Chad Morris discusses ‘grind’ of season, keys to Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt

Chad Morris acknowledged the season has been “a grind” so far, but his team has the chance to enter its bye week on a high note.

Arkansas (2-6, 0-4 SEC) hosts Vanderbilt (3-5, 0-4) at noon ET on Saturday searching for its first conference win. Much like their opponent, the Razorbacks haven’t had a bye week as they trudge through the grueling SEC.

“It’s a grind,” Morris said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “When you look at how the season has unfolded, you have to be smart, have to be strategic. We are excited about this week, but the bye will be much needed.”

Even better for Arkansas if it can enter its bye week with a victory.

Below is everything Morris had to say during his appearance on the teleconference.

On RB Rakeem Boyd as a receiver:

• He has great hands, as do all our backs. He’s been targeted as much as anyone and it’s because of his ability to catch balls.

On nine games in nine weeks, how have you managed to do that with the wear and tear?

• Knowing that the bye was coming late, we have benefited because we get better each week. … Our on-the-field play has definitely improved.

On Vanderbilt RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn:

• He is electric. When he is on the field, they are an entirely different team.

On K Connor Limpert:

• His confidence level has grown. Much like the team, he’s gotten better. It’s a credit to the entire kick team — the holder, snapper and blocker.

On Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason saying he will prepare for three Arkansas quarterbacks:

• Connor (Noland) will continue to get better. Cole (Kelley) has a role and they have to get ready for that. Ty (Storey) presents unique challenges, so they have to be prepared for that, too.

On playing in the 11 a.m. slot:

• I feel if there’s any coach in the country that has issues with playing at 11 a.m., they can call us. … We get up and compete, and that’s a credit to us. We get the music going every day, we practice in the morning already. … There are no meetings here; we eat and we get going.

How do you get ready for it?

• We get up early, we gather and discuss any follow-ups. Nothing much, then get going.

On scoring so much against Alabama:

• We focus on ourselves, continue to grow our offense, our scheme. … I’m not in this for moral victories, but we thought we could take advantage of some things. … It was all about our guys focusing on us and getting better each week.

Marcus Rodrigue

Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.