FAYETTEVILLE -- Sometimes it seems all the fuss about the Arkansas Razorbacks switching base defenses from a 4-3 to 3-4 is much ado about little.
With Spread offenses proliferating, who plays much base defense anyway unless you call the extra defensive back nickel package your base defense?
Well, Paul Rhoads, the former University of Pittsburgh and Auburn defensive coordinator and former Iowa State head coach in his second year coaching the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville's secondary and first as Coach Bret Bielema's defensive coordinator, insists the 3-4 truly is the prevalent defense.
He will play some nickel defenses, especially since his best nickel and most versatile defensive back, Kevin Richardson, has recovered from last year's season-ending injury.