Razorbacks report

Hogs plot a plan for Clowney

Arkansas offensive coordinator Jim Chaney talks with quarterback Brandon Allen before the start of Saturday night's game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.
Arkansas offensive coordinator Jim Chaney talks with quarterback Brandon Allen before the start of Saturday night's game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas’ coaches are preparing for South Carolina All-America defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to play against the Razorbacks on Saturday.

Clowney missed last week’s game against Kentucky because of a strained muscle in the rib area.

“He can definitely wreck your game plan,” Arkansas offensive coordinator Jim Chaney said. “We’ve got to know where he’s at at all times and have a bunch of people accounting for him.”

Razorbacks offensive line coach Sam Pittman held the same position at North Carolina when Butch Davis - a former Razorback player from Springdale - was the Tar Heels’ head coach.

“We were watching [Clowney’s] highlight tape out of high school and Butch Davis said he was the best defensive player he’s ever seen,” Pittman said. “And ol’ Butch, he’s seen a lot of good players.

“I think he was right. I think that’s where you have to prepare differently for a guy like that. … We certainly have our game plan for Jadeveon Clowney playing, and we know we have a huge task with him and the other fellas on their team.”

Chaney was asked how South Carolina is different without Clowney.

“They’re very good without him, and they’re exceptional with him,”Chaney said. “That’s how I’d word it.”

Hogs OK

Arkansas center Travis Swanson said he practiced Tuesday and expects to be ready to make his 45th consecutive start Saturday against South Carolina.

“I feel good today,” Swanson said. “I’m excited for Saturday to get back out there. I’ve made a lot of progress.”

Swanson fell to the grass late in the third quarter at Florida last week with a minor knee injury, and junior Luke Charpentier took the final 30-plus offensive snaps.

“It was frustrating because obviously I wanted to get back out there and help as much as I could,” Swanson said. “Being told you’re done was pretty frustrating to me, but I thought Luke went in there and did a good job.”

Quarterback Brandon Allen said his fingers are in good shape after he was stepped on by a Florida defender. Junior AJ Derby took three snaps while Allen had his hand examined on the sideline midway through the second half.

“After it originally happened, it was a little tough,” Allen said. “We were trying on a glove and stuff. But it didn’t affect me [gripping the ball].”

No SEC takeaways

Since beating Rutgers 3-0 in the takeaway department, the Razorbacks have not created a turnover during its 0-2 SEC start. The Razorbacks trailed Texas A&M and Florida 4-0 in takeaways to fall into a tie for 79th in the NCAA with a minus-0.2 turnover margin per game.

“They come in bunches or you’re in a drought,” defensive coordinator Chris Ash said. “Right now we’re in a drought. A takeaway here or a takeaway there could hopefully change a game. Honestly, I’m not a stat guy. The only stat I’m concerned about is the win.”

Ash said Arkansas had 10 tackles for loss, one every 6.3 plays, against the Gators.

“Sacks, takeaways, [tackles for loss], all that stuff is great, but it’s about the points,” Ash said.

The Razorbacks’ last takeaway was Trey Flowers’ forced fumble on Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova, which was recovered by Chris Smith and converted into a touchdown on the next snap.

“The more takeaways we get, the fewer points,hopefully, we allow, and eventually we’ve got to get some that change the game,” Ash said.

Mr. Popular

As media members began splitting up to interview offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and quarterback Brandon Allen following their simultaneous entry to the room, someone said aloud he had to pick the quarterback.

“I’m more popular,” Allen said across the room, grinning.

“I’d like to keep it that way,” Chaney said, prompting laughter. “You keep playing good, kid. I like that. I like anonymity.”

Carolina injuries

Several South Carolina players did not practice Tuesday, including defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (rib muscle). Other Gamecocks held out of Tuesday’s work were tailback Brandon Wilds (dislocated elbow), linebacker Kaiwan Lewis (leg infection), defensive end Devin Washington (concussion), center Cody Waldrop (ankle) and offensive tackle Mike Matulis (shoulder).

Spurrier on Hogs

South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier praised the Razorbacks on Tuesday in his weekly news conference.

“They’re going to try to run it down your throat,” Spurrier said. “Bret Bielema, their coach, is a hard-nosed, tough guy that believes in running the ball, controlling the clock and that is what they’re going to try to do.

“It will be a big challenge to see if we can line up and take their best shot.”

Sports, Pages 24 on 10/09/2013

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