With all the injuries to both teams, Arkansas and Kentucky could field a starting lineup with a list of guys who are not available to play. The bug has bitten Kentucky even worse than it has Arkansas. They have four guys out for the season and four more questionable for the game Saturday, including their starting quarterback Maxwell Smith.
Look for the Hogs to bring as much pressure as they can on the inexperienced freshman Jalon Whitlow. Whitlow struggled in Kentucky's 27-14 loss to Mississippi State last week, completing only 10 passes for 73 yards.
Head Coach John L Smith: explained the Arkansas injury situation at his press conference Thursday:
1. Expect Tevin Mitchel to play about 30-40 plays depending on how he feels/ how Kentucky is playing. Not worried about game shape just how he will respond after first hit.
2. If Mitchel is ready to play expect him to start at corner but also expect a lot of rotation with other players (Will Hines should be the other starter at cornerback).
3. There has been growth in the secondary which has relieved the front four and allowed for more pressure on the qb. This also helps the secondary if the front four can keep good pressure. Look for balanced defense.
4. Chris Gragg will not play against Kentucky but expect him to go against Ole Miss in two weeks after the bye.
The Hogs will certainly need Gragg against Ole Miss.
Game time for Kentucky is 6:00pm Saturday.