MEMPHIS — Player suspensions have suddenly become an issue here as Liberty Bowl preparations wind down for Arkansas and East Carolina.
As we reported yesterday, Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino suspended senior linebacker Wendel Davis, senior safety Matt Harris and junior receiver Marques Wade because of a curfew violation.
Arkansas alum John Ellis presents an oil painting to East Carolina Coach Skip Holtz depicting his father, Lou Holtz, being carried off the field after the Razorbacks' 31-6 upset of No. 2 Oklahoma in the 1978 Orange Bowl. (Brandon Marcello)
It was obviously a disappointment for Petrino, who believes the players have done a lot in helping re-build Arkansas’ football program in the last two seasons. “Those guys have put a great commitment and effort into being Razorbacks and they just stepped out of their character a little bit,” Petrino said.
The decision to suspend the two starters and reserve was simple, but Petrino admitted to being unable to sleep that night.
“I didn’t struggle with the consequence at all,” Petrino said. “I didn’t sleep well because it hurt my stomach, it hurt my heart and the understanding of why they would do that was the only hard part.”
Meanwhile, East Carolina has indefinitely suspended two reserve players because of a fight they had over a dessert during an awards luncheon Thursday. Running back Jonathan Williams and defensive back Leonard Paulk will not play in the Liberty Bowl, but their loss doesn’t figure to affect the Pirates as much as Arkansas losing two defensive starters.
East Carolina Coach Skip Holtz, the son of former Arkansas Coach Lou Holtz, is familiar with suspensions before bowl games. His father suspended three Arkansas starters before the Orange Bowl in 1978.
Skip Holtz, who was presented an oil painting before Friday’s press conference depicting his father being carried off the field after the Orange Bowl, made a quick connection when asked how he thought the Hogs would react with three players suspended for the Liberty Bowl.
“I remember the last time Arkansas did that,” he laughed. “I’ve got a painting up here of it.”
Arkansas, of course, beat No. 2 Oklahoma 31-6 in a monumental upset in the Orange Bowl.
WHOLEHOGCAST: SHOWTIME IN MEMPHIS III
Brandon Marcello and Wally Hall give their thoughts on Arkansas and ECU’s player suspensions, predict the future of Ryan Mallett and the outcome of the Liberty Bowl.
DEPLETED DEPTH
Arkansas will have some depth issues to deal with Saturday in the Liberty Bowl. Arkansas will be without three defensive starters — two due to suspension and one with D.D. Jones‘ high-ankle sprain — and backup linebacker Austin Moss (knee).
Here’s how it shakes up in Petrino’s eyes: Tramain Thomas and Anthony Leon will share the load at free safety in place of Matt Harris (suspension). At inside linebacker with Wendel Davis (suspension) out of the picture, the Hogs will mix in Jerry Franklin, Turrell Williams and Freddy Burton.
Malcolm Sheppard will move over to his natural position from nose guard to defensive tackle in place of Jones.
The middle of Arkansas’ defense, one would guess, will be attacked by ECU early on to see if it truly is a weak point now with the injuries and suspensions.
RE-FOCUSING
We’ve talked plenty this week about Ryan Mallett‘s future decision on whether to go to the NFL. That decision has yet to be made publicly, and won’t be released by the redshirt sophomore until after the bowl game.
What has been apparent is Mallett’s recent focus on the field. The quarterback stayed in the film room late the other day with backup quarterback Tyler Wilson to further improve their understanding of ECU. Petrino and offensive coordinator Garrick McGee have called this last week of preparation as the best of Mallett’s career.
But with all this NFL talk swirling him in December as bowl practices began, Mallett did have his struggles. He even lost some time with the first-team offense after being late for a meeting.
“There were a couple of times you saw, ‘Hey, there’s something wrong here,’” Petrino said of the December practices. “I think there was pressure … with what he was feeling as far as making a decision (on the NFL). Since that time, we’ve had good meetings and he’s done an excellent job of saying I’m going to put that all behind me and focus on this bowl game.”
OH, BROTHER
Bobby Petrino‘s little brother, Paul Petrino, left Arkansas last month to become the offensive coordinator at Illinois and leave the shadow of his brother. And even though the two still talk and love each other, don’t expect Paul Petrino to be at the game Saturday.
Emotions, as well as a heavy workload, are a deterrent for Paul.
“That would be hard for him, I would think,” Bobby Petrino said.
Bobby Petrino had a little fun discussing his little brother Saturday, calling him “the enemy now.” Does he still have a seat at the dinner table, though?
“I guess it depends on whether we beat him in recruiting or not,” Bobby Petrino said. “Nah, I’m just kidding. I’ve actually talked to him. He’s doing good.”
PIRATES CALL THE HOGS
Skip Holtz still smiles when he sees an Arkansas helmet. He reflects on his childhood days in Fayetteville, where he graduated from high school and watched his father coach the Razorbacks.
So maybe you should excuse him for allowing his players to yell, “Woo, Pig Soooie!” during practice this week.
“They’re trying to do it at practice,” Holtz said. “I’m trying to teach them without feeling like a traitor.”
LIVE GAME BLOG
Make sure to come back to WholeHogSports.com Saturday for our live game blog from the Liberty Bowl and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more coverage. You can also follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates with @bmarcello and @wholehogsports.
