Smith tops 1,000, injures shoulder
Posted on Sunday, November 9, 2008
COLUMBIA, S. C. — Someday Michael Smith might enjoy a fond memory of becoming the ninth player in Arkansas history to rush for more than 1, 000 yards.
Smith had little reason to celebrate his accomplishment Saturday, however, and instead trudged off the field after a 34-21 loss to South Carolina with a banged-up shoulder and a grim expression. Smith, who gained his 1, 000 th rushing yard this season on a 13-yard run in the first quarter, left the game in the second quarter and did not return.
Coach Bobby Petrino said Smith, who was not available for postgame interviews, sustained a stinger and the feeling did not come back.
“The trainers and doctors made the decision at halftime that we needed to hold him out,” Petrino said.
The loss of Smith thrust junior Brandon Barnett and freshman Dennis Johnson into more prominent roles, and they responded by helping the Razorbacks rally in the second half.
Center Jonathan Luigs said it hurt to lose Smith’s playmaking ability, “but I thought those guys came in and did a good job.”
Barnett had gained 0 yards on 2 rushes before Saturday, but ran 7 times for 45 yards — including a late, 1-yard touchdown — in relief of Smith. Johnson carried 4 times for 10 yards and added 3 catches for 18 yards.
“I was happy with the way that Brandon Barnett came in, and Dennis Johnson gave us some plays in the passing game.... I liked the way we reacted when Michael was out,” Petrino said.
Barnett’s play was particularly encouraging considering he’s battled injury problems since the summer.
“He’s been getting better,” Petrino said. “The problem with Brandon is he missed all of camp with a knee injury, then when he comes back he strains his calf and he’s out probably two or three more weeks.”
Petrino said Barnett requested a meeting roughly three weeks ago, “which was good, because he was hungry.”
Barnett said the meeting gave him what he considered a fresh start.
“We had to get back on the right page, you know, just being committed to the team and giving my all,” Barnett said.
Barnett’s repetitions in practice have increased since the meeting, and he said he’s waited patiently for his chance to play. That came when Smith was knocked out of the game Saturday.
“I practiced hard all week and just told myself that if I got the chance, to run hard and take care of the ball,” Barnett said. “Today I got the opportunity, and I wish we could’ve got the win, but I just wanted to go out and get the job done.”
Petrino said Barnett did just that, and the he’s beginning to “look like the Brandon Barnett that finished spring ball, someone that could run downhill and play physical.”
With Arkansas’ latest 1, 000-yard rusher’s immediate status unknown, the play of Barnett and Johnson provided the Razorbacks some measure of comfort.
“They ran pretty hard,” offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “They did some nice things.”
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