do things."

Fortson scored 33 of his career-high 35 points in the second half of a comeback win against Mississippi State. He then backed that up with 10 and 27 point performances in road wins against Ole Miss and Georgia.

"I feel like my shot has improved since last season, says Fortson. "I've been staying after practice to shoot."

No one would have guessed the Hogs would ride his hot shooting hand to lead the SEC West at the halway point.

Fortson and the Razorbacks play LSU Wednesday night at Bud Walton Arena at 7:00PM.

Arkansas G earns SEC player of the week.

2010-02-08T13:31:00.001-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK--Arkansas guard Courtney Fortson has been named SEC player of the week.

Why not the sophomore from Montgomery.
He averaged 25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in Razorbacks wins over Georgia and Auburn.

Fortson scored ten of Arkansas' 15 points in overtime against Auburn.

Fortson is averaging a team-high 20 points a game.

The trophy goes to ...

2010-02-08T10:53:00.002-06:00

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--He's atop a list all too familiar to Arkansans.

University of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino ranks as the highest paid state employee for 2010.

Petrino earned $2.7 million dollars.

Razorbakcs basketball coach John Pelprhrey is the second highest paid employee at $1.245 million a year.

However, both report incomes of much more because of coaches shows and endorsements.

Arkansas reported a jump of workers earning more than a $100,000, mostly from higher education.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences accounts for 925 of the $100,000-or-more employees. That's up by 56 from a year ago.

Special prosecutor drops case against Razorbacks basketball players

2010-02-05T18:34:00.001-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - A special prosecutor has decided not to file charges against three Arkansas basketball players accused of rape, citing insufficient evidence.
Circuit Judge William Storey said Friday he received a letter from special prosecutor H.G. Foster declining to file charges.
Local authorities decided against bringing charges in September, but Foster was asked to review the case.
Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said "the reputations of the student-athletes falsely accused should be restored."
The accuser's attorney, John Bass, said he didn't have any immediate comment.

Signing Day for Joplin's Hefley

2010-02-05T11:39:00.002-06:00

Joplin's Brad Hefley is proud to be a Hog. Just check out his smile on signing day. It has been said Bobby Petrino wants high quality guys to Razorbacks. Here's the proof.

2010-02-04T11:41:00.002-06:00

Springfield--Hogs go north to grab an unique football player.

Joplin High School athlete Brad Hefley signed a letter of intent to play football for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The 6'4", 255 pound all-stater played linebacker and tight end for the Eagles his senior season. Hefley transferred from Riverton High School across the line in Southeast Kansas where he earned all-state honors.

Scout.com rates as the 25th best middle linebacker in the country.

"Hefley is a throwback MLB. He intimidates by playing with a nasty disposition and is extremely aggressive when attacking the football," says Scout.com evaluators.

That upside caught the attention of Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino on the recruiting trail.

"(He) has endless potential," says Petrino. "(He's) big, physical."

Still, Petrino says he doesn't know what side of the ball Hefley will play.

Hefley was recruited by both Oklahoma State and Kansas State.

Hogs finish fast, improve recruiting class

2010-02-03T23:45:00.002-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK--It's not how you start, but how you finish that counts.
Arkansas made headlines on National Signing Day by inking some high profile, late editions to its 2010 class.
"There will be a few who can play next year, " says head coach Bobby Petrino. "We don't talk about guys coming in here and redshirting as freshman."
The Hogs signed the limit of 25 players to fill its roster for next year. None of them is expected to have a bigger impact than defensive tackle Byran Jones. Rivals.com rates the Junction City, Arkansas interior lineman as one of the best at his positions. Razorbacks coaches particular like Jones' motor.
"(He) never seemed to come off the field in high school, offensive tackle, defensive end, kicked field goals," said Petrino. "Expect him to compete immediately."
Jones wasn't the only late addition at that same position. The Hogs convinced Tulsa Booker T. Washington High School's Calvin Barnett to flip his commitment from Oklahoma State to Arkansas. Some of the credit goes to Barnett's speedy teammate Athlete Eric Bennett committed early to Arkansas and kept his word. He's play either receiver or defensive back. He'll also return kicks.
"He's real exciting with the ball in his hands," added Petrino.
The real surprise of the class was Jenks, Oklahoma athlete Jarrett Lake. The Oklahoma University commitment sat out his senior year because of eligibility issues. The all-state wide receiver is expected to compete for a starting position on the other side of the ball.
"He projects as a linebacker. He became a natural at linebacker in camp," said Petrino.
The Hogs found another big lineman from Texas. Rivals rated 4* offensive lineman Cam Feldt committed early to Arkansas.
The 2010 recruiting class ranks anywhere between 30 and 45 nationally among several recruiting outlets. That's a significant drop-off from Bobby Petrino's first two recruiting classes at the U of A. However, the head coach isn't buying into those recruiting service evaluations.
"You have to get past that (the stars). It is a must to do your evaluation and not just do internet recruiting."

