Since today has turned out to be relatively slow, I thought I’d let you know how Antwain Robinson’s basketball game is coming along. 

  A-Rob and basketball? That’s right.

  I was at the Jones Center this afternoon playing basketball when the former Arkansas defensive end showed up with some friends. Unfortunately, I was given the task of trying to guard Robinson in the paint.

  For the record, I’m around 6-foot-1, 196 pounds; Robinson measured in at Arkansas’ Pro Day in March at 6-foot-2, 258 pounds. Needless to say, I wasn’t about to have my way with him down low. (By the way, saying my basketball game needs work is an understatement).

  Aside from Robinson making me look stupid by grabbing offensive rebounds and making easy putbacks, he showed he has range. In fact, he has a lot of range. He hit 3-pointer after 3-pointer, even when I tried getting a hand in his face. He also showed some of the spin moves he used on the football field, blowing past me to hit a few layups.

  I would like to state that me guarding Robinson is a mismatch. After all, he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash and bench-pressed 225 pounds 17 times at Arkansas’ Pro Day. I don’t know what my 40 time would be, but it’d definitely be in the over-5-second range. And as far as bench-pressing 225 pounds, please. I couldn’t do one lift without popping a vein in my forehead.

  Robinson ended up scoring more than half of his team’s points in the win. And he was polite afterward, saying, “Good game” – even though I didn’t put up much of a fight. It was embarrassing.

  A-Rob’s got game.

Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino had plenty of news at his afternoon press conference. Here it is:

• RB Michael Smith isn’t expected to play in the season finale because of a hamstring injury. If that proves true he finishes the year with 1,072 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 2 scores. It was a great season for Smith, but the injuries took their toll.

• LB Wendel Davis probably won’t play, either, because of the leg injury. That means Jerry Franklin will likely start at middle linebacker and Elston Forte will get more time at the other spot. Just like Satuday. However, Davis’ absence will hurt a defense that couldn’t stop anyone without him.

• In other personnel issues, DT Ernest Mitchell and DE Antwain Robinson have played the final games of their careers. Both were suspended for team reasons against Mississippi State. Neither player will be reinstated for the LSU game. It ends a frustrating season and career for both players who had good moments and very, very bad ones for the Hogs. If we learn more we’ll let you know.

• One more thing, Petrino once again said that Nathan Dick will start against the Tigers. No word on whether he plans to play Casey Dick in his final game or not.