FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Arkansas' rematch with Southern
California next season will take place a week earlier than
originally scheduled so the game can be broadcast on ESPN.
The Razorbacks and Trojans will meet Sept. 2 -- in the season
opener for both teams -- instead of Sept. 9. Arkansas, which lost
70-17 at USC in 2005, will host next season's game.
"We are excited about the opportunity to open the season
against USC on national television," Arkansas coach Houston Nutt
said. "We are obviously aware of the tradition and the tremendous
success of the USC program, especially in the last few seasons."
USC narrowly missed its third straight national championship
when it had a 34-game winning streak snapped in this month's Rose
Bowl. The Trojans lost to Texas 41-38.
"I know our players will use this game as motivation during the
offseason and during spring practice," Nutt said in a statement.
"I am confident that Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will be
packed and our fans will make it one of the most exciting
atmospheres in the country."
USC's last visit to Arkansas was a 22-7 loss to the Razorbacks
in 1974 at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium. That was also an
opener -- it ended up being the Trojans' only defeat that season.
Two other Arkansas games were also rescheduled. The Razorbacks
will play Louisiana-Monroe in Little Rock on Oct. 28 instead of
Sept. 2, and will host Utah State on Sept. 9 instead of Oct. 28.
The Louisiana-Monroe game will be televised by ESPNU.