Fortson fuels Hogs to 2nd straight road victory...

2010-02-03T22:07:00.001-06:00

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Courtney Fortson scored 27 points, including five free throws in the last 40 seconds, and Arkansas wiped out a big halftime deficit to beat Georgia 72-68 on Wednesday night.
Georgia led 37-22 at halftime but lost its shooting touch and its momentum after the break. The Razorbacks took the lead with a 26-8 run to open the second half.
Arkansas (11-11, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) took its third straight win. Mike Washington scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half for Arkansas.
Trey Thompkins led Georgia (9-11, 1-6) with 21 points.
The Bulldogs made only two shots from the field in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

2010-02-03T12:19:00.001-06:00

Fayetteville, ARK--Back on the road again.

The Arkansas Razorbacks (10-11, 3-2) will play the Georgia Bulldogs (9-10, 1-5) in Athens Wednesday night.

Trey Thompkins leads the Bulldogs averaging 17 points and nearly 8 rebounds a game.

Sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson scores a team-high 18 points for the Hogs.

The Hogs won their first SEC road game in nearly two years beating Mississippi 80-73 on Sunday.

The Bulldogs are coming off a one-point loss to South Carolina.

Tipoff is at 6:00PM in Athens. ESPN Full Court isairing the CSS broadcast.

National Signing Day Live Chat

2010-02-03T11:02:00.000-06:00

National Signing Day live chat

Recruiting News & Notes...

2010-02-02T21:04:00.001-06:00

There's lots of noise the day before "National Signing Day." Coach Bobby Petrino hopes it quiets his recruiting critics. You should expect the unexpected this year. We hope at least.

Minn. Commitment Marquise Hill (3*Athlete)(STL): New speculation the one-time Hogs recruit & cousin of Razorbacks RB Ronnine Wingo is wavering on his decision to go north. It will come down to the Gophers and Hogs
Auburn Commitment Shon Coleman (5* OT)(Olive Grove, MS): His decision is one of the most anticipated of the class. He enjoyed his visit to Fayetteville but was not sold on the spot. Both Auburn and Alabama will tell you he's a lock. Hmmm...
Damien Robinson (4* OT)(Olive Grove, MS): Yeah he's Shon Coleman's teammate at Olive Grove high south of Memphis. It's between the Hogs, Bama and Auburn. The teammates contend this is no package deal. I felt good about him this past weekend. Not so good now.
Byran Jones (4* DT)(Junction City, AR): Byran has been the Hogs priority number one this year. He would be expected to play early and often at a position of need. Again, Auburn will have you believe he's a lock for "The Plains." I believe he'll "Call the Hogs."

Springfield native making most of redshirt year with Hogs

2010-02-02T00:31:00.003-06:00

Springfield - He hasn't played in a single game for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
That hasn't stopped former Springfield hoops star Jeff Peterson from making a new name for himself in Northwest Arkansas.
The six foot point guard redshirt sophomore is spending the 2009-2010 season on the bench, sitting out after transferring from the University of Iowa.
"It's frustrating to sit and watch on game nights, but it's a learning experience and I feel right. I'm proud to be a Razorback," said Peterson to the weekly crowd at the Coach John Pelphrey Show in Fayetteville.
Peterson grew up in Springfield. He played AAU in the city until his freshman year of high school. His family then moved to Washington, DC prepping at one of the top basketball schools in the country DeMatha High School.
Coaches couldn't decide what impressed them more, his work on the court or off the court. The all-DC selection his senior season also sported a 3.98 grade point average. Peterson chose the Iowa Hawkeyes over several Ivy League choices.
Lsat year he started 25 games for Iowa averaging ten points and four assists. Peterson admits he never quite fit into the program. He returned to his Ozarks roots last summer.
"Things just didn't work out the way I planned at Iowa. I took a visit here (Arkansas) and it felt right."
Peterson remains academically focused at the University of Arkansas. The business major has interned at Fortune 500 company J.B. Hunt Trucking. That too has impressed Pelphrey.
"He's a superstar. He's the type of guy you want representing your program."
Peterson will get his chance next year for the Hogs. What's he think of the current Hogs?
"If we stay focused and continue to play the way we've played the last few weeks, we can be very good."

