With LSU Not Having Greg Brooks, They Do Get Motivation

Razorbacks' hopes Tigers having hangover probably gone now ahead of Saturday's game

Author:
Andy Hodges
Updated:
Sep 20, 2023 6:42 PM EDT
Original:
Sep 20, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — We'll start this by saying the news Wednesday of former Arkansas defensive back Greg Brooks' surgery successful was great news. The diagnosis of a brain tumor was alarming and disheartening. No one should have to deal with that.

Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman expressed his concern for Brooks and his family to start his Monday press conference. At that time, nobody really knew what the problem was except for a "medical emergency" and HIPPA laws require schools to guard medical news better than our government protects secrets if they don't have specific permission.

An LSU defensive back who started his college career at Arkansas, Brooks seized the opportunity to transfer to his native Louisiana after the Outback Bowl and took it. There weren't hard feelings from anyone because it was a chance for Brooks to return home (from Harvey, La.).

Now, with him out, it may be the nugget of motivation the Tigers often haven't had against the Hogs. Probably no single member of LSU's football community is not aware of the relationship to the Hogs. In sports, you always want to beat a former team, regardless the the circumstances of why you're no longer there. That often is the only time they want their former school to lose a game.

Brooks' family released a statement Wednesday updating his status, which, according to a report by ESPN.com Wednesday morning, was confirmed by an LSU official. According to the statement, the surgery to remove the "large brain tumor" was successful and the family is awaiting results of a biopsy.

"We are grateful for the work and care of the medical staff helping Greg through these challenges and for the concern and love poured out by so many in the Louisiana, Arkansas and national sports communities," the family said in the statement published at ESPN.com. "This means the world to us at this difficult time. Greg continues to fight, and we await further clarity on the extent of that battle."

Now the Tigers have something to rally and focus around headed into Saturday night's match-up with the Hogs. LSU looked like they could play with Georgia when they demolished Mississippi State last weekend, 41-14. Especially quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers.

The Razorbacks have enough problems on their own. Pittman addressed the latest on those Wednesday afternoon. There had once been hope the game against the Bulldogs went so well it might leave the Tigers flat this Saturday, but the events surrounding Brooks will likely provide inspiration.

Normally that might be a bad thing, but it's hard to feel negative about it in any way if it happens considering the circumstances. It's something Pittman will not only appreciate, but will also need to overcome if the Hogs are to add another win in Baton Rouge and get Arkansas back on the right track.