Razorbacks Anxious for Season Opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Arkansas conducted its final practice of the preseason on Thursday afternoon and the Razorbacks are anxious for Saturdays 6 p.m. kickoff with Missouri State in the season opener at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks worked out for just over an hour on the practice fields just south of the stadium in shorts and helmets. They spent the practice session fine tuning the game plan for the Bears. "Game time is getting close, close, close and we are ready to play," Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. "We are ready to go hit somebody else and it has been a long time coming. Our guys are excited, and I am anxious to see them play. "I know our players are anxious, our coaches are anxious and it seems like our fans are anxious, so lets go do it." Coach Nutt named Keith Jackson and Jeremy Harrell starters at defensive tackle for Saturdays season opener. The decision was made after a long preseason that saw many of the contenders for the two spots struggle with injuries. "Keith Jackson and Jeremy Harrell will go out on the field first and then we will play it from there," Nutt said. "They have been the most consistent and (Fred) Bledsoe and Marcus (Harrison) have been hurt. All of our defensive tackles are going to play." Saturday will also mark the beginning of Robert Johnsons career as the Hogs starting quarterback. It will be the first time recent memory Razorback fans have seen anyone but Matt Jones under center for the Hogs. "Naturally, everybody is going to have a few butterflies," Nutt said. "I think there would be something wrong it they didnt. (Robert) has had a great week. He has had outstanding concentration. He has been a good leader for us and has executed well. "Now he has to take it to the game field in front of our fans and in front of an opponent."