Gamesmanship is a big part of college football. Take, for example, the Arkansas depth chart.
It has hardly changed since the initial one was released at the end of fall camp. A season-ending injury to Dorian Gerald necessitated one change, but his injury was known. Other, smaller injuries, coaches have found it’s better to play close to the vest.
Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg and right tackle Dalton Wagner were both hurt in Saturday’s 45-10 win over Georgia Southern. Neither returned after his injury, either. But when the depth chart for Texas A&M was released, they were atop at their respective positions and coach Sam Pittman said Arkansas would prepare as though neither would play.
That serves two purposes.
First, it ensures Texas A&M is unaware. The smallest of lineup changes can sometimes result in the biggest of focuses. Would A&M go after the right side of the line more if they knew Wagner was out? Perhaps. Perhaps not.
Second, it forces Arkansas reserves into game-readiness. That’s always a good thing for the team to which it happens. Stromberg, an All-SEC selection, was out most of fall camp. Because of it, guard Ty Clary was able to get snaps back at his old position. When Stromberg was hurt again against the Eagles, Clary wasn’t forced into a duty he with which he was infamiliar.
An easy bet would be if Stromberg and Wagner are healthy enough to play, they will against Texas A&M. Arkansas beating the Aggies would snap a nine-game losing streak to its old Southwest Conference rival, but more importantly, it would vault the Razorbacks into a national spotlight and a possible top-10 ranking.
So, yes, Pittman is absolutely making the right call by leaving two starters’ statuses in doubt.