UA Outcome Takes Back Seat
Last updated Saturday, October 27, 2007 9:50 PM CDT in Columns
By Harry King
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE -- Early in the second quarter, the relevancy of Arkansas 58, Florida International 10, was broadened in a most unwelcome way.
Until FIU's Ashlyn Parker sent quarterback Casey Dick to the hospital, the single significance of the game was the participation of wide receiver Marcus Monk.
Even at less than full bore, Monk on the field was a positive for the pigs, particularly with four Southeastern Conference games in November.
"It makes everything better," said Arkansas coach Houston Nutt.
The starter all year, Dick was smacked down by Parker who did not slow for the quarterback's pump fake. Dick was taken to the dressing room before halftime and transported to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a slight concussion and bruised ribs. Early in the fourth quarter, he was back on the sideline standing beside, you guessed it, Monk.
Nathan Emert, who completed 5-of-6 in four games this year, filled in admirably, but FIU is the worst team in the Sun Belt. Trainer Dean Weber seemed certain Dick would be ready for South Carolina on Saturday. If not, alternatives to back up Emert include walk-on Bryan Reader and sophomore Clark Irwin, who handled some snaps against Southeast Missouri State in '06 and set a record for efficiency on Saturday when his only play was a handoff that Michael Smith carried 81 yards for the final score.
If Monk had not returned and Dick had not departed, the game wrap would have been a weary rehash of Darren McFadden's Heisman Trophy chances and the fact that Arkansas is only one victory away from becoming bowl eligible. Distributed before the game, the Liberty Bowl pamphlet was a reminder of 5-3.
Nutt's future -- the other constant theme of this season -- was going to be moot unless the Golden Panthers ended their two-year losing streak against the Razorbacks.
Even though Monk was supposed to play, the flip card listed Lucas Miller and Chris Baker one-two at split end and Monk did not loosen up with the other receivers and kicking specialists.
But, he participated in calisthenics, trotted out for the first play, and was out there for almost every snap of Arkansas' first three possessions.
On the fourth possession, Miller was the split end, but Monk returned in the second quarter and caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Emert. There were congrats from many, including Dick.
Arkansas' second possession began with Dick's 6-yard pass to Monk. It wasn't much, but there was a cheer from those paying attention. He threw a block that facilitated a nice gain by Peyton Hillis and left the field for the first time so that McFadden could run the Wild-Hog. Upon his return, Monk was a sideline diversion that opened up the middle for a 15-yard pass to McFadden.
Monk spent the second half on the sideline, sans helmet.
Injured in August when hit by Michael Grant, Monk had his knee scoped twice. He was in for one play against Auburn two weeks ago and did not get on the field vs. Ole Miss.
Without him, Dick did not have a proven receiver and that situation was exacerbated with season-ending injuries to Ben Cleveland and Crosby Tuck.
The availability of Monk helps the passing game, but he is still limited in his ability to change directions. However, South Carolina will have to identify No. 85 and cover him.
I thought McFadden might punch out for the afternoon after he scored his third touchdown, but Greg Ellingson immediately got behind Grant on fourth down for a 33-yard touchdown reception that made it 24-7.
McFadden's fourth TD occurred 1:01 deep in the fourth quarter and he sat down with 61 yards on 19 carries. He is still in the pack of four or five Heisman candidates who appear to be a defining game behind Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.
Inept for 55 minutes against Virginia Tech on Thursday night, Ryan finished with the sort of flourish that makes an impression. On the road and in the rain against nationally ranked Virginia Tech, he threw two touchdown passes in the final 2:17 as the No. 2 Eagles rallied from 0-10. His throw back across his body for the winning TD was the epitome of arm strength and touch.
Harry King is sports columnist for Stephens Media's Arkansas News Bureau. His e-mail address is hking@arkansasnews.com.
About this columnist
The dean of Arkansas sports writers, Harry King updates his column five days per week with the latest on the Razorbacks. A 35-year veteran of The Associated Press, King joined the Arkansas News Bureau in May of 2002. He's covered the Razorbacks since the Arkansas-Texas game dubbed the Big Shootout in 1969.
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HawgCowboy wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:47 PM: