The 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represents the University of Arkansas in the 2008 football season. The Razorbacks will play five home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and one home game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Razorbacks will play eight teams that played in bowl games in the 2007 football season, including defending national championship LSU Tigers, in Bobby Petrino's inaugural season.

Leading into the 2008 season

Coaching change

Following the final game of the 2007 season, head coach Houston Nutt resigned from his position at Arkansas. He would later accept the head coaching position at Arkansas's division rival, the Ole Miss Rebels.

After Houston Nutt's resignation, former Louisville Cardinals' and Atlanta Falcons' head coach Bobby Petrino was hired to be the new head coach of the Razorbacks. Petrino's contract with Arkansas is a five-year deal worth $2.85 million per year in annual compensation.

Petrino hired Bobby Allen (defensive tackles), Kirk Botkin (defensive ends and special teams coordinator), Dean Campbell (director of high school relations), Tim Horton (running backs, tight ends and recruiting coordinator), Reggie Johnson (linebackers), Chip Long (graduate assistant), Garrick McGee (quarterbacks), Paul Petrino (offensive coordinator), Mark Robinson (director of football operations), Courtney Sanders (graduate assistant), Mike Summers (offensive line), Jason Veltkamp (strength and conditioning), and Lorenzo Ward (secondary). Ellis Johnson was originally hired to be the defensive coordinator; however, Johnson resigned from his post to take a job with the South Carolina Gamecocks on January 24, 2008. On February 6, 2008, Bobby Petrino hired former St. Louis Rams' secondary coach Willy Robinson as defensive coordinator.

Players

Arkansas will return with seven starters on offense and four starters on defense. Returnees on offense include quarterback Casey Dick, who threw for 1,695 yards and 18 touchdowns in the 2007 season, and 2007 Dave Rimington Trophy winner Jonathan Luigs. Three players were named to the Southeastern Conference’s Pre-Season All-SEC Team: Jonathan Luigs, Mitch Petrus, and Antwain Robinson.

Departures

The University of Arkansas graduated 11 starting seniors in 2007, which included All-SEC offensive tackle Robert Felton, offensive tackle Nate Garner, fullback Peyton Hillis, wide receiver Robert Johnson, wide receiver Marcus Monk, defensive tackle Marcus Harrison, linebacker Weston Dacus, cornerback Michael Grant, cornerback Matterral Richardson, strong safety Matt Hewitt, and free safety Kevin Woods.

Arkansas also lost consensus All-American tailback Darren McFadden, All-American tailback Felix Jones, and wide receiver Sean Penix as they decided to skip their senior season and declare for the 2008 NFL Draft. The team also lost three quarterbacks in the off-season. Brian Reader stated he would transfer to Monterey Peninsula College, Nathan Emert left the team to pursue a career as a minister, and Clark Irwin left the team to pursue a career in finance and real estate. Placekicker Brian Vavra also decided to leave the team to pursue other opportunities. Citing lack of playing time, fullback Hezekiah Smith transferred to in-state UAPB. After spring training began, redshirt freshman linebacker Tim Dial announced that he was leaving the team to transfer to East Central University.

The Razorbacks also lost linebacker Freddie Fairchild when he was dismissed from the team on June 11, 2008.

Transfers

In January 2008, former five-star quarterback recruit Ryan Mallett transferred from Michigan to Arkansas. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Mallett would redshirt his sophomore year and would be able to compete in the 2009 season; however, he would be allowed on the scout team in the 2008 season.

Recruits

On National Signing Day, February 6, 2008, Arkansas received 25 letters of intent by the following players listed below:

Regular season

Schedule

Rankings

Ranking Movement

Poll	Pre	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4	Wk 5	Wk 6	Wk 7	Wk 8	Wk 9	Wk 10	Wk 11	Wk 12	Wk 13	Wk 14	Final
AP	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR
Coaches	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR
Harris	Not released				NR	NR	NR
BCS	Not released

Personnel

Coaching staff

2008 Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff
	Head Coaches Head Coach - Bobby Petrino Offensive Coaches Offensive Coordinator - Paul Petrino Quarterbacks - Garrick McGee Running Backs - Tim Horton Tight Ends - Tim Horton Offensive Line - Mike Summers Graduate Assistant - Chip Long Defensive Coaches Defensive Coordinator - Willy Robinson Linebackers - Reggie Johnson Defensive Tackle - Bobby Allen Defensive Ends - Kirk Botkin Secondary - Lorenzo Ward Graduate Assistant - Courtney Sanders			Special Teams Special Teams Coordinator - Kirk Botkin Administrative Staff Athletic Director (AD) - Jeff Long Director of High School Relations - Dean Campbell Director of Football Operations - Mark Robinson Strength and Conditioning - Jason Veltkamp Recruiting Coordinator - Tim Horton

Roster

Game notes

Western Illinois

The game was played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and marked the first meeting between the two programs.

