LITTLE ROCK — Pretty much meaningless, statistics accumulated from Arkansas’s Red-White game are summarily dismissed.
Not this year, not from the April 7 contest in Little Rock.
We’re not talking about carries by a running back who will never play a meaningful minute, or a near perfect completion percentage vs. a depleted secondary, or shut-down defense against a short-handed No. 2 offense.
The measuring stick in play is 36,055 — the announced attendance for Arkansas vs. Florida A&M at War Memorial Stadium on Aug. 31, 2017 — and a number that prompted some to erroneous conclude that the end of Razorback football in Little Rock was inevitable. There is every reason to believe the contract between the UA and War Memorial Stadium will be extended, but all involved in making that decision will note the number of people who turn out in April.
Personally, I can’t think of a legitimate reason why Razorback fans in central Arkansas and beyond shouldn’t be in the stands. Attendance will only be estimated, but a reasonable goal is 40,000.
Think about it. Every excuse fans have cited for staying away from recent games in Little Rock can be refuted with ease. For example:
—Cost. Between $35-$65 for most tickets - depending on the opponent - and the backlash from a decision in 2014 to slap a $35 surcharge on tickets for the Georgia game, jacking up the price to $100. In April, admission is free.
—Quality of the competition. Florida A&M, Alcorn State and Toledo did little for fans the last three seasons. This time around, Cole Kelley vs. Ty Storey vs. a new face or two at quarterback is only one of the attention-getting storylines. For every healthy player, the game is the final chance to make an impression that will last until fall practice.
—Weather. Temperatures in September can push 100 in Little Rock; highs in April are usually in the 70s.
—Conflicts. Some fans stayed away to watch more attractive games on TV. There is no other football available in the spring. And, conveniently for some media members who are conflicted on occasion, the Arkansas Derby is a week after the Red-White game.
There is more, including curiosity and a chance to impress.
Any fan that read or heard the words of Chad Morris when Morris was hired to replace Bret Bielema should want a look-see at the product he described.
“We’re going to put it in the left lane, pop the clutch and put the hammer down,” Morris said last month. “We’re going to move at breakneck speed.”
Even many of the fans that initially embraced Bielema’s run-run offense with oversized linemen craved something, a change they believed would help the Razorbacks compete against teams with more talent. An early look at the Arkansas version of the up-tempo spread that was No. 8 in the FBS last year with an average of 40 points per game should be hook enough.
But, there is also the opportunity to make a good first impression on new members of the UA hierarchy. By now, both Morris and athletics director Hunter Yurachek have heard tales of rabid fans in Little Rock who influenced the outcome, according to visiting coaches. Hearing enthusiastic Hog calls for the first time should be enlightening.
Somebody else did the research that showed 1988 was the last time the Red-White game was in Little Rock and that was back in the day when the Razorbacks held two or three intrasquad games. Working for AP at the time, I must have staffed the ’88 game, but don’t ask for any details. More than likely, Quinn Grovey, Barry Foster and James Rouse did some good things.
By the way, for those conspiracy theorists that heard about Arkansas playing in Little Rock in April and jumped to conclusions, this is a one-time move. No way will Arkansas ask the SEC for permission to play off-campus each year and it is unlikely such a request would be granted.