[Tuck4Bama]

A not-so-fine line separates Arkansas' 2007 defense from its 2006 predecessor.

Ever since would-be 2007 senior defensive end Jamaal Anderson declared himself early for the NFL, where he now plays as does 2006 Razorback senior defensive tackle Keith Jackson, Arkansas' D-line has spun in a freefall.

That burdens a secondary already struggling with cornerback Chris Houston turned pro and 2006 starters Randy Kelly and Darius Vinnett graduated to the NFL.

It's a patchwork Arkansas D-line that Alabama amassed 450 total offense yards on in last Saturday's 41-38 Crimson Tide victory in Tuscaloosa.

It's an even more patchwork crew - with starting tackle Ernest Mitchell suspended - the Razorbacks present against Kentucky in Saturday's 5 p.m. ESPN 2 televised SEC game at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Sophomore defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard becomes the only Razorback in this front four to start all the three games when the 1-1 Hogs play Saturday.

Disciplinary suspensions have kept ends Antwain Robinson and Marcus Harrison and now tackle Mitchell from starting one game or another. Robinson ran afoul of the law on a shoplifting charge last spring. Harrison was charged with drug possession during a traffic stop the week before the Sept. 1 opener with Troy.

Mitchell has been suspended all of Saturday's game by coach Houston Nutt. Mitchell retaliated to some poking in a pileup by striking Alabama offensive guard Justin Britt with his own dislodged helmet.

The self-inflicted wounds must gall defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, one of the most discipline-demanding old school coaches on this staff.

WholeHogSports.com - Razorbacks continue to plug holes in defensive line