Louisiana-Monroe

Prior to the 2008 game, Arkansas was undefeated in the series, with the last game in 2006 when Arkansas defeated Louisiana-Monroe 44–10. The 2008 game was played at War Memorial Stadium and marked the 8th time the two programs have played each other.

Alabama

Arkansas entered SEC play at home against the Alabama Crimson Tide, as a 9 point underdog. Alabama received the opening kickoff and scored first on their opening drive. The opening drive was helped by a roughing the kicker penalty against Arkansas allowing Alabama to retain possession. Arkansas put together a drive out to midfield on their first drive of the game, but were forced to punt. On the first play of their next drive, Alabama running back Glen Coffee ran 87 yards on the first play for Alabama's second touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas intercepted Casey Dick and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown to put Alabama up 21–0. Arkansas started their next drive at their own 47 yard line after a 41 yard kickoff return by Dennis Johnson, and drove 53 yards for a touchdown on fourth down and 1 from the Alabama 12 yard line. Alabama responded with a 68 yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 25 yard touchdown pass from John Parker Wilson to Julio Jones. On Arkansas's next possession, Alabama corner Justin Woodall intercepted Casey Dick at the Alabama 26 yard line and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown. Arkansas would put together another solid drive, but facing a first and goal at the Alabama one yard line, Alabama stopped Arkansas on 4 plays for a goal line stand. At the half, Alabama was up 35–7.

Arkansas received the second half kickoff and Alabama's Marquis Johnson intercepted Casey Dick's pass on the first play of the second half, setting up a 31 yard touchdown run by Glen Coffee. By the end of the 3rd quarter, both teams had put in their substitutes. On Alabama's first possession of the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Greg McElroy's pass was intercepted by Ramon Broadway, setting up a 10 yard touchdown pass by Arkansas second string quarterback Tyler Wilson. But on the first play of Alabama's next drive, running back Roy Upchurch ran 62 yards for Alabama's final touchdown. The final score was 49–14, the largest margin of victory in the series since Arkansas beat Alabama 42–6 in 1998.

Texas

One of the biggest match-ups between Arkansas and Texas was the 1969 Game of the Century, which pitted #1 Texas and #2 Arkansas in Fayetteville to determine the national championship; Texas won 15–14. In the most recent match-up between the two programs, the Longhorns achieved a 22–20 win against an unranked Arkansas team. The two schools were once conference foes in the Southwest Conference and Texas leads the series 55–21–0. The 2008 game was scheduled to be played on September 13, 2008, but the potential severe weather from Hurricane Ike postponed the game. The game was rescheduled and was played in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 27, 2008.

Florida

The two programs last played each other in the 2006 SEC Championship Game where #4 Florida defeated #8 Arkansas 38–28. The game was played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and marked the 8th time the two programs have played each other with Florida leading the series 6–1–0.

Auburn

In the 2007 contest, Wes Byrum kicked his second game-winning field goal giving #25 Auburn a 9–7 victory. The 2008 game be played at Jordan-Hare Stadium and mark the 18th time the two programs have played each other with Auburn leading the series 10–6–1.

Kentucky

Arkansas' last met Kentucky in the 2007 contest in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which resulted in a 42–29 victory for #23 Kentucky when Andre Woodson led the team to a second half comeback against Arkansas. The 2008 game will be played at Commonwealth Stadium and will mark the 6th time the two programs have played each other with Kentucky leading the series 3–2–0.

Ole Miss

In the 2007 contest, Arkansas defeated Ole Miss 44–7. The 2008 game will be played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and will mark the 55th time the two programs have played each other with Arkansas leading the series 29–24–1.

Tulsa

The 2008 game against Tulsa will be Arkansas' homecoming game and will be played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. This will mark the 71st time the two programs have played each other with Arkansas leading the series 51–16–3.

South Carolina

In the 2007 contest, Arkansas defeated South Carolina 48–36 as South Carolina gave up 542 rushing yards. The 2008 game will be played at Williams-Brice Stadium and will mark the 17th time the two programs have played each other with Arkansas leading the series 10–6–0..

Mississippi State

In the 2007 contest, Casey Dick threw a career-high four touchdowns passes that allowed Arkansas to defeat Mississippi State 45–31. The 2008 game will be played at Davis Wade Stadium and will mark the 19th time the two programs have played each other with Arkansas leading the series 12–5–1.

