Arkansas stays focused ahead of Alabama visit

By Kurt Voigt

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Sept. 7 2012 12:30 p.m. MDT

Arkansas coach John L. Smith walks onto the field during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Jacksonville State in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012. Arkansas won 49-24.

April L. Brown, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

Arkansas expects to improve on a lackluster performance in its season opener this week when it hosts Louisiana-Monroe in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas expects to improve on a lackluster performance in its season opener this week when it hosts Louisiana-Monroe in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.

The No. 8 Razorbacks (1-0) defeated Jacksonville State 49-24 last week. They struggled to hold on to the ball on offense — losing three fumbles — and allowed the Gamecocks to score 21 first-half points.

Quarterback Tyler Wilson threw for an opening game school record of 367 yards in the win, but he expects more out of himself and the entire team this week — especially with a visit from No. 1 Alabama looming next week.

The game is the season opener for Louisiana-Monroe, which is 9-15 in two seasons under coach Todd Berry.

Comments