On Location: 2010 AT&T Cotton Bowl

By BO MARCHIONTE

The University of Mississippi Rebels accomplished something only four other teams have managed to do in 74 years of Cotton Bowl play and that’s win back-to-back bowl games by defeating Oklahoma State 21-7. Coach Houston Nutt commented on it immediately in the post game press conference saying, “It’s hard to win back-to-back bowls. It’s very difficult.”

A game that was plagued with turnovers (twelve total) and saw both teams doing their fair share of trying to give the game away, it was Ole Miss who prevailed in front of the second largest Cotton Bowl crowd and the first ever at the new Cowboys Stadium with 77,928 in attendance. The feeling might have been the same if Coach Nutt was on the losing end when Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said, “It’s hard to overcome giving one away. I think it’s tough to swallow. But, you know, we talked as a group in there. I’m not taking anything away from Ole Miss. Every time they made a mistake, we didn’t capitalize on it and take advantage of it”.

Even though both of these high-powered offenses ranked in the top 40 in scoring offense prior to today’s kickoff, the game will be remembered for the turnovers. Coach Nutt said, “It was ugly. I hate that (smiling). I hate the people in the country had to see that because we’re better than that. That infuriates you”.

With a game marred by dysfunctional quarterback play on both sides of the ball, it was Ole Miss senior running back Dexter McCluster (pictured) and now two-time Cotton Bowl MVP, who highlighted the day with 37 carries for 184 yards, along with five catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns. When asked if the heavy workload was a problem McCluster said, “I don’t have a problem with getting the ball that many times. Coach Nutt has the faith in me to take care of the ball. He knows I can make plays happen. I always dreamed about coming in and being a SEC running back”.

McCluster can definitely call himself a SEC running back, becoming the first player in conference history to rush for over 1,000 yards and catch over 500 receiving yards. Coach Nutt added, “To be the only player in the SEC to have over a thousand yards rushing and over 500 yards receiving, nobody, nobody else. Bo Jackson, I’m talking about great players in this league. He’s the only one. But this is why this is so special because this guy had done something. His heart is bigger than this stadium, I promise you”.

On te afternoon, OSU running back Keith Toston (pictured) had more touchdown passes than both teams signal callers combined, Cowboys quarterback Zac Robinson and Rebels quarterback Jevan Snead. It was that kind of day. It was as if each team was allowing the other to take the momentum. When asked if this was the most frustrating win he’s ever been involved with, Snead said, “I think it was. Obviously it was frustrating. I’m disappointed with the way that I played”. After a devastating hit, which led to his second interception, Snead came out for freshman quarterback Nathan Stanley, who grew up some 90 miles from Stillwater, Oklahoma in Tahlequah. Stanley replaced Snead with 11:32 in the second quarter.

Coach Nutt commented on Stanley coming in saying, “I was just trying to find something. Jevan wasn’t having his best game. He was turning it over. Sometimes you got to make a tough move. Nathan has got a good arm, made some good plays for us. As it got tighter, I just needed the most experience I had. I had to go back with Jevan”.

As bad as the offenses played, the defenses need to be given their due for forcing those turnovers. The defensive MVP of the 2010 Cotton Bowl was Oklahoma State senior linebacker Andre Sexton, who had ten tackles and two interceptions. Sexton expressed that, “It’s a great award. But it doesn’t really mean that much; we don’t come away with a win”.

Only three offensive touchdowns by two team’s that average 30 points per game during the season. It was a game of big hits and defensive stands with two on the goal line one by each team. It’s games that sometimes go as far away from the norm that make them special and this 2010 AT&T Cotton Bowl was just that.

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

College Football Insiders Preview: SEC

For the third straight year, the National Championship winner came out of the SEC and it was the second title victory in three seasons for the Florida Gators. The SEC also sent two teams to a BCS bowl game for the third year in a row—no other conference is having that sort of post-season success. It may be hard to believe but the SEC is going to be better this year than last. The two teams that met in last season’s conference title game return nearly their entire team, contenders LSU and Ole Miss are talented and now more experienced, and Georgia is healthy. It’s going to be hard to predict an order of finish, but it’s safe to say whichever team is left standing after the conference title game will be in the National Title discussion.

