Ok, ok, it was scary. I was as scared as a little girl about to pee her pants. But I held it and made it to the bathroom just in time. No I'm not talking about the latest Saw movie, but the Hogs performance against Football Subdivision foe Western Illinois. It took the Hogs all of 3 full quarters and a little over 13 minutes of the fourth to take the lead for good and put the Leathernecks away. They gave us quite a scare, but what was more scary was the fact that our run defense got shredded by their talented running back Herb Donaldson. We couldn't stop him for most of the game. They held onto the ball to the tune of almost 37 minutes as compared to a little over 23 minutes for the Hogs.
While the Hog's run defense looked pretty bad for much of the night, the pass defense looked pretty good against a not so good passing offense. In fact the Hogs had a chance at at least 4 interceptions, but dropped them all. The only players that dropped more balls were Hog wide receivers who dropped 5 balls on the night. But at least they came through when it mattered most. There was a lot of bad that came out of this game, most of which was to be expected. There also was some good, and even a bit of flat out ugly. Lets start out with the ugly and move towards the good.
THE UGLY
1. The run defense: This was definitely to be expected, although not so much from a team on the lower level that Western Illinois resides on. They have some talent in Donaldson and a veteran offensive line, but we're talking about an SEC team in Arkansas that should be able to push it's way around with a teams such as this. That did not happen except for a few key series when it had to step up. At least it did that, or this definitely would have been a loss. The only consolation I can take at this point is that and the fact that we have a few linebackers that should be returning in the next couple of weeks from suspension and injuries. Lord knows they need the help. The lack of push by our defensive line and filling the gaps was the biggest problem overall on the night. This has to be fixed if the Hogs hope to become bowl eligible let alone win any more games period.
2. The opening kickoff return by Elton Ford: He fumbled it giving the Leathernecks the ball in great field position. The Hog D did step it up on the opening drive holding them to a field goal try that ended in no points thanks to a bobbled snap. But that was an ominous sign of things to come the rest of the night. Bobby Petrino said that they will look into replacing Ford so that he can focus on his defensive duties. Let's hope the next guy holds onto the ball a bit better in pressure situations.
The Bad
1. Our Wide Receiver's Hands: At least early on they cost the Hogs hugely. There were two drops that would have been first downs to keep drives going that were in the hands of the receivers. There also was a dropped pass that popped into the air and was intercepted by W. Illinois. Then in the third quarter we had a receiver make a nice catch and run only to lose the ball without being touched because he didn't tuck the ball properly. This resulted in a turnover which led to a touchdown giving the Leathernecks a 10 point lead.
2. The DWRRS Crowd: I have to mention this because it was not only frustrating for me, but also typical of a Fayetteville crowd. It was very quiet for the most part until the 4th quarter when the Hogs had to have them. It seems that it wasn't just the Hogs playing down to their competition but the fans as well. They sat on their hands unless there was a huge play on the field, which there weren't many until the last quarter. I know, I know, there wasn't much to cheer for. But guess what, maybe if you cheered when your team was on defense, it would make it more difficult for the opposition to just run unimpeded up and down the field. That's the thought anyway. I will say that when the game was on the line in the 4th it sounded like we may have actually been playing a BCS team, maybe even a good one. Yes the Fayetteville crowd can be loud, but usually only when Texass or Bama come around.
3. The Running Game: It was almost a complete reverse of what we've seen for the last 8 years. Rather than all running and little passing, we saw all passing with a little running thrown in there. Part of it may have been due to the suspension of Michael Smith, and part of it may have been the fact that both the starter and the backup were true freshmen. Probably the play of the offensive line deserves some blame as well, but this is not a long term problem in my opinion. Despite the lack of a running game, there were signs from DeAnthony Curtis, that this problem will be fixed and soon. He looks like a playmaker waiting to break out. He is not 100% yet, but once he is, watch out. He and Smith should be a great tandem, with the other three tailbacks bringing up the rear. I can see Curtis starting before the year is out if he gets healthy.
The Good
1. Casey Dick: Casey had the best game of his career bar none. This was one of the biggest question marks coming in for me and many others, as to would he be able to handle some actual quarterback duties other than handing it off to superstars. Well we may have seen a picture of what he can do as he showed, poise, leadership, and all the moxie in the world leading the Hogs back from a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter with less than 8 minutes to go. The question remains if he will be able to do this against SEC competition, and we should find out in two weeks when the Hogs go to Asstin to play the Steers. For now I am very impressed with his improvement and am in wonderment why this type of play had never been seen under the previous coaching staff. Maybe coaching and practice really do matter. And I haven't even mentioned his two TD runs, one of which was a spectacular, Matt Jonesesque run. It was a thing of beauty that kept the Hogs in the game.
