Herring: McFadden, Jones Will Play In Bowl

FAYETTEVILLE -- Houston Nutt won't be with Arkansas for its bowl game, and there is a chance that some of his former assistant coaches could be gone, as well.

But Arkansas interim coach Reggie Herring on Wednesday dispelled the rumor that Heisman Trophy candidate Darren McFadden and fellow running back Felix Jones won't suit up for the Razorbacks in their bowl game.

"That is a rumor, and rumors are like water in this universe right now and that's part of life," Herring said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

"But let me put that one to rest. Everybody's got a smile on their face, and they're ready to go."

Herring acknowledged that McFadden, Jones and Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs will miss significant practice time over the next two weeks because they'll be traveling around the country to different postseason award shows.

McFadden is considered a favorite to win the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back for the second consecutive year. He's also expected to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which some analysts have predicted he could win.

Luigs was named Wednesday as one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the nation's top center.

"There will be some of them missing practice. A matter of fact, I don't think D-Mac will be showing up (at practice) possibly until maybe the 14th or 15th (of December)," Herring said.

"It could be a week and a half to two weeks, you know, who knows? But that basically is something you have to deal with."