The Favorites: Florida & Alabama: They both return a tantalizing, talented, and deep defense. Florida brings back the most experience in the conference and from top to bottom, they have no weaknesses. They have pass rushers, fast linebackers, and a secondary full of future NFL draft picks. Last year’s SEC sack leader, Carlos Dunlap, teams up with senior Jermaine Cunningham to form a lethal defensive-end combo. Those two, along with middle-linebacker and vocal leader Brandon Spikes, will strike fear in the hearts of their SEC opponents. That being said, the best unit of the team might be the secondary. They are physical and will create turnovers, led by safeties Ahmed Black and Major Wright, as well as cornerback Joe Hayden and Janoris Jenkins—four of the conference’s best. On offense, it’s all about Tim Tebow. The Heisman winner from 2007 is a get-it-done type of player who is improving his throwing ability. The break-out star this year for Florida will be tight-end Aaron Hernandez, who possesses good hands and will be the go-to guy around the red zone. The only causes for concern are how well the new offensive-line gels, and how to replace dynamic playmaker Percy Harvin. Their toughest conference matchups will be a trip to Baton Rouge and the game against Georgia, which will take place on a neutral field. The Crimson Tide shares the same uneasiness about losing starters on the offensive line, especially since they’re breaking in Greg McElroy as the new starting quarterback. Despite the O-line concerns, the Tide’s cast of running backs and sophomore receiving sensation Julio Jones give them the offensive weaponry necessary to win the conference. The defense, led by massive Terrance Cody, Lorenzo Washington and linebackers Rolando McClain and Dont'a Hightower, is strong up the middle and can stop the run with the best of them. Their big play guy is Javier Arenas, and Kareem Jackson is ready to have a breakout season. Alabama will have to be on point to start the year as they will face Virginia Tech in their opener. They also have tough games at Ole Miss and against LSU.

The Contenders: LSU & Ole Miss: LSU was a disappointment in 2008. They were a five-loss team with a dreadful passing game and a defense that let up too many big plays through the air. This year, Jordan Jefferson is the new quarterback. He performed well in LSU’s bowl game last season and his mobility will help the Tigers’ offense. But it’s all about Charles Scott, the physical number one back. He’s last year‘s conference touchdown leader and the offensive star who could carry LSU to a title game. A big part of the offense is the play of electric receiver Brandon LaFell. The senior is experienced and has good hands. The defense will be better than a year ago-junior safety Chad Jones is the guy to keep an eye on, he should have a big season. They’re going to need Rahim Alem to continue to be a sack machine, and for Pep Livingston to step up. If those two things happen, the LSU front will be more than difficult to contain. They play what is arguably the toughest conference schedule in the SEC, facing all the top teams-trips to Ole Miss, Georgia, and Alabama plus Florida at home. Nevertheless, they’re contenders along with the new kids on the block, the Mississippi Rebels. The edge that Mississippi has over any SEC West team is at quarterback. Jevan Snead is the top returning passer of the conference and shows no signs of slowing down. Even though they lost deep threat Mike Wallace, the Rebels return Shay Hodge, who caught everything (including eight touchdowns) last season. Wide receiver Dexter McCluster was second in the SEC in all-purpose yards, racking up receiving yards and big rushes out of the “Wild Rebel” formation. Because they bring back some dazzling ball-carriers, the offensive line could be the difference between the team being mediocre and playing for a SEC title. The departure of Michael Oher is a big loss and with only two returning starters back the lack of experience could end up catching up to them. If the line does hold up, expect big things from sophomore Brandon Bolden. He excelled down the stretch of last season, averaging 5.5 yards a carry and five touchdowns.

