For a year the University of Arkansas football team has had to live with memories of the 54 point drubbing handed them by Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Lyndale White and the rest of the 2005 Southern Cal Trojans. That Arkansas team was loaded with inexperienced youth and was not expected to mount much of a challenge for the Men of Troy and the young Hogs lived up to the low expectations losing 70-17.
Fast forward one year and it’s the Trojans traveling to the Ozarks for a return date with a more experienced group of Razorbacks who have lived with the memory of that fateful September night at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.
It took Arkansas the entire 2005 season to find itself and by seasons end was playing competitive football in the highly competitive South Eastern Conference. Emerging, as stars for the Razorbacks last year were Dwayne McFadden and Felix Jones who shared backfield duties at tailback. McFadden gained over 1,100 yards and was named first team All-SEC while Jones averaged 7,7 yards per carry and garnered 700 yards. Jones also earned All-America honors as a kick returner. That’s a big accomplishment for a true freshman. Coming into Saturday’s game with USC, McFadden is listed as doubtful because of a toe injury sustained in a non-football related incident. However as of Wednesday McFadden was practicing and looking near 100%. Insiders expect to see McFadden and his 4.3 speed in the game.
Starting at quarterback for Arkansas versus the Trojans will be 4th year junior Robert Johnson who started 7 games in 2005 but lost his job to true freshman Casey Dick in late October. Dick has been plagued by a back injury since spring practice. Prior to Casey Dicks injury the quarterback battle in the spring was neck and neck. Of course all eyes will be watching to see if high school phenom and All-American Mitch Mustain will see his first action versus the Trojans.
Bet on the Arkansas Razorbacks vs. USC Trojans here.
The Southern Cal story is much different from that of a year ago after cruising to an 11-0 record and losing to the Texas Longhorns in the BCS title game. Gone are Leinart, Bush and company who was the heart and soul of the 2005 Trojans. Though the names are no longer there doesn’t mean USC is void of talent. Its roster is full of High School All-Americans and the Trojans are at or near the top of every recruiting list.
Taking over at quarterback is John David Booty, the highly coveted quarterback from talent factory, Shreveport Evangel Christian. Booty has been waiting in the wings for 3 years as Matt Leinart compiled awards. There is a question mark as to who will join Booty in the backfield because of the hamstring injury to tailback Chauncey Washington. If Washington can’t play look for freshmen CJ Gable or Emmanuel Moody to take up the slack. The receiving corps is loaded with returning starters Steve Smith and All-American Dwayne Jarrett.
Southern Cal should win this football game based on talent alone however games aren’t played on paper. The Razorbacks will be frothing at the mouth to get this game going. The anemic porous defense has molded into a unit that is expected to be one of the tops in the SEC in 2006. The Trojans are giving an 8 ½ point chalk but look for the Hogs to keep this game close.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Southern California Trojans
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Kick Off is Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 8 pm Eastern
Television ESPN (HD)
Line Southern Cal – 8 1/2
