Intensity Level Rises at Thursday Practice

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UA Sports Information) - Arkansas turned the intensity level up during an hour-and-a-half practice in shells inside the Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion Thursday afternoon. "The offense practiced well and our defense really picked it up a notch as far as intensity and speed," Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. "We have gotten better the last two days, but we just have to keep improving." To escape the heat the Razorbacks moved the practice indoors as the team begins to narrow its focus to the season opener against Missouri State at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. "Overall we had a real good day," Nutt said. "I think the change of atmosphere and being inside really helped us. It has been hot, I know we have talked about it, but it has been very, very hot. This was a good change for us." Consistency is the one aspect of the offense the coaches are still looking for. The execution is improving, but the Hogs must eliminate the little mistakes that kill drives. "Offensively, we will have four or five good plays, and then we will have an illegal procedure or an illegal shift," Nutt said. "Those are the things that you just cant have. We are just going to have to keep working hard on those types of things." Nutt also praised the Hogs defense and their progress since the arrival of new defensive coordinator Reggie Herring. "The defense has progressed very well," Nutt said. "It has been a process and that happens anytime there is a change like that. The new terminology and new system take awhile, but the guys have bought into the system, and they are playing hard. We just have to keep improving and keep coming." The Razorbacks will spend the first part of Fridays practice concentrating on the kicking game. They will then direct their attention to team work to prepare for Missouri State.