The Sleeper: Georgia: The Bulldogs have a chance to be a better team despite losing Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. The reason—they’ll have a healthier team. Yes, Georgia was a top team last year but injuries really set them back at times, especially in the trenches. The defense will greatly benefit from healthier players. Returning from injury is senior Jeff Owens, who along with Geno Atkins gives them two All-Conference tackles. They missed Owens last season, and struggled to stop teams who played smash-mouth football. The team’s leading tackler, linebacker Rennie Curran, returns, as does playmaker Akeem Dent. The offensive line also suffered from injuries last year. The unit is the strong suit of the offense and will be able to block for Moreno’s replacement, most likely Richard Samuel. If quarterback Joe Cox has the intangibles as described and can get the ball to A.J Green, the Bulldogs could surprise some people.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Tim Tebow (Florida) vs. QB Jevan Snead (Ole Miss): Tim Tebow is the returning SEC offensive player of the year and without question, the favorite to win the award again. Last year he was in the top ten in the conference in both passing and rushing. Tebow’s duel threat ability puts him in a class of his own, but his stats could go down in 2009—his carries diminished last year and replacing Harvin will be no easy task. That’s why Jevan Snead must be mentioned as a top contender for the award. He was overshadowed last year by Tebow and Matthew Stafford and his overall numbers suffered because of a suspect start to the season. This year Snead will come out of the gate strong, and with an array of receivers around him, he’ll be airing it out plenty.

Honorable Mention: RB Charles Scott (LSU), RB Michael Smith (Arkansas), WR Julio Jones (Alabama), WR A. J. Green (Georgia)

Defensive Player of the Year: S Eric Berry (Tennessee) vs. DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida): Like the offensive award, the returning Defensive Player of the Year is back, too. Tennessee’s Eric Berry was awesome last year, winning the award as a sophomore. He led the conference in interceptions and led a very good Vols’ secondary. He was the team’s MVP, the one bright spot of their 5-7 season. The defense is better this year, and Berry will be as dangerous as ever. But he wasn’t the only sophomore defensive star in the conference. The Gators’ Carlos Dunlap led the SEC in sacks and was the defensive MVP of the title game. He’s relentless, finishes out plays, and is a great pass rusher.

Honorable Mention: DE Rahim Alem (LSU), DL Malcolm Sheppard (Arkansas), LB Joran Norwood (South Carolina), LB Rolando McClain (Alabama), LB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Breakout Seasons: QB Jordan Jefferson (LSU) & RB Richard Samuel (Georgia): Jordan Jefferson’s performance against Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl gave SEC fans a glimpse of what LSU could do if they had a decent quarterback. I think Jefferson will be more than just decent this year—he showed he had a good arm in the three games he started in 2008 and with a real good group of receivers, he has the tools around him. What Jefferson also has is mobility. The Bulldogs’ Richard Samuel had a fantastic summer after missing the spring with a wrist injury. He won the job over the favorite Caleb King and speedster Carlton Thomas, and with the Georgia offensive line now healthy, Samuel is poised for a great 2009 campaign.

Best Pro Prospect: Eric Berry, Tennessee: Eric Berry has a long list of accomplishments already. He’s won Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors, and is a Nagurski Trophy candidate. He led the nation in interceptions and is 15 yards away from becoming the NCAA’s all-time leader in interception return yardage. Berry has no weaknesses and is playmaker of the highest caliber. He is a tremendous pass defender, always making things happen and getting to the ball, to the tune of 13 passes broken up last year. The Vol is a top prospect—he’s quick, skillful, and physical. In other words, he’s a complete player and a future NFL safety.

College Football Insiders Picks:

Conference Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide: Even though they have to break in a new quarterback, Alabama is a favorite in the conference and the pick to win it. Julio Jones is a star wide-out and one of the most dangerous offensive players in the nation. He will continue to thrive, making plays all over the field with the ball, plus running back Mark Ingram is primed for a break-out season. They’re good on offense and dominate on defense. There is nothing not to like about the big D; they have run stoppers and shut down players in the secondary. The team that was so close last year gets it done this year. Trust Nick Saban to make this prediction come true.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Jevan Snead, Ole Miss: This is a long shot considering he’s going up against a Heisman trophy winner, but Jevan Snead’s going to beat out Tim Tebow for this award. There is a lot of pressure on Snead to have a big season and I believe he will respond and flourish. With his talent and the versatility and athleticism around him, he’s going to have a good year both in the win column and statistically. With another year leading this offense and learning Houston Nutt’s system, Snead is really going to be big. (Note: Yes, I filled this out myself and no, I will not be taking it back.)

