It’s never too early for kickoff
An early kickoff, some say, usually helps the home team in college football. The reason? The road team, not used to being in a foreign atmosphere and waking up at such an early time in a hotel room, doesn’t have time to get their minds together before the start of the game.
Whether that’s true or not is up for discussion, but the Hogs are certainly ready for Saturday’s 11:30 a.m. scheduled kickoff against No. 9 Alabama.
“We’d play when the sun comes up to be honest with you,” UA defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said. “I don’t think it matters.”
“It’s no big deal,” UA defensive end Jake Bequette said. “Everybody likes those primetime games. They’re going to lie to you if they say they like a morning game better. Any time you get a chance to come out here and play, we’ll do it, no matter what time.”
Defensive tackle Ernest Mitchell doesn’t think an early game is a big deal, but does hope his squad can take advantage of a tired ‘Bama team. As for the Razorbacks, how will they treat the early rise?
“Different strokes for different folks, but I’d say most of us take cold showers when we get up,” Mitchell said. “… Make sure you throw ice on everybody so everybody get cool.”
While it may not be a big deal — well, at least to the home team — the early kickoff, head coach Bobby Petrino says, probably isn’t well liked by the fans.
“We don’t have to wait around all day, so it’s good,” Petrino said. “You get up early, you have a walk through, you eat breakfast, come to the stadium and get going. We have no problem with those early games.
“I don’t know if the fans like it as much. They like to spend the day barbecuing, drinking water.”
Lots and lots of water, I’m sure.
What do you think? You like the early kickoffs? Personally, I like it because I get to go home and watch some college football in primetime.
– Brandon Marcello
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One Response to “It’s never too early for kickoff”
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I’d rather the game be at night, in Fayettevile, anytime. Similar to “Death Valley”, night games in Hog town take on a whole new meaning.
As to morning games, I think Ernest Mitchell makes a very vaild point. Wake up early and take an extended cold shower to get the motor running.