FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas fans will have to tune in Saturday to find out who the Razorbacks will start at quarterback against LSU.
Redshirt freshman Cole Kelley and senior Austin Allen are separated by a back slash on the updated depth chart, released Monday. The coaching staff didn't give away any hints about the plan for Saturday against LSU when they met with the media.
"Anything that could be a strategic advantage for us, whether it's the quarterback or how much T.J. (Hammonds) is gonna play or whether or not we've done certain things with him, (it's) better staying in-house and showing up on Saturdays."
Kelley has started the last four games with Allen recovering from an injury to his throwing shoulder. Kelley suffered an "extreme turf toe" injury in the 39-38 win over Coastal Carolina, but both quarterbacks should be able to practice this week. Kelley took the majority of the reps last week, but there could be a more egalitarian approach this go-around.
"Obviously whoever we think is going to be the most healthy and give us the best chance to win will get the majority, but right now we're going into tomorrow say 50-50 and if someone's not feeling good or can't practice as long, then obviously the other guy will get the majority," offensive coordinator Dan Enos said.
The coaching staff planned to play Allen in the Coastal game after he was able to practice Wednesday and Thursday last week, but wound up sticking with Kelley, who wound up leading a game-winning touchdown drive for the second straight week. Allen hasn't played since Oct. 4 when he injured the shoulder in the South Carolina loss.
"Could've put him in the game Saturday, but obviously (with) the way the game unfolded, we didn't want to put him into that situation," Bielema said. "We wanted to keep the flow of the offense the way it was and continue to grow him."
Kelley is 2-2 as a starter this season, Allen 2-3. Kelley has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 1,002 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Allen has completed 56.4 percent of his attempts for 850 yards, eight touchdowns and four picks.
"There probably was not a better guy on the sidelines, from not only working with Cole, I saw Austin step in when maybe we had a drop and he talked to the guys about making plays on critical downs. His leadership skills have been outstanding and his desire to win. I think a lot of kids in those situations would maybe turn the other way or not be engaged in the game.
"It just shows the competitive spirit he has. I'll bet you no one is pulling for Austin to play more than Cole, if that makes sense. And vice versa."