Brutal Gauntlet Awaits
Last updated Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:44 PM CDT in Columns
By Robbie Neiswanger
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE — Michael Smith sprinted across the line of scrimmage like a heat-seeking missile in Arkansas’ win against Louisiana-Monroe last weekend.
The Razorbacks’ running back crashed into linebackers, collided with safeties and ran into defensive linemen. He was dragged down, pushed out of bounds and tackled hard to the turf.
Arkansas’ run game was in desperate need of a jolt after a listless performance in the opener against Western Illinois and the high-energy Smith more than provided it by hurling his body all over the field.
He rushed for 157 yards, carried the ball 22 times, caught four passes and broke off enough big plays to help the passing attack later in the game.
But last Monday’s revelation that Smith was so worn down and cramped that he needed intravenous fluids at halftime raised an important question: Will the 5-foot-7, 173-pound back be able to handle the pounding he’s sure to sustain the next eight weeks?
In case you hadn’t heard, the Razorbacks are about to embark on a brutal stretch created by the postponement of the Texas game. Now, Arkansas will be playing eight games in eight weeks.
The first four come against Alabama, Texas, Florida and Auburn. All of them are ranked teams with punishing defenses. The rest: Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tulsa and South Carolina will be tough tasks, too.
The unforgiving gauntlet will test Smith. How well he holds up will have a big say in Arkansas’ success. In fact, it will have more of an impact on the Razorbacks than Casey Dick’s arm or D.J. Williams hands.
For his part, Smith is confident he’ll be just fine.
“The only parts of my body that were sore were my legs, just because that was where I was experiencing most of my cramps,” Smith said a two days after the ULM game. “But as far as the physical banging from the other team, I was pretty OK from that.”
It’s never that easy, though. Playing running back in the Southeastern Conference is a punishing job.
Ask Darren McFadden, who had to deal with a sore shoulder and concussion last season. Or Felix Jones, who missed time with a deep thigh bruise.
The chances of Smith making it through the season without nicks and bruises is slim to none. His long-term, well-being is clearly a concern to Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, who was impressed with the extra element he brought to the offense last week.
“It was a little bit hard on him,” Petrino said. “But he came back out (in the second half) and showed a tremendous amount of toughness. Not only physical toughness, but mental toughness.”
The challenge Petrino faces the rest of the way will be making sure Smith can stay productive and healthy.
He’s not the back that can handle the physical demands of carrying the ball 25 times a game. He’s not the back that gets stronger as the game goes on.
The Razorbacks must get help from freshmen De’Anthony Curtis and Dennis Johnson. They may need Brandon Barnett and Chip Gregory.
None of them have been impressive, yet. But their opportunities to produce will increase soon.
Smith will have even more opportunities to show his toughness, too, as he scoots through the offensive line and absorbs blows from defensive players.
“As long as I don’t take any unnecessary hits, ones that I don’t bare down for, I’ll be all right,” Smith said. “We’ll just try to keep my body recovering fast.”
Will he be able to handle it?
Arkansas will find out pretty soon.
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