Just got back to the office after Arkansas’ game week press conference.

Paul Petrino was filling in for Bobby Petrino, who was down in Little Rock speaking to the Touchdown Club. We also got a chance to catch up with RB Michael Smith, QB Ryan Mallett and DE Jake Bequette. Lots to go over. So let’s just get to it:

• Arkansas remembers all too well what happened last year, when they survived a big scare in the 28-24 win against Western Illinois in the opener. Bequette said “no one wants a repeat performance of last year.” He said the Razorbacks are well ahead of where they were last year, but that “kind of a game will leave an impression in your mind for a long time.”

• Smith said he doesn’t know how many carries he’s getting in the opener. He doesn’t know if Bobby Petrino knows how many times he’ll touch it. But Smith is fine with it. With so many backs, Smith said he’s “looking forward to not being exhausted in the fourth quarter or having to get an IV at halftime.” I would look forward to not haing a halftime IV, too.

• The depth chart showed that sophomore De’Anthony Curtis is listed as Arkansas’ second-team fullback. Petrino said Curtis has done a nice job there in fall camp, has done a nice job blocking, and catching the ball out of the backfield. The Razorbacks have some personnel groups where Curtis will line up at tailback, others where he’ll be at fullback.

• Arkansas’ defense apparently had a pretty good scrimmage on Friday night. It was pointed out several times today. Bequette said coaches told them it was “one of our best defensive performances since they’ve been here.” Bequette said the group played with more energy and it went well. Good sign? Maybe. We’ll have to wait til Saturday.

• Paul Petrino said WR Joe Adams is doing just fine and is expected to practice this afternoon. Adams missed time last week with a hamstring injury, but Petrino said he probably could’ve scrimmaged last Friday. Adams is listed as the starter at the ‘W’ spot.

• Team chemistry was talked about a lot today. Petrino said it is “100 times better” than it was last season. He thinks this team is closer and really likes the chemistry right now. Smith said there were some disgruntled players last year, who complained about practice. However, he said none of that exists now.