LSU

The defending national champions LSU Tigers will look to reclaim the Golden Boot after losing it at Death Valley when unranked Arkansas beat then #1 LSU 50–48 in triple overtime. The 2008 game was originally scheduled to be played on November 29, 2008 but was moved to November 28, 2008 to accommodate a national broadcast by CBS Sports. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium and will mark the 13th time the two teams play for the Golden Boot. The game will also mark the 54th time the two programs have played each other with LSU leading the series 33–18–2.

Statistics

Team

Team Opp Scoring 56 51   Points per Game 28 25.5 First Downs 44 34   Rushing 16 12   Passing 27 19   Penalty 1 3 Total Offense 900 603   Avg per Play 6.8 4.4   Avg per Game 450 301.5 Fumbles-Lost 3–2 6–0 Penalties-Yards 12–69 13–67   Avg yards per Game 34.5 33.5	Team Opp Punts-Yards 6–208 9–364   Avg yards per Punt 33.5 40.4 Time of Possession/Game 28:00 32:01 3rd Down Conversions 13 of 24 13 of 32 4th Down Conversions 2 of 3 3 of 6 Touchdowns Scored 8 6 Field Goals-Attempts-Long 0–2–0 2–3–42 PAT-Attempts 6–7 6–6

Scores by quarter

Offense

Rushing

Name	GP-GS	Att	Gain	Loss	Net	Avg	TD	Long	Avg/G
Michael Smith	1–1	22	161	4	157	7.1	2	29	157.0
DeAnthony Curtis	2–0	8	40	2	38	4.8	0	18	19.0
Casey Dick	2–2	17	84	55	29	1.7	2	23	14.5
Joe Adams	2–1	2	20	0	20	10.0	0	11	10.0
Dennis Johnson	2–1	6	18	0	18	3.0	0	7	9.0
TEAM	2	2	0	3	(-3)	(-1.5)	0	0	(-1.5)
Total	2	57	323	64	259	4.5	4	29	129.5
Opponents	2	72	267	39	228	3.2	3	15	114.0

Passing

Name	GP–GS	Effic	Att–Cmp–Int	Pct	Yds	TD	Lng	Avg/G
Casey Dick	2–2	149.39	47–75–1	62.7	641	4	76	318.0
Total	2–2	149.39	47–75–1	62.7	641	4	76	320.5
Opponents	2–2	112.73	33–66–0	50.0	375	3	46	187.5

Receiving

Name	GP-GS	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Avg/G
DJ Williams	2–1	10	169	16.9	2	76	84.5
Joe Adams	2–1	10	121	12.1	1	33	60.5
Greg Childs	2–0	6	88	14.7	1	26	44.0
DeAnthony Curtis	2–0	5	54	10.8	0	22	27.0
Lucas Miller	2–1	4	85	21.2	0	24	42.5
London Crawford	2–2	4	40	10.0	0	14	20.0
Michael Smith	1–1	4	23	5.8	0	17	23.0
Carlton Salters	2–0	2	24	12.0	0	13	12.0
Chriss Gragg	2–1	1	25	25.0	0	25	12.5
Crosby Tuck	2–0	1	12	12.0	0	12	6.0
Total	2	47	641	13.6	4	76	320.5
Opponents	2	33	375	11.4	3	46	187.5

Defense

Name	GP	Tackles				Sacks	Pass Defense		Interceptions				Fumbles		Blkd Kick
		Solo	Ast	Total	TFL-Yds	No-Yds	BrUp	QBH	No.-Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Rcv-Yds	FF
Total	2	84	70	154	12-32	3-9	12	13	0-0	0	0	0	0-0	3	0

Special teams

Name	Punting								Kickoffs
	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TB	FC	I20	Blkd	No.	Yds	Avg	TB	OB
Jeremy Davis	5	193	38.6	47	1	3	0	0
TEAM	1	8	8.0	8	0	0	0	1
Total	6	201	33.5	47	1	3	0	1

Name	Punt Returns					Kick Returns
	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long
Total	3	15	5.0	0	8	8	153	19.1	0	32

See also

• 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season
• Arkansas Razorbacks
• Arkansas Razorbacks football
• Southeastern Conference

Footnotes

• The University of Arkansas officially play one home game at War Memorial Stadium despite playing there two times. Under the agreement with the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the game at Little Rock, Arkansas against the Warhawks would be considered a home game for the Warhawks and the attendanace count was used for their figures.

References