Mac Smack

Moderated by Arkansas Online Staff

After Kentucky

Posted September 24, 2007

MAC SMACK

Darren McFadden is Arkansas’ first legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy and news of his game and fame is spreading across the country. McFadden has rushed for 519 yards and four touchdowns in three games and has been a marked man for writers and opposing players and coaches so far this season. Here is what is being overheard in the aftermath of Saturday’s 42-29 loss to Kentucky.

QUOTEBOOK

AFTER arkansas’ 41-29 loss to Kentucky on Sept. 22

“We stumped our toes again in the fourth quarter. We thought we had it won, but were unable to seal the deal. Again, we just need to put this behind us and keep on keeping on. ... It was frustrating. We knew we had the game won, but just could not finish. Credit Kentucky, they knew what our weaknesses were and they exploited them.”

— Darren McFadden

heisman hype

Mr. Irrelevent

The Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel still has McFadden on top in its Heisman ratings after Saturday’s loss to Kentucky, but maybe not for long:

Comment “Arkansas is becoming irrelevant. That's not good news for a Heisman hopeful.”

A nonbeliever

The Florida Times Union of Jacksonville, Fla. makes a simple declaration regarding McFadden:

Arkansas running back Darren McFadden won't win the Heisman Trophy. The novelty of the Wildcat formation has worn off, the Razorbacks aren't as good as they were last season, and there's another SEC player who's garnering all the attention: Tim Tebow.

Washington Post

“Arkansas also is off to a sluggish start, but the Razorbacks' struggles likely won't hurt Darren McFadden's Heisman hopes in the same way. It's much easier to see a Heisman winner coming from an 8-4 Southeastern Conference team than from a Big East team with a similar record that includes a loss to Syracuse.”

LOSSES HURT

Israel Gutierrez, Miami Herald:

Arkansas' Darren McFadden is a 20-year-old Eric Dickerson, and probably the most explosive player in college football. But two Razorback losses the past two weeks, and probably a couple more losses to come this season, might be enough of an excuse for voters to look in another direction. He also has a stud backup in Felix Jones who will take away McFadden's stat-padding opportunities.

NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS

Brett Dawson, Louisville-Courier Journal

“If he simply lined up like a regular running back, Darren McFadden would be a headache.

But calling Arkansas' multitasking tailback a "running back" is like calling Britney Spears "troubled." It's accurate, but it hardly tells the whole story.”

Kevin sherrington, the dallas morning news

In his column on Monday after the Cowboys beat the Bears 34-10, Sherrington managed a McFadden reference:

“They scored 34 points against a team that had given up 24 in two games, including just 14 vs. San Diego, generally considered one of the two best teams in football. And they did it without much of a running game for the better part of three quarters. Could have been Julius Jones or Marion Barber or even Darren McFadden, and the Bears would have stuffed him.”

THIS AND THAT

Going by the numbers

McFadden’s Heisman stock might be dropping after Arkansas fell to 1-2 Saturday, but McFadden leads the upper divison of college footballl averaging 173 yards per game. Teammate Feix Jones in No. 17 at 119.3 yards per game. McFadden is third nationally in all-purpose yards, which includes rushing, pass receiving, punt returns and kick returns at 222.7 yards. Teammate Felix Jones is No. 2 nationally with 226.7 yards per game.

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