2. The Wide Receivers: I know the wide receiver's hands are up there in the bad category, but that was only for a few plays, five to be exact. But when you consider that they had 41 chances at catching balls as compared to 25, 5 doesn't sound so bad. Especially when they come back and make some great plays in the passing game. I was most impressed with a couple of freshmen, Greg Childs as well as Joe Adams. They both made some very nice catches, as well as the all important yards-after-catch, which we rarely saw in the previous regime. That is a huge stat in this offense and I expect it to get better and better as the receivers mature. Don't forget about D.J. Williams. He probably has some of the best hands on the team, and he proved it by catching as many passes in this game as he did all of last season. That would be pretty impressive except for the fact that the passing offense has been non-existent for the last several years. I'd bet you won't ever see another game where they throw to him on the first drive of the game for a completion only to never see him touch the ball the rest of the game. He is a weapon. And he will be used.......A lot. Don't forget about Petrino's motto of feeding the studs. We saw plenty of that Saturday night. And I'm sure we'll see much more of it as the season goes on. 8 different players caught passes on Saturday night.
3. Coaching: If you couldn't see the differences in the philosophies just from this game alone, then you weren't looking. That or you're blind. While we have seen time and time again under the previous regime, that they were happy to hang around until the 4th quarter and the pray for something good to happen, no matter who it was against, under this staff, you can just see an air of confidence. Confidence in the players, in the system, in each other. Things were not going well at all going into the 4th quarter. The defense couldn't stop the run, the offense was just now starting to move the ball, and the pall of a possible upset hung in the air. But did the staff choke up, start folding up it's tents? Nope, it kept doing what they knew would work if the players would just do their jobs. And they trusted those players to do them and the players came through in a major way. The coaches made adjustments and they clearly worked. Going to a no back set almost exclusively in the 4th proved to be huge for the offense. With a few runs sprinkled in, Casey Dick marched the Hog offense down the field twice under extreme pressure situations. The defense stepped it up and did what they had to do, what they hadn't done consistently all night. They stopped the Leathernecks. The O-line blocked, and the Hogs scored just enough to come back and win 28-24. It wasn't pretty, but it was a W. And right now, I will take it. I'm sure the coaches will as well.
There were some negatives, but to me, the positives outweigh those and the potential that only the surface of has been scratched will pour out of these youngsters more and more each week. It should be an exciting rest of the year. Hold on because it'll certainly be a roller coaster ride.
NEXT UP
Now we move onto Louisiana-Monroe, and they are sure to give these Hogs more of a challenge. Even so I'm looking forward to a big win as the Hogs are sure to be improved as is usually the case between week 1 and week 2. They are coming to the Rock where the crowd is sure to be pumped looking forward to some "Bobby" ball. I know I am. It should be a blast. Hope I see you there.
GO HOGS!!!!! BEAT LA MONROE!!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
And So It Begins, Petrino Era To Kickoff Today
It's time. You know what time it is. It's time for some football baby! The Hogs football season kicks off tonight at 6:00 p.m. I'm going to be there and so will about 72,000 other crazy Hog fans looking forward to the Bobby Petrino era to get started. There should be plenty of offense tonight as Petrino would like to see what this team can do, even if it is against a Football Championship subdivision team. I think the Hogs will pour it on, showing no mercy to the Leathernecks of Western Illinois.
As far as the rest of the season goes, I think we have only two sure Ws in Western Illinois and Louisiana Monroe. After that things get dicey. I believe we have about 6 games that really could go either way in Bama, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tulsa, South Carolina, and Mississippi St. I think any of those games could be wins or losses depending on how things go with this Hog football team. That leaves 4 games against some upper echelon teams that realistically cannot be picked as Ws at this point. Those four are Texass at Texass, Florida, Auburn, and LSU. Sure the Hogs may pull one of them out and maybe even a couple of them, but that would be a miracle at this point, with as many youngsters as we're going to play this season. So basically if we win the cupcake games and split the swing games, we should end up at about 5 wins. I think we'll win a few more of those swing games, as well as possibly one we shouldn't win. Here's how I think tonight's game will go as well as the rest of the season. GO HOGS!!!!
W. Illinois: This is one of only two cupcakes on the schedule this year so the Hogs better enjoy it. I'm sure they will as will the rabid Hog fans that are ready for something other than Olympic swimming or a Tiger Woodsless golf season. It's time for football and we get a lot of it tonight as the Hogs whoop up on the Leathernecks to the tune of 56-6.
Louisiana Monroe: Ah, the second and only other cupcake on the schedule. At least this one is back up on the BCS level. This game will be a little tougher but not by much. The Hogs run and pass through the ULM defense like butter. There are signs as well of some of the Hog's defensive shortcomings as ULM hangs 21 points on the Hog's D. Hogs win 48-21.
At Texass: Normally this would be the game of the year in most Hog fan's minds. But not this year. That one would be Ole Miss, but more about that one down the post. Texass is one of those four games that the Hogs really have no business in winning, at least on paper. But that's why they play the game right? Ok I think the Hogs have a decent shot at pulling the upset. I fully expect a shootout, but I think Texass defense will stop the Hogs just enough to pull out a squeaker in Asstin. The Hogs offense impresses though and shows that they can score on anyone, not just the cupcakes. Hogs go down fighting 45-38.
Alabama: Next up is Bama, and we all know how this game usually goes. It's back and forth and close til the end. I expect this one to be no differently, as the battle among two of the most talented coaches in the SEC goes down in Fayetteville. I think the Hogs have a good shot at winning this game as Willy gets on his defense after a sub par performance the week before. Good news is they hold Bama to only 24 points this week. Bad news is.........There is no bad news, Hogs pull it out in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter to win 28-24.
