Arkansas head coach John L. Smith met with the media Thursday after practice to address injuries, winning the turnover battle, and why he's optimistic this is the week Arkansas can get its first SEC win.
Here's the tidbits from the press conference:
- Tight end Chris Gragg is still not ready to go for Saturday but hopeful to see him back in a week. Cornerback Tevin Mitchel had no contact this week and again hopeful he will be back in a week. Cornerback Kaelon Kelleybrew and safety Eric Bennett are both ready to go against Auburn. Running back Dennis Johnson is good to go, just has a broken hand. Defensive end Tenarius Wright's shoulder is not looking good and will miss this week.
- Smith feels this week is a great opportunity to finally bounce back. The players had a great week in practice, as good as any, and they are ready to get rid of the sour taste in their mouths.
- Big key for winning the game this Saturday is winning the turnover battle; Hogs have to eliminate turnovers. The Hogs must be consistent in order to avoid the turnovers and they have to run the ball better which Smith believes they will do.
- Hogs have been working a lot on creating turnovers in practice, stripping and tipping the ball. On the offense they have been concentrating on ball security.