With Joe Doss recovering from a knee sprain, T.J. Pitts moves into a starting role Saturday at Arkansas State.

It appears as if Pitts will be better prepared for his second career start.

Pitts, a 5-10, 203-pound freshman from Gainesville, Ga., has been running with power and confidence since last year’s finale at UTEP. Pitts gained 40 yards on four carries and scored his first career touchdown.

It will be interesting to see how he responds. Doss is one of the most fundamentally sound running backs the program has had under coach Tommy West. Rarely do you see Doss miss a block, drop a pass or fail to get the extra yard.

Pitts may have a ways to go in being a complete back, but should provide a physical presence and be someone capable of picking up the tough yards.

THE BIG STORY

It didn’t take long for Arkansas coach Houston Nutt to lift the indefinite suspension of defensive end Marcus Harrison.

Nutt suspended Harrison Aug. 25 following his arrest on a felony drug charge and several misdemeanors, but lifted the suspension on Tuesday. Arkansas is off this week, and Nutt thinks Harrison may play on Sept. 15 at Alabama. Senior Chris Wade started in Harrison’s place against Troy, but he recorded only one tackle. Arkansas had just one sack.

“We’ll see how that goes,” Nutt said of Harrison’s return. “Let’s just take one day at a time right now.”

Nutt said he discussed Harrion’s return with Harrison’s family and Arkansas student life coordinator Rodger Hunter.

“After a week and after I’ve talked to a lot of people that know the situation and talking to Rodger Hunter and the coaches, I feel this is the best thing for him,” Nutt said.

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