Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino made no bones about it. Arkansas (4-4, 1-4 SEC) is in another must-win situation this Saturday when South Carolina (6-3, 3-3) comes to town.

“This is a big game for our program,” Petrino said. “We need to go out and win the game on Saturday, much like the (Texas) A&M, Auburn game. It’s a game that’s a must-win for us. And we’ve got to do a great job in our preparation and do a great job in our practice, and then go out there and perform and execute in the field. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we take some steps forward.”

Arkansas, of course, beat up on Texas A&M and Auburn in consecutive weeks earlier this season. The Razorbacks, though, are in dire need of an SEC win. The Hogs have only beaten Auburn in the conference and sit at the bottom of the SEC West standings.

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MIXING IT UP
Petrino and staff mixed things up for the Eastern Michigan game, and don’t expect that to end any time soon. Eight players had their first starts of the season Saturday, and more may be added to that list as the season progresses.

“Was there eight of them?” Petrino asked. “Is that right?  I didn’t know there was that many.”

The coaching staff started players based on who graded the best during last week’s practices. It’s something that will continue the rest of the season.

One of those first-time starters was true freshman cornerback David Gordon. Petrino was impressed with Gordon’s technique and tackling, and says he’ll be getting “a ton of reps.”

GREEN DAY
Broderick Green’s name will forever be etched in Arkansas’ record books. His 99-yard touchdown run against Eastern Michigan can never be broken. It was a fact that didn’t hit the Little Rock native until this morning.

“I talked to some people, my friends and family, and thought about it, and I was like, ‘You can not run further than 99 yards,’” he said.

PETRUS EARNS AWARD
Offensive guard Mitch Petrus may not have won the Crip Hall Award on Saturday, but he did garner the SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week honor from the conference office on Monday.

The Crip Hall Award is given to the outstanding senior at Arkansas’ homecoming game every year. The media chooses the winner, so if you wanna throw the blame, throw it on us. Wide receiver Lucas Miller won it this year for a 16-yard touchdown he caught in the game.

Arkansas’ offensive line did not allow a sack against Eastern Michigan on Saturday. It’s only the second time this season the Hogs have not allowed a sack.

OTHER TID-BITS
— RB Michael Smith (hamstring) will be evaluated, and his status is not known for the game Saturday. Petrino is hopeful CB Ramon Broadway (hamstring) will be back on the field. CB Andru Stewart (academics) will be reviewed day to day.

— Arkansas forward Michael Washington was named a first-team forward on the preseason All-SEC team today.

— Arkansas opens its basketball exhibition season tonight against Dillard University. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. We’ll have full coverage of the game on WholeHogSports.com on Tuesday.

— A special prosecutor was assigned to review a rape claim against three Arkansas basketball players on Monday. The case was closed and charges weren’t filed in September, but a petition filed by the accuser’s attorney led to the Washington County Circuit Court’s request for a special prosecutor.

The accuser’s attorney, John D. Bass, released a statement in response to the news. Bass said the accuser and her family “are hopeful that a thorough and unbiased investigation will be conducted and we will be concentrating our efforts on that.”

Make sure to check out WholeHogSports.com for more coverage Tuesday.

— Brandon Marcello