What To Watch For

Arkansas quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson will be watched closely during tonight’s Red-White Game in Reynolds Razorback Stadium, but there are plenty of other intriguing storylines worth keeping an eye on. Here are four more things to watch for tonight:

Big Plays from Wideouts

Receivers Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and London Crawford have had big springs, latching onto handfuls of touchdown passes in scrimmages. Adams has been the most explosive lately, scoring six touchdowns in the past two scrimmages. Granted, the success has come against a secondary that continues to have problems but the wideouts look like a much more dangerous group this spring. So you can count on them to reach the end zone a few times tonight.



Improvement on Defense

Arkansas’ defense was a wreck for much of 2008, but there has been some optimism surrounding this spring. Especially among the first-team group, which has gotten improved play at linebacker from Wendel Davis, Jerry Franklin and Freddy Burton. Fans will come to the Red-White Game expecting to see fireworks from the offense, but don’t be surprised if the first-team defense leaves a mark. It hasn’t been flawless, but it sure has looked much better this spring.



An Injury Depleted Backfield

Arkansas’ crowded backfield was supposed to be the source of intense competition this spring, but the group limps into the spring game after a rough month. Brandon Barnett (broken tibia) and Knile Davis (broken ankle) are out. Dennis Johnson has missed much of the past two weeks with a foot injury and is questionable today. If he can’t play, sophomore De’Anthony Curtis and transfer Broderick Green will continue to share the spotlight tonight.



A Good Battle Up Front

Arkansas’ offensive line has a different look. Three starters are back, but only one — tackle Ray Dominguez — is working at the same position. Offensive line coach Mike Summers has tried different combinations this spring and gotten some mixed results. The group will get one last test against a defensive front that has been praised for some strong scrimmages. In fact, coach Bobby Petrino called the defensive ends one of the team’s strengths.