Florida: Here come the Florida Gators. The Hogs will have a tough time stopping the mighty spread offense of the Gators and this will be a long day for the Hog defense. The Razorback's offense holds it's own against the Gators, but are just out manned on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville. The Hogs keep it rather close until late in the 4th as they go down 42-31.
At Auburn: This is another one of those games that the Hogs really don't have a shot of winning on paper. But they play the game anyway. The results, well this one is interesting. Auburn in installing a new offense just like Arkansas is. It could be very interesting. I give Auburn the edge as their defense is stout and Arkansas' well, it's just flat out not. It is getting better though as they are getting some much valued experience against SEC foes, and actually does a decent job holding the Tigers to 27 points. But the bad news is the Hogs are only able to scrounge up 21 today and go down 27-21.
At Kentucky: The Hogs head into Wildcat country in search of a much needed victory and confidence booster. And they get it in a major way. Bobby Petrino owns the Wildcats and today is no different. He goes to 5-0 against the Cats as a head coach and shows the SEC what offense is. The Hogs blow out the Cats 64-31.
Ole Miss: Ah the much anticipated matchup of the former coach and the new coach. Houston Nutt comes back to town and is not greeted very kindly by the Hog faithful. Resounding boos meet HDN as he runs onto the field for the first time as Ole Miss' head coach. The Hogs come out flat in honor of Nutt, and let Ole Miss get up to an early 14-0 lead as they come out firing, and even passing the ball. But not too worry, as Nutt decides to sit on the lead until the 4th quarter. But by the time the 4th quarter gets here, the Hogs are running away with it 56-17. Houston runs to the student section to sing the fight song before he realizes that he's not the Hog's coach anymore and has to be dragged off by his ear by Matt Shanklin. Hogs win big in this anti-climatic "game of the year".
Tulsa: Next up Gus Malzahn returns to the Hill after a one year absence from his one year stint as the Hogs "offensive coordinator". There is much hype about this game as well, but the Hurricane is out manned from the get go. They do score some points on the Hogs hot/cold defense. The Hogs win big though 63-24 clinching bowl eligibility.
At South Carolina: This is a huge game as the Hogs try and get win number 7. This will be a very tight game, tighter than it needs to be as the turnover bug hits the Hogs hard. This one goes down to the wire and the Hogs get a chance to win it with a last minute field goal from 53 yards. Tejadamatic comes through and nails it. Hogs win 24-22.
At Mississippi State: The Hogs are on the road again and this one is tougher than anyone expected. Ok not really, as MSU always gives the Hogs a tough game. The Hogs get off to a good start up 13-10 at halftime but Sylvester Croom's defense is stout and holds the Hogs scoreless until late in the 4th. By that time it's too late and the Hogs go down in Starkville 24-20.
LSU: LSU comes into War Memorial Stadium with vengeance on their minds even though they won the national championship the year before. There will be no national championship berth on the line this time, and there will be no D-Mac or Felix Jones on the field either. LSU's defense comes up huge in the 4th quarter and pulls out the victory 31-28.
That leaves the Hogs with a 7-5 regular season record and a berth in the Independence bowl. There they play Kansas which is disappointed to be there with a 9-3 record. The Hogs take advantage and win in a shootout 59-49. Hogs finish at 8-5. Not bad for a first year coach with a fairly bare cupboard. It was exciting to say the least and with all of the youth that played, it should mean great things for the future of Hog football. The future in Hogland is bright to say the least.
GO HOGS!!!!!!!!!
As far as the rest of the season goes, I think we have only two sure Ws in Western Illinois and Louisiana Monroe. After that things get dicey. I believe we have about 6 games that really could go either way in Bama, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tulsa, South Carolina, and Mississippi St. I think any of those games could be wins or losses depending on how things go with this Hog football team. That leaves 4 games against some upper echelon teams that realistically cannot be picked as Ws at this point. Those four are Texass at Texass, Florida, Auburn, and LSU. Sure the Hogs may pull one of them out and maybe even a couple of them, but that would be a miracle at this point, with as many youngsters as we're going to play this season. So basically if we win the cupcake games and split the swing games, we should end up at about 5 wins. I think we'll win a few more of those swing games, as well as possibly one we shouldn't win. Here's how I think tonight's game will go as well as the rest of the season. GO HOGS!!!!
W. Illinois: This is one of only two cupcakes on the schedule this year so the Hogs better enjoy it. I'm sure they will as will the rabid Hog fans that are ready for something other than Olympic swimming or a Tiger Woodsless golf season. It's time for football and we get a lot of it tonight as the Hogs whoop up on the Leathernecks to the tune of 56-6.
Louisiana Monroe: Ah, the second and only other cupcake on the schedule. At least this one is back up on the BCS level. This game will be a little tougher but not by much. The Hogs run and pass through the ULM defense like butter. There are signs as well of some of the Hog's defensive shortcomings as ULM hangs 21 points on the Hog's D. Hogs win 48-21.
At Texass: Normally this would be the game of the year in most Hog fan's minds. But not this year. That one would be Ole Miss, but more about that one down the post. Texass is one of those four games that the Hogs really have no business in winning, at least on paper. But that's why they play the game right? Ok I think the Hogs have a decent shot at pulling the upset. I fully expect a shootout, but I think Texass defense will stop the Hogs just enough to pull out a squeaker in Asstin. The Hogs offense impresses though and shows that they can score on anyone, not just the cupcakes. Hogs go down fighting 45-38.
