1:50 P.M. UPDATE
Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema made a quick visit to Little Rock on Monday before the solar eclipse made contact with the state as he flew back to Fayetteville in time for the Razorbacks' afternoon practice.
Bielema was the guest speaker in front of a sellout crowd of more than 500 people at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's first meeting of 2017 at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock.
"I am scared about flying home during the eclipse," Bielema joked. "That's why the pilots aren't here. They're in training right now."
The fifth-year University of Arkansas, Fayetteville coach made reference to wanting to stay undefeated during the season, using his "1-0" slogan.
"To this point, the pilots are undefeated. And as much as we all want to go undefeated, they need to stay undefeated."
Arkansas opens the season Aug. 31 against Florida A&M at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
— Jeremy Muck
EARLIER:
Razorback head coach Bret Bielema emphasized the importance of family ties on his team at a news conference Monday morning, adding that some tribute will be made to honor the late legendary coach and athletic director Frank Broyles.
Speaking before a speech to the Little Rock Touchdown Club at the Embassy Suites in west Little Rock, Bielema fielded questions from reporters about the coming season. The team wrapped up fall camp Friday, and Bielema said Monday is “one of the most frustrating days for a coach” because classes kick off.
“I don't care if it's kindergarten or college students, it's always a little bit of a wild day,” he said.
He described his squad as “very hungry, very focused” and said he was pleased there had been no significant injuries so far.
When asked about a few new players whose siblings or relatives played for the Razorbacks, including Hunter and Hayden Henry, Bielema responded, “DNA's a great thing.” He said the longer he's been a coach, the more apparent it's become what that sort of legacy can do for a program.
Bielema also said he was excited to play the season opener game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The Razorbacks play Florida A&M there on Aug. 31. Bielema said he has had success with Thursday night games before, adding it'll be good for the players to “have a national audience” early on.
When asked if the team will wear special decals, or anything else, to honor Broyles, who died last Monday, Bielema said they “absolutely” would.
“We obviously provided some input but ultimately I wanted to put it to the family,” he said, adding that an announcement on the specifics of the dedication would be coming soon.
— Emma Pettit
