Razorbacks have a lot to play for in the LSU game Friday

I guess most of you know about it by now, because everybody I talk to does: Arkansas Razorbacks freshman tight end Garrett Uekman died last Sunday.  The coroner said it was from a heart condition.

What does this mean for the big game coming up Friday against #1-ranked LSU?  It will maybe mean more inspiration, because I’m guessing the team will dedicate this game to Garrett.

Growing closer from tragedy
That’s no surprise in sports when teams get inspired when something bad happens.  And especially in the South.  And especially here in Arkansas.  We grow closer during tragic circumstances, and the death of a 19 year old Razorback is definitely a tragedy.

I was talking a few days ago to a guy who’s from Louisiana, which is where our Razorbacks, ranked #3, will take on the LSU Tigers this Friday.  The guy said, “Oh, we’re going to mop up the floor with you!”

And I said, “I wouldn’t count on it.  There’s a lot to be said for a team like ours that’s playing for something way bigger than just a win.”

We’re 20-34 with two ties against the Tigers since 1901.  But this might be the first year where we’ve really had a major motivation to win.  I’m not what you’d call the biggest football fan in the world, and neither is Ellie, but this year, I’m going to have a major motivation to watch the game on TV.

Let’s hand LSU the mop!
I’m sure that a lot of Arkansas fans will make the trip to Baton Rouge, La., where LSU plays its home games.  And I hope so much that the “mop” that guy said LSU is going to use to mop the floor with us ends up getting used to mop up Tiger tears when we beat them.

College football is important in the South.  Life is more important.

Nick & Ellie Glidewell

Here are some Hog-Tiger videos you might enjoy.

2009 “The Hit” CLICK TO WATCH

2002: “Miracle on Markham” CLICK TO WATCH

2010: Highlights, Hogs win 31-23 CLICK TO WATCH