Defensive Player of the Year: DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida: Returning sack leaders don’t usually put up the same numbers in their encore seasons, but Carlos Dunlap will be an exception to that trend. His skill, pass rushing, and production all improved throughout 2008 and I think he will continue that momentum into this year. Because Florida has a very good defensive line and is effective when blitzing, opponents won’t be able just key in on Dunlap. The more one-on-ones he receives as a result, the better his numbers will be. By the end of 2008, Dunlap was a different player. If he plays the whole year like he did in the title game, double-teams won’t even matter.

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media

CFI Countdown: #13 Mississippi Rebels

2008 Record: 9-4 (SEC 5-3)
Bowl Game: Won Cotton Bowl vs. Texas Tech 47-34
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Stadium: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (60,580)
Head Coach: Houston Nutt
Overall: 120-74 (17th season)
@ Ole Miss 9-4 (2nd season)
Link to Ole Miss Football Page

In case you didn’t realize Houston Nutt knew how to coach…now you do. Nutt came over from Arkansas and took over an Ole Miss squad that was 14-32 since they won 10 games in 2003, including a 3-9 campaign in 2007. Under Nutt, they turned it around much quicker than anyone expected going 9-4 in 2008. If you are wondering what the fuss is about with the 2009 Rebels—they won their final six games of last season including a Cotton Bowl victory over Texas Tech, so there is cause for optimism. Oh, they were also the only team last year to knock off the eventual champion Florida Gators.

When the Rebels Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Kent Austin (2nd season)
Scheme: Pro Style
Starters Returning: Six
Key Losses: OT Michael Oher, WR Mike Wallace, FB Jason Cook, OG Maurice Miller, LB Tony Fein

It’s no secret why things began to click for the Rebels last season—his name is Jevan Snead. The former Longhorn was a little rusty, throwing seven interceptions in their first six games, but once he got going he was tough to slow down. Snead has an NFL arm and is big time prospect. This is just his second season as a full-time starter at the college level so the best is yet to come, which is what has so many people excited about this Ole Miss squad. When Snead isn’t lined up behind center it’s because Coach Nutt is up to his old tricks, lining up wide out/running back Dexter McCluster at quarterback to run the “Wild Rebel” as he did with Darren McFadden back at Arkansas. McCluster is the quintessential all-purpose player having spent significant time at running back and receiver, in addition to dabbling at quarterback. While he didn’t complete a pass (five attempts), McCluster is tied with the most receptions among returning Rebels and is their leading returning rusher—he’s very dynamic with the football in his hands. The primary ball carrier this season figures to be sophomore Brandon Bolden who was impressive in the Cotton Bowl, with senior Cordera Eason providing relief if necessary in what is a deep backfield. Lining up outside along with McCluster is fellow senior Shay Hodge, who is sure-handed and knows how to get into the end zone. Center Daverin Geralds and tackle John Jerry—returning senior starters—should be two of the better linemen in the SEC, but the other spots are in question right now. Replacing a left tackle such as Michael Oher is easier said than done.

Top Pro Prospects: 1 QB Jevan Snead (JR), 2) OG John Jerry (SR), 3) OT Dexter McCluster (SR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Tyrone Nix (2nd season)
Scheme: 4-3/4-2-5
Starters Returning: Eight
Key Losses: DT Peria Jerry, LB Ashlee Palmer, S Jamarca Sanford

Like Oher, replacing a disruptive force like Peria Jerry at defensive tackle is going to be nearly impossible—guys like that just don’t grow on trees, even in SEC country. However, the Rebs do have a few things going for them on defense. They expect a bigger season from uber-talented defensive end Greg Hardy, and continued development from the likes of tackles Ted Laurent and Lawon Scott, as well as ends Marcus Tillman and Kentrall Lockett—four solid contributors from last year’s run. The wildcard is tackle Jerrell Powe, who to this point has been more myth than legend, but could be on the cusp of breaking out. At the next level of defense, one player sure to bust loose is WILL Patrick Trahan, who looked like a future All-SEC performer with the Auburn Tigers once upon a time. He has taken the long route—via Northwest Mississippi Community College—but he may get there yet. They return three of four DBs, but the way they struggled to stop the pass that may not be a good thing. Free safety Kendrick Lewis is solid, but the corners need to step up.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DE Greg Hardy (SR), 2) DT Ted Laurent (JR), 3) FS Kendrick Lewis (SR)

