Offense Rebounds In Razorbacks' Second Spring Scrimmage

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) For the second week in a row, Darren McFadden did not participate in Arkansas' scrimmage -- but the offense handled his absence a little better Saturday.<br/><br/>"I feel a

Saturday, April 7th 2007, 3:58 pm

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) For the second week in a row, Darren McFadden did not participate in Arkansas' scrimmage -- but the offense handled his absence a little better Saturday.

"I feel a little bit better today, we did better," coach Houston Nutt said. "I was proud. I thought we caught the ball better. That's probably the best we've looked."

A week ago, the Razorbacks' offense managed just 114 total yards.

But Saturday, quarterback Casey Dick went 14-18 for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Nathan Emert was 8-12 for 130 yards and 1 touchdown.

"The execution of the quarterbacks was better and the protection was better," Nutt said. "That's where it starts, with protection. We got up and down the field a little bit."

Michael Smith led the ground game, picking up 139 yards on 8 carries -- including a 56-yard touchdown run on his first carry.

"I know the defense was short-handed," Nutt said. "They are beat up a little, but I really thought the offense had a good mind-set today. You could see it. The run blocking was very good at times and the protection was good."