Alabama: Next up is Bama, and we all know how this game usually goes. It's back and forth and close til the end. I expect this one to be no differently, as the battle among two of the most talented coaches in the SEC goes down in Fayetteville. I think the Hogs have a good shot at winning this game as Willy gets on his defense after a sub par performance the week before. Good news is they hold Bama to only 24 points this week. Bad news is.........There is no bad news, Hogs pull it out in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter to win 28-24.
Florida: Here come the Florida Gators. The Hogs will have a tough time stopping the mighty spread offense of the Gators and this will be a long day for the Hog defense. The Razorback's offense holds it's own against the Gators, but are just out manned on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville. The Hogs keep it rather close until late in the 4th as they go down 42-31.
At Auburn: This is another one of those games that the Hogs really don't have a shot of winning on paper. But they play the game anyway. The results, well this one is interesting. Auburn in installing a new offense just like Arkansas is. It could be very interesting. I give Auburn the edge as their defense is stout and Arkansas' well, it's just flat out not. It is getting better though as they are getting some much valued experience against SEC foes, and actually does a decent job holding the Tigers to 27 points. But the bad news is the Hogs are only able to scrounge up 21 today and go down 27-21.
At Kentucky: The Hogs head into Wildcat country in search of a much needed victory and confidence booster. And they get it in a major way. Bobby Petrino owns the Wildcats and today is no different. He goes to 5-0 against the Cats as a head coach and shows the SEC what offense is. The Hogs blow out the Cats 64-31.
Ole Miss: Ah the much anticipated matchup of the former coach and the new coach. Houston Nutt comes back to town and is not greeted very kindly by the Hog faithful. Resounding boos meet HDN as he runs onto the field for the first time as Ole Miss' head coach. The Hogs come out flat in honor of Nutt, and let Ole Miss get up to an early 14-0 lead as they come out firing, and even passing the ball. But not too worry, as Nutt decides to sit on the lead until the 4th quarter. But by the time the 4th quarter gets here, the Hogs are running away with it 56-17. Houston runs to the student section to sing the fight song before he realizes that he's not the Hog's coach anymore and has to be dragged off by his ear by Matt Shanklin. Hogs win big in this anti-climatic "game of the year".
Tulsa: Next up Gus Malzahn returns to the Hill after a one year absence from his one year stint as the Hogs "offensive coordinator". There is much hype about this game as well, but the Hurricane is out manned from the get go. They do score some points on the Hogs hot/cold defense. The Hogs win big though 63-24 clinching bowl eligibility.
At South Carolina: This is a huge game as the Hogs try and get win number 7. This will be a very tight game, tighter than it needs to be as the turnover bug hits the Hogs hard. This one goes down to the wire and the Hogs get a chance to win it with a last minute field goal from 53 yards. Tejadamatic comes through and nails it. Hogs win 24-22.
At Mississippi State: The Hogs are on the road again and this one is tougher than anyone expected. Ok not really, as MSU always gives the Hogs a tough game. The Hogs get off to a good start up 13-10 at halftime but Sylvester Croom's defense is stout and holds the Hogs scoreless until late in the 4th. By that time it's too late and the Hogs go down in Starkville 24-20.
LSU: LSU comes into War Memorial Stadium with vengeance on their minds even though they won the national championship the year before. There will be no national championship berth on the line this time, and there will be no D-Mac or Felix Jones on the field either. LSU's defense comes up huge in the 4th quarter and pulls out the victory 31-28.
That leaves the Hogs with a 7-5 regular season record and a berth in the Independence bowl. There they play Kansas which is disappointed to be there with a 9-3 record. The Hogs take advantage and win in a shootout 59-49. Hogs finish at 8-5. Not bad for a first year coach with a fairly bare cupboard. It was exciting to say the least and with all of the youth that played, it should mean great things for the future of Hog football. The future in Hogland is bright to say the least.
GO HOGS!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A New Beginning
Ah, yes. Football is here. Last time I wrote, we had just gone through the most transition that Hog Nation has seen, probably ever. Frank had stepped down, we had brand new football and basketball coaches, and everything was a bit chaotic. Things have settled down these last several months, even though we've had a few more monumental changes take place on the Hill.
One being that legendary track coach, John McDonnell, has retired, and been replaced by Chris Bucknam from the University of Northern Iowa. I'm not much of a track and field guy, but everyone in Arkansas knows what McDonnell did here winning national championship after national championship, almost too many to count. Good luck to Bucknam trying to fill even one of McDonnell's shoes. They are rather large.
We've also had other rather large changes in the Athletic Department itself. One being that the men's and women's programs have merged and are now one happy family. Not that the changes have really been so obvious. Except for the fact that the Lady Backs are no longer to be called that, but the Razorback Women instead. Whoopie. I have seen a few journalists, and people that call themselves journalists (Wally Hall)make a big deal about this, but really, in the big scheme of things, it's not. Just more political correctness I guess. It doesn't really bother me, in fact I'm kind of indifferent to the whole idea. But hey, if it helps the program as a whole, I'm all for it.