The Schedule

The out of conference slate, which includes SE Louisiana, UAB, and Northern Arizona, is pretty close to creampuff city. The one game they shouldn’t overlook is the season opener against Memphis—even so it would be a pretty big upset if the Rebels were to lose that one. The reality is that playing a pair of FCS schools could end up hurting them in the long run. They don’t face any ranked teams on the road, but any road trip in the SEC can be tough—Vanderbilt, Auburn, South Carolina, and even in-state rival Mississippi St. can’t be overlooked. It does work out well for Nutt and company that West favorite Alabama and perennial power LSU both come to Dixieland. Those games will likely decide who plays for the SEC title.

Pivotal Point

It’s on the shoulders, or should we say arm, of Jevan Snead. As much as Houston Nutt has done a great job, and although they have plenty of speed on both sides of the ball and depth along the defensive line, it all comes down to the play of Snead. In Ole Miss’ wins, Snead threw 20 touchdowns to six interceptions. In their losses, his touchdowns dropped to six and interceptions rose to seven. Listen to opposing coaches speak about the Rebels and the first thing they mention is the quarterback—the kid is something special. In fact, some might not think it’s the craziest thing in the world if Snead ends up as the first-team signal caller in the SEC. Ironically, had Vince Young stayed in Texas for his senior year, Snead may have remained a Longhorn. But Young left early, and a red-shirt freshman named Colt McCoy took hold of the starting job and wasn’t going to let it go.

CFI Final Analysis

A year ago the Rebels entered the season quietly and were able to sneak up on people. What was impressive was how they played at Alabama (24-20 loss), at LSU (31-13 win) and in the Cotton Bowl versus 11-1 Texas Tech (47-34 win) even after people started to take notice. Now the spotlight is really on them—we’re talking magazine covers and top-five predictions. Mississippi is ready to take the next step; whether or not that means a trip to the SEC Championship game remains to be seen. It may be a stretch to say that a club which was 0-8 in SEC play just two years ago is supposed to surpass ‘Bama and the Bayou Bengals, but it’s impressive that people are even thinking it.


College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media

Ole Miss hires former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt

By CHRIS TALBOTT
Associated Press Writer

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Houston Nutt wasn't out of a job for long: He was hired as Mississippi's football coach just hours after resigning at Arkansas.

Nutt agreed to a contract late Monday night, and replaces Ed Orgeron, who was fired Saturday after the Rebels lost to rival Mississippi State and finished 3-9.

The hiring of Nutt was confirmed by a person close to the program who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

Nutt resigned even though the Razorbacks upset then-No. 1 LSU 50-48 in triple overtime last week.

Mississippi planned an announcement on its coaching situation later Tuesday.

Nutt, a proven winner, fits the description of the coach Ole Miss was looking for. He is 111-70 in 15 years as a head coach at Arkansas, Boise State and Murray State.

And he's been a winner in the Southeastern Conference, too. Nutt, a native of Little Rock, Ark., rebuilt the Arkansas program, going 75-48 since he replaced Danny Ford in 1997. He was 42-38 in conference with one of his biggest wins last week against LSU.

While Arkansas is likely headed to the Cotton Bowl, Nutt will be on the recruiting trail trying to hold together the promising class Orgeron was assembling.

The 50-year-old Nutt said Monday he left Arkansas to help mend a split among fans after off-the-field problems were compounded by a difficult season. The Razorbacks started the year in the Top 25 and were expected to contend for the SEC West title.

Arkansas lost its first three SEC games and dropped out of the poll in September, fueling fan discontent over last year's transfer of quarterback Mitch Mustain and the loss of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who left for Tulsa.

A call to Nutt's agent, Jimmy Sexton, was not immediately returned.

Nutt takes over a program that has foundered since a 10-win season in 2003 under David Cutcliffe. The Rebels won a share of the SEC West that season with Eli Manning at quarterback.

Since then Ole Miss has had four or fewer wins in four seasons. Cutcliffe was fired for a lack of effort in recruiting and hoped Orgeron, who helped build two national title teams at USC as Pete Carroll's recruiting coordinator, would bring the kind of energy needed to build a winner.

