Finishing focal point for Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ killer instinct has been lacking in the past two games — losses to Alabama and Kentucky that have put the Razorbacks in an 0-2 hole in SEC play — an issue that isn’t lost on Coach Houston Nutt.

The Razorbacks dominated the first half of Saturday’s 42-29 loss to Kentucky, but led by only a 20-7 margin as they moved down field late in the half.

“I felt like we had them on the verge of them letting go of the rope,” Nutt said. “I felt that good about it.”

Instead of getting a field goal or a touchdown on that series, Kentucky stole the positive karma away when Wesley Woodyard stripped the ball away from third-string tailback Michael Smith. Trevard Lindley brought the fumble back 66 yards for a game-changing touchdown with 26 seconds left in the half.

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“That let a lot of air out,” Nutt said.

After scuffling in the third quarter, Arkansas got new life with a safety initiated by Fred Bledsoe and Patrick Jones, and Felix Jones’ 82-yard touchdown return on the ensuing free kick early in the final period. But as they did the previous week at Alabama, the Hogs couldn’t hold their 29-21 fourth-quarter lead.

“We stumped our toes again in the fourth quarter,” tailback Darren McFadden said. “We thought we had it won, but were unable to seal the deal.”

Of great concern was Kentucky’s second-half offensive production, which included 304 total yards, 162 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the final eight minutes.

“I was shocked that Kentucky was able to move the ball on us as well as they did,” senior linebacker Weston Dacus said. “We can’t point any fingers.” Danny’s headphones

ESPN’s cameras showed former Arkansas assistant coach Danny Nutt in the Arkansas coaches’ box with headphones on Saturday night.

Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt said he had discussed his brother’s situation with SEC Commissioner Mike Slive and that Danny Nutt was not doing any coaching.

“He’s just listening,” Houston Nutt said. “And he has a hard time doing that, so, it just gives him a chance to watch the game.”

Danny Nutt stepped down from the coaching staff this July for health issues.

Charles Bloom, SEC associate commissioner for media relations, said Slive is reviewing the situation in light of NCAA guidelines and is expected to make an recommendation this week. Bloom said the conference would take no action based on Danny Nutt’s appearance in the coaching booth from Saturday.

Injury report Coach Houston Nutt confirmed that freshman receiver Crosby Tuck is out for the year after breaking his arm Saturday night. Tuck is within the NCAA limits to qualify for a medical redshirt season, which would leave him four years to play four seasons. Tuck had touchdown catches in each of the first two games and finished with three receptions for 103 yards. Linebacker Weston Dacus has what Nutt has termed a slight concussion. His status will be evaluated day to day this week. The Razorbacks’ receiving corps was banged up near game’s end, with Robert Johnson suffering a toe injury and London Crawford taking a shot to the rib cage that sent him out. Running with Jones

Junior Felix Jones has the highest kickoff return average in SEC history with a figure of 29. 3 yards per return.

Jones’ 82-yard return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter sent him past DeCori Birmingham for first place in all-time kick returns at Arkansas with 1, 405 yards on 48 returns. Birmingham had 1, 321 yards on 61 returns.

Jones’ average is tied for fifth place in all-time NCAA annals, well behind Southern California’s Anthony Davis, who averaged 35. 1 yards per return for the all-time record.

No Tejada Coach Houston Nutt was hoping to get a field-position edge when he opted against trying a 52-yard field goal early in the second quarter with Arkansas leading 13-7. The Razorbacks’ Jerell Norton had recovered a fumble forced by Rashaad Johnson on a kickoff return at the Kentucky 36-yard line to start the sequence. Darren McFadden gained 1 yard on first down, then Casey Dick threw two incomplete passes from the 35.

Instead of giving Tejada a chance for his first college kick of more than 50 yards, Nutt called on Jeremy Davis, whose punt went 35 yards into the end zone for a touchback and a 15-yard net gain. A Tejada attempt would have been with the wind, which had died down slightly from its earlier strong south-to-north gusts.

“I didn’t want to give them that field position,” Nutt said. “I have a lot of confidence in Alex, but I just thought at that particular time I was really wanting to pin them down deep.”

Nutt said his range of comfort with Tejada extends to the 32- or 33-yard line, translating to a 49- or 50-yard field goal.

Looking ahead Up next: Arkansas hosts North Texas at 6 p. m. on Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The game has not been picked up for a television broadcast. The Mean Green gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns and lost their home opener 30-20 to Florida Atlantic on Saturday to fall to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in the Sun Belt Conference. Players of the game

OFFENSE Felix Jones Felix Jones amassed 241 allpurpose yards and notched his fourth career kickoff return for a touchdown, setting an Arkansas record and tying the SEC mark. Jones had a weaving, juking beauty of a 73-yard run early in the second quarter that resulted in an Arkansas field goal. He rushed 12 times for 133 yards for an average of 11. 1 yards per carry.

DEFENSE Kevin Woods Kevin Woods bounced back from the lategame penalties that were costly in a heartbreaking 41-38 loss at Alabama to post 10 unassisted tackles and 14 total stops against Kentucky on Saturday. Woods had a couple of highlightreel big hits and added a pass breakup during the game.