There have been a few other changes, but probably the biggest, most recent change has been the transition in the chancellor's office. This one happened very quietly, with very little fanfare across the state. John White was replaced by G. David Gearhart on July 1. He is of the opinion that the chancellor's job is not to run the athletic department, but to hire really good people to do so, and let them do their job. This is great news after what we were put through the last several years with White at the helm. I won't rehash that, but everyone knows that White tended to meddle with things in the athletic department. And we saw how that turned out. It wasn't pretty.
So we've made it through all of that and more and here we are on the precipice of a new football season, with a brand new administration from top to bottom for the most part. Bobby Petrino is ready to start taking us to what we all hope is that next huge step in Hog football. That would be getting us back on the national scene on a regular basis. That could be viewed as something different by pretty much anyone, but here is what I think it means. I think we can realistically be a top 20 team on a consistent basis. I also think we can win an SEC Championship, which has never happened before. I think if we win an SEC Championship we will be in pretty good shape to play in the National Championship game, or a BCS game at the very least. That is the next level that we all want to be at, and I think we will be there sooner rather than later.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't think it's very likely that we will make it that far this season. Not at all. If you want to know what I think will happen this season, read my next post. But as for now, I think we are all ecstatic about what these changes have brought to the Hill, and what that means for the future of the Hog athletic program as a whole. I think we've got a very bright future in Hogland, and one we can all be very optimistic about. I know I am.
GO HOGS!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOIIIEEEEE!!!!
One being that legendary track coach, John McDonnell, has retired, and been replaced by Chris Bucknam from the University of Northern Iowa. I'm not much of a track and field guy, but everyone in Arkansas knows what McDonnell did here winning national championship after national championship, almost too many to count. Good luck to Bucknam trying to fill even one of McDonnell's shoes. They are rather large.
We've also had other rather large changes in the Athletic Department itself. One being that the men's and women's programs have merged and are now one happy family. Not that the changes have really been so obvious. Except for the fact that the Lady Backs are no longer to be called that, but the Razorback Women instead. Whoopie. I have seen a few journalists, and people that call themselves journalists (Wally Hall)make a big deal about this, but really, in the big scheme of things, it's not. Just more political correctness I guess. It doesn't really bother me, in fact I'm kind of indifferent to the whole idea. But hey, if it helps the program as a whole, I'm all for it.
There have been a few other changes, but probably the biggest, most recent change has been the transition in the chancellor's office. This one happened very quietly, with very little fanfare across the state. John White was replaced by G. David Gearhart on July 1. He is of the opinion that the chancellor's job is not to run the athletic department, but to hire really good people to do so, and let them do their job. This is great news after what we were put through the last several years with White at the helm. I won't rehash that, but everyone knows that White tended to meddle with things in the athletic department. And we saw how that turned out. It wasn't pretty.
So we've made it through all of that and more and here we are on the precipice of a new football season, with a brand new administration from top to bottom for the most part. Bobby Petrino is ready to start taking us to what we all hope is that next huge step in Hog football. That would be getting us back on the national scene on a regular basis. That could be viewed as something different by pretty much anyone, but here is what I think it means. I think we can realistically be a top 20 team on a consistent basis. I also think we can win an SEC Championship, which has never happened before. I think if we win an SEC Championship we will be in pretty good shape to play in the National Championship game, or a BCS game at the very least. That is the next level that we all want to be at, and I think we will be there sooner rather than later.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't think it's very likely that we will make it that far this season. Not at all. If you want to know what I think will happen this season, read my next post. But as for now, I think we are all ecstatic about what these changes have brought to the Hill, and what that means for the future of the Hog athletic program as a whole. I think we've got a very bright future in Hogland, and one we can all be very optimistic about. I know I am.
GO HOGS!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOIIIEEEEE!!!!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
CHANGE IS GOOD
Ah, the winds of change are in the air. Whether it's politics or the sports world, change is what it's all about today. At least in the Hog sports world. In the last year there has been a lot of change on the Hill. Maybe change is too small of a word, upheaval may be a better term to use. Either way there is no denying that the winds of change have been as strong as the many tornadoes that came through our state this last Tuesday. Let's review this past year a bit and you'll see just what I mean, if you don't already, and then you can decide if these changes are for the good, or not.
Well the first change, or at least the first announcement of change to come, was of course our long tenured "King of the Hill" Frank Broyles announcing his retirement back in February. This is easily the biggest change on the Hill since, well, probably ever. He was much larger than the program itself, most believed. He was probably the most recognized man in the state, moreso than the governor, and probably the most revered man as well. Of course that's not to say he didn't have his detractors as well, there were many of them as well. His announcement was unbeknownst to us all at the time, only the beginning of much change to come on the Hill.
The second change that was to come turned out to be on the basketball court. Stan Heath was fired a little more than a month after Frank had made his announcement. This came after a tumultuous season of basketball that brought more wins but fewer butts in the seats and an ending that left all desiring a little big more. Apathy had set in as could be seen in the dwindling numbers at Bud Walton Arena and in the lack of interest in our own once proud state. Of course we all know the soap opera that went on over the next few weeks as Frank tried to get his man and failed, and then we thought we had our man and he left the next day. They ended up hiring a head hunting firm and got our man John Pelphrey, and well, the rest so far is history. To this point he has impressed many, and has gotten the Hogs into a tie for first place in the SEC West and has started with the best SEC record that we've seen in 10 years. I'd definitely say this change was for the better.........So far. We'll see how things go in the NCAA Tournament as that will be how many judge him; comparing him with his predecessor.
