As the small library became packed with interested, caring people, it was obvious the announcement was about much more than the second annual Delta Classic.

That Grambling will travel to War Memorial Stadium and take on the Golden Lions of UAPB on Oct. 13 was almost secondary.

Actually, you knew it was important the minute you saw the guy standing quietly in the back of the crowd.

He is one of the most soughtafter celebrities for appearances in Arkansas, but this was something that is obviously special to him.

“Broadway” Joe Booker, Power 92 radio personality, was listening to every word intently.

Dr. Fitz Hill, president of Arkansas Baptist, was explaining that the game is the Delta Classic-4-Literacy.

The slogan is: “The Classic with a Purpose.” By the time all the information had been delivered, there was no doubt that it is Hill’s mission to raise awareness for literacy and funds to battle illiteracy.

It was a great news conference with lots of dignitaries on hand, including Broadway Joe.

It’ll be a great classic between two outstanding universities for a great cause.

Many are wondering if the passing game of the Arkansas Razorbacks will be effective enough to allow Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to do their thing, run for lots of yards and touchdowns, next week against the boys of Troy.

Casey Dick will be tested, but the biggest question that has to be answered this season, even against Troy, is can the Hogs cover receivers ?

Progress is being made, but it is not the strength of the defense right now.

The D-line is being established and the linebacking corps is even more solid than expected, but the boys of Troy like to throw, so the Razorbacks secondary will get tested.

It may be difficult to get pressure on quarterback Omar Haugabook, too. He’s primarily a passer, completing 241 of 393 attempts last season for 2, 401 yards and 21 touchdowns. But he’s mobile, too, having rushed for 313 yards last season. This is the second consecutive season the Razorbacks have opened with a team whose mascot is a Trojan. If this one is lopsided on the scoreboard, the home fans will be happy.

If Darren McFadden wins the Heisman Trophy, last week’s issue of Sports Illustrated, dated Aug. 20, 2007, will increase in value in Arkansas. McFadden was on the cover. A quick search of the Internet could not find a for-sale copy of SI with Sidney Moncrief on the cover when he was a Razorback.

There were a few copies of the magazine featuring Moncrief on the cover as a Milwaukee Buck. The opening bid was $ 8. 95.

An e-mail Thursday gave some interesting odds on the football season, compliments of www.bodog.com, an online sportsbook.

The Razorbacks are 50-1 to win the BCS national championship.

They are 3-1 to win the SEC West Division (behind LSU 2-3 and Auburn 3-2 ) and 10-1 (along with Alabama ) to win the SEC Championship Game. They were tied for sixth in the order, while LSU was even money to win it.

McFadden and Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm were listed as co-favorites to win the Heisman at 3-1.

Favored to win the BCS championship was Southern Cal at 2-1.

LSU may be favored to win the SEC, but it is tied with Florida as third favorites for the BCS championship at 8-1.

Georgia was 40-1, Tennessee 45-1, Auburn 70-1 (although it had shorter odds to win the SEC championship at 7-1 than the Hogs ), South Carolina 75-1, Alabama and Ole Miss 80-1, and Kentucky 150-1. The other two SEC teams are grouped in the field, which is all teams not given individual odds, and are listed at 50-1 like the Razorbacks.