Powell earns SEC freshman of the week.

2010-02-01T22:51:00.002-06:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas forward Marshawn Powell is impressing SEC coaches.

The freshman from Newport News, Virginia has been named the Southeastern Conference freshman of the week.

Powell averaged 14 points and seven and a half rebounds in wins against Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

He is the first Razorback to win the award since Courtney Fortson in 2009.

What's going on?

2010-02-01T10:56:00.002-06:00

Something's just not right. Or maybe it's a blessing in disguise. A third recruit flipped a committment to the Hogs to somebody else. Will that leave openings for Bobby Petrino to flip others to the U of A? I'm expecting a fun National Signing Day.

Recruits no more:

Deonte Welch (S/WR) Williston (FL) High School to: South Florida

William Russ (P/PK) Evangel Christian High School (Shreveport, LA) : Texas

Armand Williams (WR) Slidell (LA) High School: LSU

Hogs end long SEC road streak ...

2010-01-31T21:40:00.002-06:00

Oxford, Miss-The Hogs 15 game road SEC losing streak is over.
Mike Washington scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in beating the #18 ranked Ole Miss Rebels 80-73 in Oxford Sunday night.
Murphy Holloway had 19 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Rebels.
The Razorbacks found themselves down big early.
"I thought that the first 12 minutes our attitude wasn't what it needed to be, but they played very well in the second half," Arkansas Head Coach John Pelphrey said.
Everything went the Hogs way after that. They narrowed an eight point lead to five by half. Then outscored the Rebels 46-34 in the second half.
Pelphrey was complimentary of a freshman point guard who scored just two points. Julysses Nobles shut down all-SEC guard Chris Warren limiting him to 17 points on six of 15 shooting.
The game went back-and-forth for much of the second half until late.
The Hogs never trailed again after a 3-pointer by Rotnei Clarke with 3:11 to go up 74-71. Clarke hit four 3's on the night. The Hogs then iced the game from the free throw line going six for six in the final two minutes.
"We are very fortunate to get the win," Pelprhey said. "We have a tremendous amount of respect for Ole Miss and I am very proud of our guys."
Arkansas will stay on the road heading to Athens to face the University of Georgia Bulldogs Wednesday night at 6:00PM.

2010-01-30T17:51:00.000-06:00

Springfield-John Daly says he's not retiring. Instead call it a break.
The embattled, sometimes controversial professional golfer is back in the headlines again for comments after missing a cut at a PGA tournament.
Daly told a Golf Channel reporter he was done for good after the second round of the Farmers Insurance Tournament at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
The two-time major champion shot a 79 and a 71 missing his second-straight cut.
"I need my time and working through these bad times," said Daly hours after the comments.
It's not the first time the former University of Arkansas golfer has taken time to reflect on his career.
"My game has never been the same since my rib injury during the Honda Classic in 2007," says Daly.
Daly came onto the professional golf scene in 1991 after winning the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick in Indianapolis. He later won the British Open in 1995. He has three other tournament titles in his 18 year career on tour.
The golfer known as "Long John" has made a name for himself off the course appearing in several commercials. The former Missouri high school state golf champion now stars in ads for the Downstream Casino in Joplin. Daly admits that's just not enough right now.
"Maybe my mind may change down the road but right now i don't have the money."
"The few sponsors that I have are great but it's not getting me thru these times."
Daly will now focus on his reality show on The Golf Channel that is expected to debut in March.

2010-01-29T22:20:00.003-06:00

Say it ain't so Big John?

In a post round interview at Torrey Pines former Arkansas Razorback golferJohn Daly called it quits. Not for the round, but apparently for his career. Daly opened the Farmers Insurance Tourney outside of San Diego with a 79. He followed it up with a respectable 71. After that round he told a producer with the Golf Channel he was retiring. Daly said he was tired of taking spots from guys in the weekly fields. Is it true? We hope not. The former Missouri High School state golf champion has five tourney titles. They include two majors, the 1991 PGA and the 1995 British Open. The Dardanelle native also brought excitement to a game once reserved for country club members. Long John, we hope it's not true. But if it is... best of luck. Oh, and maybe we'll see you at Downstream with Barry (Coach Switzer).

