I wrote a story for today's newspaper about a bunch of folks in Auburn's traveling party that have Arkansas connections. Here's how it starts:

AUBURN, Ala. — It’s hard to get a rise out of Auburn’s straight-laced offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, even when the topic is returning to his home state of Arkansas.

Part of that’s his personality. Part of that is that he’s done it before.

This weekend will serve as a homecoming Malzahn, although he has already paid a visit to Arkansas while a member of Tulsa’s staff last season, something he’s glad to have experienced.

“This is more of a business trip,” Malzahn said. “And the fact that I had that experience last year I think will definitely help this year.”

There are plenty more Arkansas connections, including left tackle Lee Ziemba, wide receiver/Wildcat quarterback Kodi Burns, linebacker Adam Herring, defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and safeties coach Tommy Thigpen. Read the whole thing here.

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