Orgeron finished 10-25 and was routinely the target of fan discontent.

Athletic director Pete Boone and Chancellor Robert Khayat endorsed Orgeron midway through the season, but decided to go in a new direction after the Rebels lost five of six to end the season.

Embattled Nutt out as Arkansas coach, leaves team to Herring

By NOAH TRISTER
AP Sports Writer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Houston Nutt finished his career at Arkansas with a win over top-ranked LSU.

That was one of few bright moments this year for the embattled coach.

``Last Friday night, in front of the nation ... that one heartbeat, that togetherness,'' Nutt said. ``The celebrating locker room is what you live for. I can't explain what that meant to me.''

Nutt resigned Monday, giving up his job three days after that memorable victory. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring will coach Arkansas in its bowl game.

Nutt, 50, said he hoped his departure would unify the state, which has been torn with turmoil surrounding the football program.

``Deep, deep down in my heart as an Arkansan, as a person that loves the Razorbacks so much, (I wanted) for the state to come together as one,'' Nutt said. ``At this time, I didn't think we could have one heartbeat.''

Rumors of Nutt's departure surrounded the program after the loss last winter of key recruits and a popular assistant coach. Trouble mounted for the coach after the Razorbacks lost their first three Southeastern Conference games after a turmoil-filled offseason.

Arkansas did rebound to finish the regular season 8-4 and knocked LSU out of the nation's No. 1 spot with a 50-48, triple-overtime victory over the Tigers on Friday.

Two weeks ago, the university strongly denied reports that this would be Nutt's last season as Arkansas' coach. On Sunday, Nutt said Chancellor John A. White and outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles wanted him to return, but he said more talks with the university were forthcoming.

``Houston's decision to resign was neither forced, or encouraged, or requested,'' White said.

White said Nutt's contract gave the coach a set of ``golden handcuffs'' under which Nutt would have to pay the university if he takes another coaching job while also forfeiting a significant amount of money. White said he told Nutt he would ask the Razorback Foundation to free Nutt of the obligations.

Arkansas began this season in the Top 25 but fell out in September. The Razorbacks ended up 4-4 in league play.

Nutt went 75-48 at Arkansas since being hired in December 1997 to replace Danny Ford. Only Broyles (144) has won more games with the Razorbacks. Nutt took the Hogs to two Southeastern Conference title games, losing each time. He went 42-38 in SEC regular-season games and went to bowls during his first six seasons at Arkansas.

``I'm going to remember the good times,'' Broyles said.

A year ago at this time, Arkansas was preparing to play for the SEC title, which the school has never won. In fact, the Razorbacks started 10-1 in 2006 before losing to LSU, to Florida for the conference championship and to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl.

Nutt's status was never the same afterward. In January, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn left to join the staff at Tulsa, lending credence to speculation not everyone was on the same page. A short while later quarterback Mitch Mustain transferred.

As the team struggled this year, planes were spotted at games towing anti-Nutt banners.

``It's sad that it had to end like this,'' star running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Darren McFadden said. ``Coach Nutt, I love playing for him. He's a great coach.''

Herring, in his third season as Arkansas' defensive coordinator, will take over for the time being.

``Although it is extremely difficult to see coach Nutt leave, I am honored and welcome the challenge of leading the Razorback football team and working with the other coaches on our staff as we prepare our team for a bowl game and as we continue to recruit,'' Herring said in a statement.

Athletic director-designate Jeff Long, who replaces Broyles on Jan. 1, will direct the search for Nutt's replacement.

Despite the announcement, the mood Monday was upbeat. Arkansas is still basking in the glow of last week's win. Nutt's name also figures to be mentioned in connection with other openings. His overall record as a college coach is 111-70, including four years at Murray State and one at Boise State before taking over at Arkansas.

Nutt went to Central High School in Little Rock. He played quarterback at Arkansas before transferring to Oklahoma State following the 1977 season.

``I'd just encourage everybody - everybody,'' Nutt said. ``Let's all come together. Let's be Razorbacks. Once you're a Razorback, you're always a Razorback - for life.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media