by Ronald Sitton

NORTH LITTLE ROCK (Nov. 17) - Yesterday, I found another item for my birthday trivia as Arkansas announced the Darren McFadden for Heisman campaign with a postcard sent to journalists nationwide and found on hogwired.com (see below). You can also help McFadden in the Doak Walker Award campaign as you pick through the 10 semi-finalists.

D-Mac, aka dog, seems to be one smooth cat, but not Felix. Yet without that cat, it might be easier for teams to load up on the dog in hopes of landing him in the pound. How silly of me to once think the backfield needed thoroughbreds. Maybe I'm getting old enough to be put out to pasture?

McFadden has already gained 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns on 197 carries, caught 22 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown, and even passed twice out of the "Wildcat" single-wing package for two touchdowns, which gives him an off-the-charts 518.20 quarterback rating. Those kind of numbers deserve Heisman attention. Former coaches Vince Dooley of Georgia and Pat Dye of Auburn both called McFadden the best Southeastern Conference tailback since Auburn great Bo Jackson, the last SEC running back to win the Heisman. Those kind of references may make Heisman voters think a little harder about just giving the bronze statue to Ohio State's quarterback, especially if Michigan knocks off the Buckeyes this weekend.

Yet I find it interesting that Arkansas may have two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard receiver by year's end. Felix Jones' 786 yards and three touchdowns on 101 carries puts the sophomore back in reach of the elusive plateau with two regular-season games and at least a bowl to play, not to mention the SEC Championship game if Arkansas can win one of their final Western division tilts. Jones already sits at fourth in rushing in the SEC, while McFadden tops the league in an offensive juggernaut currently ranked fourth nationally in rushing.

But running isn't the only thing the Razorbacks do well. Monk's 41 catches for 779 yards account for the majority of catches by Hog receivers this year. I'm concerned that the junior seems to be the only receiver quarterback Casey Dick sees. Granted, any 6-6 receiver stands head-and-shoulders over the average-sized cornerback. I expect Monk will not only reach 1,000 yards, but he'll most likely break Anthony Lucas' school record for career touchdown receptions (23) as his eight this year give him 21 in his career. But especially in light of Monk's bruised ribs last week, it's time to spread the ball around in the passing game.

I don't expect Mississippi State to lay down in Starkville, but I also don't expect the Bulldogs to gain very many yards against a defense that's coming into its own as the season winds down. Truism: Offense puts fans in the seats, but defense wins championships. Arkansas 34-14.