Spring Football Game Report

The Bobby Petrino Era has officially begun at the University of Arkansas, and Arkansas fans came out in droves to the annual Red / White game to see it.

40,200 was the estimated announced crowd at the spring game this year, which is probably more than double the amount that has ever been to a spring game at Arkansas. Last year it was estimated only about 4,000 fans were in attendance for the last spring game under Houston Nutt.

The new Bobby Petrino offense did not disappoint either, as Casey Dick had 244 yards passing by halftime, and passed for 404 for the game on 33 of 49 passing and two touchdowns. Michael Smith was over 120 yards rushing by halftime for the Red team. Other standouts for the Red team were Sophomore tight-end D.J. Williams, Jr. Wideout London Crawford and Sophomore Carlton Salters, who all fared well in the Bobby Petrino passing game.

One of the biggest changes from last year was the absence of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, who were both drafted in the first round of the NFL draft today by the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. Both players’ draft selections were played on the Jumbotron, and both drew hearty applause by the Reynolds Razorback Stadium crowd.

Casey Dick looked great for the Red team, looking more confident is his throws, and making solid reads. He also looked good scrambling, something completely absent from his game under Houston Nutt.

Brandon Barnett looked good for the white team, especially in the Red Zone. Rod Coleman also made some nice catches, and Senior Alex Mortensen edged out RS Freshman Nathan Dick at quarterback for the White squad, but only by a little. Both understudy quarterbacks struggled at times.

The defense held the white team under 130 yards in the first half, but looked very shaky at times, particularly on a three play, 53 yard touchdown drive by the white team in the second quarter.

It’s too early to tell if the Razorbacks will compete in the SEC West this year, but one thing is for sure; Razorback fans are excited about what lies ahead for the Razorback football team.

Here’s a short video of some of the highlights.