Arkansas vs. Ole Miss...

2010-01-29T17:43:00.003-06:00

The Tad Pad on the campus of Ole Miss.
Arkansas vs. #20 Ole Miss
6:00PM
Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Network (NO TV)
Hogs (9-11, 2-3)
Rebels (16-4, 4-2)
The Hogs and Rebels will have t0 wait a little more than 24 hours to play because of bad weather in Northwest Arkansas. Ole Miss is very much a guard-oriented team. The Rebs, like the Hogs, are coming off a Thursday win beating Auburn 84-74. Arkansas has lost 12 out of the last 13 meetings at the Tad Pad. The Razorbacks have dropped the last 11 SEC road games. Arkansas leas the series 40-24. The matchup to watch is at the point guard position. Chris Warren is averaging a team-high 16 a game. Fortson is coming off a 35 point performance against Mississippi State. 33 of those came in the 2nd half.

Game to remember for Courtney Fortson...

2010-01-28T23:01:00.001-06:00

Fayetteville, Ark.---Courtney Fortson wouldn't let the Hogs lose.
The sophomore scored 35 points, 33 of those in the second half, to lead the Arkansas Razorbacks to a 67-62 win over the SEC-West leading Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The Razorbacks (9-11, 2-3) offense started as cold as it was outside of an icy Bud Walton Arena. The Hogs shot under 25 percent from the first half.
The second 20 minutes told the story of the game. The Bulldogs (15-5, 3-2) scored just 33 points in the second half. Fortson alone equaled that total. The 5' 11" guard got inside the lane often, picking up fouls. He went 14-18 from the free throw line.
Ravern Johnson scored 19 points to lead the Bulldogs.
The second SEC win equals the total from a year ago for the Razorbacks. It also avenges an 82-80 loss earlier this season at Starkville.
The Hogs go back on the road this Saturday afternoon to play #18 Ole Miss, who is now leading the SEC-West standings.

Save me a seat ...

2010-01-28T19:54:00.002-06:00

(Courtesy: Jerry Tucker)
This was a shot inside Bud Walton Arena about 20 minutes till game time. I think I've seen more fans in BWA @ a Hogs basketball practice. Arkansas vs. Miss State @ 8:00PM on ESPN 2. Apparently lots of season ticket holders will watch from home too.

CBS urged to scrap Super Bowl ad with Tebow, mom

2010-01-25T17:56:00.002-06:00

NEW YORK (AP) - Women's groups are calling on CBS to scrap a planned Super Bowl ad featuring college football star Tim Tebow and his mother, which critics say is likely to convey an anti-abortion message.
A protest letter sent to CBS says the ad "uses sports to divide rather than to unite." The National Organization for Women is among the groups backing the protest.
A spokesman says CBS approved the script and gave no indication the protest would have an impact.
The Christian group Focus on the Family paid for the 30-second ad. It's expected to recount the story of Pam Tebow's pregnancy in 1987. After getting sick on a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored doctors' recommendations to have an abortion and gave birth to Tim.

Ugly, but it's over...

2010-01-23T18:26:00.000-06:00

Lexington, KY--The Kentucky Wildcats made a statement to the SEC and a group of young Hogs.
The second-ranked Wildcats opened the game with a 10-0 run and never looked back beating the Arkansas Razorbacks 101-70 at Rupp Arena.
Freshman DeMarcus Cousins led the soon-to-be number one ranked Wildcats(19-0,4-0) with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Teammate Darius Miller added 18 points.
Kentucky showed their strength early and then often. The Wildcats opened the game on a 10-0 run. The young Razorbacks (8-11,1-3) found themselves down 57-27 at the half.
Poor shooting did in the Hogs, shooting just 31 percent for the game. They shot 22 percent from 3-point range.
The 31-point loss is the worst conference defeat since the Hogs joined the SEC in 1992. (Mississippi State loss by 30 in 2003)
Sophomore guard Courtney Fortson scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds playing most of the game for Arkansas.
The Razorbacks return home for a showdown with SEC West winner Mississippi State on Thursday.