FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas will have just about everyone available that was expected to play in the season opener against Louisiana Tech at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Head coach Bret Bielema updated the injury report at the start of his weekly statewide radio show Thursday. He said running back Kody Walker (foot) and wide receiver Dominique Reed (ankle) both are expected to play after missing several practices during fall camp.
“Kody has practiced this week,” Bielema said. “Dominique might be 100 percent by game time. He's had a high ankle sprain. But he's practiced this week and we think he'll play.”
Cornerback DJ Dean is recovering from a hamstring pull. He's doubtful for the game.
“We might not have DJ back this week,” Bielema said. “The good news is that we are deep at cornerback.”
Bielema was asked at the top of the show about junior quarterback Austin Allen, who will be starting his first game. He takes over for Brandon Allen, his older brother.
“He's had a very calm demeanor,” Bielema said. “(Offensive coordinator) Dan Enos has told him not to try to be Brandon. The good news is that he's surrounded by very good players. He's got a lot of good receivers, good tight ends, a couple of good running backs and a good offensive line. That's going to make the transition very easy.”
Bielema was asked about the recruiting benefits of the BEING Bret Bielema show running on ESPNU. It was the highest-rated show on ESPNU on Wednesday.
“It's been very popular with recruits,” Bielema said. “Last night was the first night for live recruiting. It hits at midnight. So that starts 11 for us. So we hit the phones. Somewhere around 1:30 in the morning my wife asked if we could go to bed. I told her we haven't gotten to the West Coast time yet. It's been a lot of fun.”
Bielema spoke on the new end of week schedule for practice, with a lighter Thursday workout. The Friday workout is more than in the past. It is designed to spike the heart rate on Friday, leading to a quicker intensity on game day.
“We will go full tempo for a short time on Friday,” he said. “The research has shown it allows you to get to an intense level quicker.
"We are sitting on ready. For some of these guys, it's their last rodeo. We have a lot of seniors. Our guys are ready to play."
Secondary coach Paul Rhoads was the radio guest from Bielema's staff. He said the Louisiana Tech game represents a challenge for the defensive backs.
“The ball will be in the air,” Rhoads said. “Our guys are ready for it and they will play a physical brand of football.”
Rhoads said the new practice schedule will help against spread teams.
“I think you have to be mindful of conditioning,” Rhoads said. “The system (Bielema) has put in place is going to help us against all of the spread teams. You have to be aware of how you rotate players to keep them fresh and this will help us.”