Friday very well could be the final game of the Bret Bielema era at Arkansas. The Razorbacks have been the most disappointing team in the West this season and enter the final game of the season as nearly a double-digit underdog to a Missouri team that began the season with a 1-5 record.

You could argue the decline of the program began this time last season when Arkansas gave up a 24-7 halftime lead against Missouri and lost 28-24 to close out the regular season. The Razorbacks now have a chance to get revenge but that’s only if the team shows up for four quarters of play against an improving Mizzou team.

Bielema spoke during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. Here’s a summary of what he had to say:

  • Opening comments: Our guys lost a heartbreaker last week but we’ve had a good week of practice. No one from last week that won’t carry forward injury-wise. I hope to honor our guys for senior day.
  • Jonathan Nance’s status? He will go thru practice today, he has to be full speed before he can be cleared. He could be a game-time decision. We need to see how he responds.
  • How much did the Mizzou game carry over to this year? Well, we wanted to learn from it and not carry that with us. That memory and feeling is still there. There was a hangover against a bowl game. We have to play four quarter games, there are many things we’ve looked at. Every year it carries over when you are in a rivalry like this.
  • How has Cole Kelley been this week? He joined back with us full-go but Ty has worked with the 2’s. Cole is still hurt, we will make a final decision. All three QBs should be available, the No. 2 will be decided closer to the game.
  • How has the OL practice this week? We are keeping it simple this week. Monday was a late practice and they practiced well as well as on Tuesday. Not having school this week has helped.
  • What has this week been for you with all the stuff going around the program? I know what my future holds, tomorrow I’ll get up and I’ll work, Friday we have a game and then I’ll get up and recruit the next day. Nothing has been told to me otherwise, I’m just going to go out and do my job. I plan on coaching and recruiting and that’s it.
  • Do you address your status or the outside noise with your players? Yeah, when (Jeff Long) was fired we addressed it with the team. They are in it to win it. I have had players come up to me and talked privately. We have a tremendous family environment here.