FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas is preparing for No. 21 Texas as the Hogs' most hated rival is up next.

Arkansas fans grew up hating the Longhorns and if they're too young to remember the days of the Southwest Conference their parents and grandparents have a lof of stories to tell them.

"Well, we’re excited about going down to Texas and playing a very, very good football team," Petrino said. "I think our players have enjoyed the week so far and learning about the history of Arkansas and Texas and all the great games that have been there, and then we’re working extremely hard in practice. I feel like we’re healthy, or more healthy than we’ve been most of the year, so we feel good about going down there and having a good football game."

Petrino's offense has created several explosive plays this season. What goes into having an explosive offense?

"Most of the time, it starts with the offensive line," Petrino said. "Whether it’s a run play or a pass play, being able to do their job and open up holes and give the quarterback extra time so you can throw the ball down the field. I feel like we have good speed on offense, and I think between our quarterback, and our running back, and our wide receivers, we’ve been able to get the ball down the field. Plus, our tight ends possess some speed to them, too. Really just the combination of the traits that our players have and our offensive line having much-improved play over a year ago."

One key player in that explosive offense is running back Braylen Russell. He missed the LSU game due being in concussion protocol. Russell is third on the team in rushing with 55 carries for 286 yards and five touchdowns. He has also caught four passes for 27 yards. Petrino provided somewhat of an update on Russell's availability this week.

"Yeah, I think we're just trying to give him the time to see if he's going to be available or not," Petrino said. "So, you know, it's not been determined yet, but I think he has a ways to go."

Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian is very impressed with Petrino's offense.

"I think Coach Petrino obviously has been doing it a long time and doing a high level at various places," Sarkisian said. "I think at the end of the day what they're able to do that make them so difficult is they've got all the pro style offense that you want. The pass game, the run game, the play action game, the multiple personnels, you add it with the designed quarterback runs, which is a real problem, and then the ad-libbing of the quarterback when the play breaks down. Coach Petrino is going to exploit your weaknesses when he can find him, and if he can find him, he's going to attack you that way. Then he's going to have layers to those plays in which he attacks you with. He's a great coach. He's been doing it a long time, and we've got our work cut out for us.'

When Petrino took over as interim head coach he fired three defensive coaches. He also made Kolby Smith the interim offensive coordinator and Chris Wilson same role on defense.

"Well, I've been very proud of both of them," Petrino said. "They've taken a lot on their shoulders, and they've done a great job of making the players the number one priority and making sure it's a great experience for our players. And they've both done a really nice job of getting them to play hard and with great effort and togetherness. I think they've been a big part of being able to keep this team together."

Arkansas and Texas will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and televised on ABCOT