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Early on in the season, albeit it was against inferior competition, Arkansas dominated the fourth quarter of games and were able to pull ahead or away from opponents. But in the Razorbacks last two ball games the offense has been kept off the scoreboard in the game's final period. This week, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is calling for the team to step up late in games and finish like good teams should do.
In more important news, Arkansas AD Jeff Long will be on the selection committee for the new college football playoff that begins in 2014. It's a tremendous honor for Long, who hasn't exactly had the easiest last year and a half. This comes on the heels of Long receiving the most recent Athletic Director of the Year award last month. Slow clap for Mr. Long.
It has been a very pleasant surprise through the first month of the season to see Arkansas' freshmen and younger players getting so much action and succeeding like they have. Freshmen Alex Collins and Hunter Henry highlighted the 2013 recruiting class for Bret Bielema and thus far have been as advertised. If anything, they've blown us away at times. Here's a ranking of the SEC's best freshman talent.
Earlier this week, Florida Gator defensive tackle Damien Jacobs called out the Arkansas offensive line, accusing the Hogs front line of being "dirty," especially after the whistle. Either Arkansas is already building a national reputation for being a physical, maybe even dirty team, or a UF coach said this to get his guys fired up for a physical contest this weekend. I'm going with the latter because none of Arkansas' past opponents have made these accusations after games. I also spoke with Trey Flowers and Robert Thomas about the accusations on Swanson, and they have no idea where Jacobs' statement came from.
I realize we're now looking at the Florida game this week, and with a bit of confidence I might add, but why are we even the slightest big optimistic? Because of the play of our young guys last week. I recently wrote a column for the Arkansas Traveler about Arkansas' young talent as it was on full display against A&M. The future is bright, especially on the offensive side of the ball.