Razorbacks Excited About Season Opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UA Sports Information) - Arkansas began its game-week preparations for Missouri State on Tuesday afternoon in a one hour and 30 minute workout in shells on the grass practice fields just south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The 2005 football season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 3, as the Razorbacks host Missouri State in a 6 p.m. contest at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. "We are getting a little closer to that first game each day," Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. "It was good to get (the team) back on the field after an off day yesterday. I felt like our guys had their legs back for the most part." The Razorbacks have picked their captains for the 2005 season and Coach Nutt announced them following Tuesdays practice. Seniors Kyle Dickerson, Brandon Kennedy, Pierre Brown, Vickiel Vaughn and Kyle Roper were selected by their teammates to represent the Hogs this season. Saturdays game finally gives the Hogs a chance to line up in front of someone besides their teammates. After hitting each other throughout the preseason, the chance to hit someone else has the Hogs excited. "The good thing about it is that tomorrow is just Wednesday and we can continue to improve," Nutt said. "But I know we are anxious to play. We need to play someone besides ourselves, and our guys are looking forward to it." Nutt did say he expected offensive linemen Zac Tubbs and Cody Green to miss the season opener along with tight end Jared Hicks. The decision on tight end Wes Murphys status for the opener will depend on his ability to practice on Wednesday. Arkansas will return to the practice field on Wednesday. The Razorbacks will scale back the workload throughout the week with the season opener scheduled for Saturday.