The next change was probably seen coming better than the others, even though it was a long time in the making. One that was surrounded by a constant drama that even the greatest screenwriters couldn't make up. It had scandal, intrigue, lies, textual relations, obsessed lesbian boosters, scathing emails to a superstar QB, incensed fans searching for the truth, and so much more. It precipitated the aforementioned resigning of Frank Broyles and the future resignation of one John White, the chancellor of the University of Arkansas. But first it would take out the main character of this drama, Houston Nutt. Yes two days after beating the LSU Tigers, the number one team in the nation, Houston Nutt had the "golden handcuffs" taken off and he "resigned". Don't laugh, that's how they portrayed it. But we all know what happened. He did get a nice package deal and was on his way to Ole Miss........The very next day.
Well we all know that once again the search for a replacement went awry, more than a few times. We thought we had our new head coach on a few occasions, first it was Tommy Tuberville, then it was Tommy Bowden, then it was Jim Grobe, then it........Well you get the picture. By this time our athletic director in name was nowhere to be found, and the new man on the Hill, Jeff Long, was doing the directing. He was only a consultant to John White or so we were told, but really for all practical purposes, he was the new AD, if not in an official capacity, it was known when we finally found our new head coach, Bobby Petrino. All you have to do is watch the press conference below to see how much of a presence Broyles was in the hiring of our new head coach. He wasn't even there. So we really have Jeff Long to thank for the great hire. It was iffy to say the least for a few crazy weeks there, but in the end I think we will all be pleased.
Most if not all Hog fans thought the change ended there. What more could be done? We had our new AD who so far had done a tremendous job in the little time that he had been on the job, you had Petrino come on the scene and jump right into recruiting, you had a new basketball coach. Truly it was a topsy-turvy time to say the least. But one more change was/is coming. John White the person that really has been one of the most controversial people in the midst of all of this change, has also "decided" to step down. Effective June 30th, his tenure as the UA's Chancellor will be over. The man that once tried to take down Frank Broyles, and failed, and then finally got the job done this last year, will be taken down with him. Yes he has put a face on his resignation, as a family decision, but so was Frank's. Even though he said he'd be around as long as he was able. John White has stayed long past his welcome, and his nosiness in the athletic department leaves me with a feeling of joy as he rounds out his time here. I will not miss him whatsoever. His replacement would do well to keep his nose in the world of academia and leave the athletic directing to Long. That was what he was hired for and now maybe he'll be left alone to do his job in peace. The landscape on the Hill has changed dramatically in just a short time. We won't know exactly how these changes will turn out as far as if they are good long term changes, but in the short term they have been awesome.
Like I said earlier the basketball team is doing great, the football recruiting season just ended with the Hogs having the best class, on paper, that we've had in a long time. Of course I don't buy into all of the ratings. We won't know how good this class is for at least 2 or 3 years and probably longer. But the job that Petrino did under the circumstances that he had to deal with makes this highly rated class that much more impressive. And it proves to me that much more the great job that Long has done, and makes me think that Long was the right decision. The decision to make him the man to lead us to the next level was probably the biggest change and the best so far and certainly that won't be the last change that will be made. But it will be the most meaningful as we go further into this still young 21st century.
Hog Nation has survived this tumultuous time and thrived despite this change all coming in such a short time. Most, if asked, would say that this much change would probably mean a program was in disarray. Well I'd agree with that, it was and has been for some time. But it has done what was necessary and cut out the cancer, and the healing has begun. Faster than some would have thought. And now it is time for Razorback Nation to move on and enjoy the change that has taken place and the fruits of said change. I know I am. Will you join me?
Well the first change, or at least the first announcement of change to come, was of course our long tenured "King of the Hill" Frank Broyles announcing his retirement back in February. This is easily the biggest change on the Hill since, well, probably ever. He was much larger than the program itself, most believed. He was probably the most recognized man in the state, moreso than the governor, and probably the most revered man as well. Of course that's not to say he didn't have his detractors as well, there were many of them as well. His announcement was unbeknownst to us all at the time, only the beginning of much change to come on the Hill.
The second change that was to come turned out to be on the basketball court. Stan Heath was fired a little more than a month after Frank had made his announcement. This came after a tumultuous season of basketball that brought more wins but fewer butts in the seats and an ending that left all desiring a little big more. Apathy had set in as could be seen in the dwindling numbers at Bud Walton Arena and in the lack of interest in our own once proud state. Of course we all know the soap opera that went on over the next few weeks as Frank tried to get his man and failed, and then we thought we had our man and he left the next day. They ended up hiring a head hunting firm and got our man John Pelphrey, and well, the rest so far is history. To this point he has impressed many, and has gotten the Hogs into a tie for first place in the SEC West and has started with the best SEC record that we've seen in 10 years. I'd definitely say this change was for the better.........So far. We'll see how things go in the NCAA Tournament as that will be how many judge him; comparing him with his predecessor.
