Razorback Report

First Down: Forcing Fumbles Arkansas linebacker Wendel Davis knows the perception that Florida’s offense was sloppy in the Gators’ 23-20 win last Saturday. But the senior said the Razorbacks deserve their share of the credit for forcing four fumbles — and recovering each one — in the loss.

“They say Florida fumbled a lot and all this other stuff, but we’re causing fumbles,” Davis said. “We’re making plays. Not just happening by luck. We’re actually running to the ball and making plays.”

Arkansas’ defense has recovered nine fumbles in the past three games and the Razorbacks have notched a Southeastern Conference-high 11 fumble recoveries in six games. The performance has helped the Hogs climb to the top of the SEC in turnover margin (plus-seven).

It’s a big difference from last season, when Arkansas recovered five fumbles and forced 16 turnovers.

Coach Bobby Petrino said the Razorbacks success in forcing more turnovers this season is simple — Arkansas has been much more physical on defense.

“When you hit harder, when you get more guys to the football, then you have a chance to force turnovers,” Petrino said. “Part of that was getting more guys to the football. Not only force them but recover them.”



Two-Minute Drill

• Arkansas receiver Joe Adams continued to show signs of progress Wednesday, running routes and catching passes during the portion of practice open to the media. Adams has missed two straight games after suffering what Petrino has called a minor stroke.

• Petrino said on his radio show that running back Michael Smith participated in two-thirds of Wednesday’s practice. Smith missed the Florida game with a hamstring injury and has been limited this week.

• Cornerback Rudell Crim took off his yellow, non-contact jersey for Wednesday’s practice. Crim was wearing the jersey Tuesday because of headaches he experienced after a fourth-quarter collision at Florida.



Inside Scoop: No Drop-off in Rebels

Ole Miss’ offense has struggled this season, but defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said the Razorbacks aren’t taking the Rebels lightly.

“There’s no drop-off with this offensive football team,” Robinson said. “It’s explosive. It’s dynamic, very multiple and they have playmakers.”

Ole Miss, which is sixth in the SEC in scoring (30.2 points) and seventh in total offense (365.3 yards), is led by two of the league’s most well-known players in quarterback Jevan Snead and running back Dexter McCluster. But both players have struggled in 2009.

Snead is completing 49.7 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. McCluster has managed just 362 total yards and two touchdowns.

Davis said the numbers don’t matter, though. The Razorbacks are preparing for a big test Saturday.

“I think they’re a good team,” Davis said. “Rankings and all that other stuff don’t really matter.”