Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

9/1/2010 at 8:39pm

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas players and coaches have been saying all the right things about not looking past Tennessee Tech, a FCS program. That’s nothing unusual for teams that open with lower-division opponents and have highly anticipated games on the horizon.

Naturally, coaches are guarding against players being overconfident. They want the No. 17 Razorbacks zeroed in and focused on themselves, rather than concerned with the Bulldogs being only 6-5 in 2008 with losses to Georgia (38-0) and Kansas State (49-7).

And Razorbacks defensive coordinator Willy Robinson seemed genuinely offended when a television reporter referred to Tennessee Tech as a “tune-up game.” Robinson bristled at the notion Arkansas was looking ahead to a Sept. 18 game at Georgia and Sept. 25 game with No. 1 Alabama.

“I’m sorry? This is a game for us. You can call it what you want. This is a game for us,” Robinson said. “We don’t’ look ahead to any other games. How could you even make that comment. This is not a tune-up game. This is a game.”

Players seem to have gotten the message. Many remember the first game of the Petrino era in 2008 when the team eked out a 28-24 victory against Western Illinois.

Arkansas is heavily favored, but defensive end Damario Ambrose said he expects a battle. Tennessee Tech has the size and offensive diversity to present a challenge.

“They aren’t going to be just like tackling dummies out there,” Ambrose said. “They want to win. So we have to come out there wanting to win more than they do and show all that hard work and play hard.”

Defensive end Jake Bequette echoed that sentiment. Bequette took things a step further and said it's not getting up for the game that Arkansas should be concerned with. He's afraid the Razorbacks will be too amped up after an offseason of building expectations.

"Maybe the thing we have to worry about is being too over-hyped about it," Bequette said. "We’re out here just bouncing off the walls and ready to go. I think we’ll stay focused tomorrow, we’ll be ready to play Friday night and Saturday afternoon it’s showtime. We’l be ready to go."

PLAYING WITH CONFIDENCE
Based on his practice performance defensive tackle Byran Jones will likely see playing time on Saturday. Jones is listed as a possible starter and he’s drawn praise from teammates and coaches despite being a first-year player.

And playing as a freshman doesn’t seem the least bit daunting to Jones, a four-star prospect from Junction City. Asked about how he’ll approach Saturday, he said:

“I’m expecting to come out and know my calls and dominate.”

Jones isn’t the only freshman on defense that should see playing time. Defensive end Chris Smith is also a possibility for playing time as is cornerback Eric Bennett.

Robinson had high praise for Bennett, Smth and Jones.

“These three kids are quality kids. We feel like we can play them sooner,” Robinson said.

NOTABLE
*Offensive tackle Anthony Oden and fullback Van Stumon are suspended for the season opener. Both players were arrested for alcohol-related offenses in the offseason and have been relegated to scout team work so far this preseason.
*Linebacker positions are apparently set. Jerry Franklin will start at middle linebacker with Jerico Nelson and Anthony Leon at the outside positions.

QUOTABLE
“I don’t want to see any points on the scoreboard. I don’t want to see two points. I just want nothing but zeroes. I will be disappointed to see one point on the scoreboard.”
—Defensive end Damario Ambrose on expectations for the defense on Saturday.

Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Tennessee Tech, Jake Bequette, Byran Jones, Chris Smith, Damario Ambrose, Willy Robinson, Bobby Petrino, Anthony Oden, Van Stumon