The next change was probably seen coming better than the others, even though it was a long time in the making. One that was surrounded by a constant drama that even the greatest screenwriters couldn't make up. It had scandal, intrigue, lies, textual relations, obsessed lesbian boosters, scathing emails to a superstar QB, incensed fans searching for the truth, and so much more. It precipitated the aforementioned resigning of Frank Broyles and the future resignation of one John White, the chancellor of the University of Arkansas. But first it would take out the main character of this drama, Houston Nutt. Yes two days after beating the LSU Tigers, the number one team in the nation, Houston Nutt had the "golden handcuffs" taken off and he "resigned". Don't laugh, that's how they portrayed it. But we all know what happened. He did get a nice package deal and was on his way to Ole Miss........The very next day.
Well we all know that once again the search for a replacement went awry, more than a few times. We thought we had our new head coach on a few occasions, first it was Tommy Tuberville, then it was Tommy Bowden, then it was Jim Grobe, then it........Well you get the picture. By this time our athletic director in name was nowhere to be found, and the new man on the Hill, Jeff Long, was doing the directing. He was only a consultant to John White or so we were told, but really for all practical purposes, he was the new AD, if not in an official capacity, it was known when we finally found our new head coach, Bobby Petrino. All you have to do is watch the press conference below to see how much of a presence Broyles was in the hiring of our new head coach. He wasn't even there. So we really have Jeff Long to thank for the great hire. It was iffy to say the least for a few crazy weeks there, but in the end I think we will all be pleased.
Most if not all Hog fans thought the change ended there. What more could be done? We had our new AD who so far had done a tremendous job in the little time that he had been on the job, you had Petrino come on the scene and jump right into recruiting, you had a new basketball coach. Truly it was a topsy-turvy time to say the least. But one more change was/is coming. John White the person that really has been one of the most controversial people in the midst of all of this change, has also "decided" to step down. Effective June 30th, his tenure as the UA's Chancellor will be over. The man that once tried to take down Frank Broyles, and failed, and then finally got the job done this last year, will be taken down with him. Yes he has put a face on his resignation, as a family decision, but so was Frank's. Even though he said he'd be around as long as he was able. John White has stayed long past his welcome, and his nosiness in the athletic department leaves me with a feeling of joy as he rounds out his time here. I will not miss him whatsoever. His replacement would do well to keep his nose in the world of academia and leave the athletic directing to Long. That was what he was hired for and now maybe he'll be left alone to do his job in peace. The landscape on the Hill has changed dramatically in just a short time. We won't know exactly how these changes will turn out as far as if they are good long term changes, but in the short term they have been awesome.
Like I said earlier the basketball team is doing great, the football recruiting season just ended with the Hogs having the best class, on paper, that we've had in a long time. Of course I don't buy into all of the ratings. We won't know how good this class is for at least 2 or 3 years and probably longer. But the job that Petrino did under the circumstances that he had to deal with makes this highly rated class that much more impressive. And it proves to me that much more the great job that Long has done, and makes me think that Long was the right decision. The decision to make him the man to lead us to the next level was probably the biggest change and the best so far and certainly that won't be the last change that will be made. But it will be the most meaningful as we go further into this still young 21st century.
Hog Nation has survived this tumultuous time and thrived despite this change all coming in such a short time. Most, if asked, would say that this much change would probably mean a program was in disarray. Well I'd agree with that, it was and has been for some time. But it has done what was necessary and cut out the cancer, and the healing has begun. Faster than some would have thought. And now it is time for Razorback Nation to move on and enjoy the change that has taken place and the fruits of said change. I know I am. Will you join me?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
NOPE, IT WASN'T A DREAM!!! WOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOOIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!
Bobby Petrino was named the 30th head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Here are a few of the clips of thefrom the press conference from last night.
CLIP 1
CLIP 2
CLIP 1
CLIP 2
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Hallelujah, We Have Our Coach.......Maybe
I don't want to jinx it with the happenings of the past few weeks on the Hill, but it looks like we finally have our man. And a great one in that. Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons resigned his position today in order to take the head coaching job of our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks. He is best known for the job he did at a school more known for it's basketball, Louisville, going 41-9 in four years there. He parlayed the job he did there into an NFL gig with the Michael Vick led Falcons, at least at the time. Of course most of you know that it wasn't long before things started to fall apart in Atlanta, with Vick being sent up the river due to being a dog murderer of sorts. But enough about that. Petrino is a great hire in my opinion. He's a great recruiter and runs a wide open offense, something that most Hog fans have been yearning for since......Well.....Since forever. We've seen a hint of one from time to time, but never on a consistent basis. Petrino is known as an innovative offensive mind and has a knack for turning weak college offenses into strong ones in very little time on the job. One thing that will be just as important will be hiring a good defensive coordinator that can get the job done in the SEC. We already have one in Herring, but we are not sure yet if he will be retained or anyone else for that matter. That will come out in due time. But as for right now it's time to celebrate.......We hope. We've seen this happen before and it turned into one more nightmare, but tonight it looks like this is a done deal with little to no fear of an Altman or a Grobing or a Bowden, happening once again. Hopefully all Hog fans can be rest assured that Petrino will be the coach in the morning and will be for a long time after that. At least as long as he wants to be here, which I for one think it will be awhile. We'll see.
GO HOGS!!!!!!!
GO HOGS!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Finally A Bit Of Good News
No, we don't have a new head coach yet. But we do have some Hogs that have been reaping some huge national awards. Tonight pretty much every major individual award was given out, except the biggest one of all, the Heisman Trophy, which will be given out Saturday night on ESPN. Here's a rundown of the awards given out tonight to the Hog players and one very special award that was given to the outgoing athletic director, Frank Broyles.
Darren McFadden started out the night before the awards show on ESPN started, receiving the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Why it wasn't on the show I have no idea. (Tebow won the Maxwell Player of the Award on the show.) Darren also became only the second player to win the Doak Walker Award, for best running back in the nation, for the second time. The only other player to do so was Ricky "blunt" Williams of the Texass Longhorns (Hock a big one). Darren also was named to the Walter Camp All-American Team. It was a historical night for him as well as the Hogs.
Darren wasn't the only one that received national attention. His running mate for the last 3 years in the Hog backfield, Felix Jones, was also named to the Walter Camp All American Team as a Special Teams player. Way to go Felix, you deserve it.
Jonathan Luigs was also named to the Walter Camp All American Team as the Center. He also won the Rimington Award which goes to the nation's top Center. It was a huge night for Hog players. Way to go guys.
And the fun wasn't just be had by the players. Athletic Director of 50 years, Frank Broyles was given the Contributions to College Football award from the National College Football Awards Association. Jerry Jones was on hand to introduce Broyles to the crowd. It was a great tribute to a great man that has done so much for the University of Arkansas as well as given his attention to another cause, Alzheimer's research. Even though you may have issues with the man whether it's for some not so wise decisions, or some mishandled hirings and firings, you have to give the man his due. He has done more for the UA athletic program than any other person in Hog history. He is a legend.
Well it was a great night despite all of the drama surrounding the program with the coaching search. All is quiet on that front, but that is sure to change in the next twenty-four hours. We'll keep you up to date on that and any other big Hog news when it breaks.
GO HOGS!!!!!
Darren McFadden started out the night before the awards show on ESPN started, receiving the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Why it wasn't on the show I have no idea. (Tebow won the Maxwell Player of the Award on the show.) Darren also became only the second player to win the Doak Walker Award, for best running back in the nation, for the second time. The only other player to do so was Ricky "blunt" Williams of the Texass Longhorns (Hock a big one). Darren also was named to the Walter Camp All-American Team. It was a historical night for him as well as the Hogs.
Darren wasn't the only one that received national attention. His running mate for the last 3 years in the Hog backfield, Felix Jones, was also named to the Walter Camp All American Team as a Special Teams player. Way to go Felix, you deserve it.
Jonathan Luigs was also named to the Walter Camp All American Team as the Center. He also won the Rimington Award which goes to the nation's top Center. It was a huge night for Hog players. Way to go guys.
And the fun wasn't just be had by the players. Athletic Director of 50 years, Frank Broyles was given the Contributions to College Football award from the National College Football Awards Association. Jerry Jones was on hand to introduce Broyles to the crowd. It was a great tribute to a great man that has done so much for the University of Arkansas as well as given his attention to another cause, Alzheimer's research. Even though you may have issues with the man whether it's for some not so wise decisions, or some mishandled hirings and firings, you have to give the man his due. He has done more for the UA athletic program than any other person in Hog history. He is a legend.
Well it was a great night despite all of the drama surrounding the program with the coaching search. All is quiet on that front, but that is sure to change in the next twenty-four hours. We'll keep you up to date on that and any other big Hog news when it breaks.
GO HOGS!!!!!
Spurned Again
Well, so much for having patience. Our search for a Hog football head coach was thought to be over once again last night as reports of a "done deal" were being posted all over the news media. Jim Grobe was the pick of the moment, but it only lasted a few hours. Apparently he got a better offer from his current employer, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Hmmm, sound familiar? Yep this is the third coach to parlay his possible move into a sweeter deal at their current job. Thanks a lot Grobe.
And an even bigger thanks to our wonderful leaders on the Hill for doing such a great job of making the UA look like the biggest joke in the nation. Especially one John White. He has bungled one more hiring than he should have been allowed to after the whole Dana Altman situation. This is the most pathetic display of "leadership" that I have seen since Jim Jones led the People's Temple to mass suicide. If we let John White continue to "lead" us, we may see the same thing with disgruntled Hog fans. At the very least it may just be a program's suicide to allow him to keep running it into the ground. So much for being patient. John White, please leave and take your "leadership" skills with you.
GO HOGS!!!!! GO JOHN WHITE........Way the hell away from here!!!!!
And an even bigger thanks to our wonderful leaders on the Hill for doing such a great job of making the UA look like the biggest joke in the nation. Especially one John White. He has bungled one more hiring than he should have been allowed to after the whole Dana Altman situation. This is the most pathetic display of "leadership" that I have seen since Jim Jones led the People's Temple to mass suicide. If we let John White continue to "lead" us, we may see the same thing with disgruntled Hog fans. At the very least it may just be a program's suicide to allow him to keep running it into the ground. So much for being patient. John White, please leave and take your "leadership" skills with you.
GO HOGS!!!!! GO JOHN WHITE........Way the hell away from here!!!!!
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