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BlogHawgs Razorback Rewind–Mississippi State Game

Posted by Adam Butler on November 21, 2011

I should start by saying I am hesitant to even publish this post.

Less than 24 hours after Arkansas whipped Mississippi State 44-17 at War Memorial Stadium Saturday in Little Rock to move to 10-1 on the season, Arkansas redshirt freshman tight end Garrett Uekman died in his dorm room in Fayetteville.

So, an already trivial exercise seems even more so at this point. For that reason, I am going to keep things short and bittersweet this week.

I expect that we will have wall-to-wall bloggage of Friday’s matchup between the #1 (LSU) and #3 (Arkansas) teams in the BCS standings which, despite only differing by one number, is not likely to receive even a scintilla of national coverage compared to that which was heaped on the November 5th game between LSU and Alabama.

The LSU/Arkansas tilt in Red Stick may not be this year’s Game of the Century, or even Game of the Month, but for Arkansas fans born after 1969, it is the game of our lifetime.

We will obsess, accordingly, soon, but at this typing are saddened by the loss of such a young, bright member of the Razorback family.

What We Saw:

Just like last year, Arkansas is playing its best football in November. UA quarterback Tyler Wilson had one uncharacteristically awful decision, which led to a sack, fumble and long, temporary hope-inducing fumble return by Mississippi State defensive lineman Fletcher Cox, but he was otherwise very good. Wilson set a school single-game school record for completions (32), and showed off an emerging offensive toy–tight end Chris Gragg.

We also (again) saw what we already knew. Arkansas’ much-maligned defense is actually fairly solid if it has most of its playmakers. Razorback defensive end Jake Bequette added 2 more sacks to his season total, giving him 6 in the last 3 weeks and placing him 3rd in the SEC for the season with 8 sacks despite missing essentially 4 games and being slowed in a few others upon his return. He is in flat out Beast Mode.

But Bequette is not the only Razorback defender who is playing at that level. Arkansas defensive tackle Byran Jones has 40 tackles, a very good number for an interior lineman, and has been an anchor in Willy Robinson’s gap control scheme.

And, after getting pushed around by Alabama’s defense early in the season, Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin has logged the best campaign of his stellar career, as he is on pace to set a personal record for tackles in a season while becoming the first Razorback to lead the team in tackles in 4 consecutive seasons.

Those three played very well Saturday and, with help from plenty of their friends, held Mississippi State to just 211 total yards (with 66 of those coming in under 4 minutes left in the game garbage time against several Razorback backups).

With the effort, the often-criticized Razorback defense is 6th in the SEC in scoring defense–a respectable number considering the Arkansas offense scores often and quickly, giving opposing offenses more opprtunities, and 2 of the best defenses in recent college football history (Alabama and LSU) are atop the league charts.

What We Didn’t See:

Arkansas had every opportunity to look ahead to Friday’s Battle For The Boot A Likely Spot in the BCS Championship Game and didn’t.

Instead, unlike Oklahoma State (um, Iowa State? Really? With their preseason 4th-string QB?), Oklahoma (a pretender as we have been saying since the Sooners’ INEXPLICABLE loss at home to 30-point underdog Texas Tech) and Oregon (yes, the Ducks have played a tough schedule, and ESP*I*N LOVES them and their 1,072 different uniform combinations, but remind me, again, how is it that Arkansas’ 38-14 loss at Bama was a dream-ender per some, but Oregon’s 40-27 loss to LSU on a neutral field–that was set to be a 40-20 punking until the Ducks scored a meaningless TD with :13 left in the game–was not going to keep them out of a 2nd straight BCS Championship Game appearance until they gagged at home against USCSW Saturday?) the Hogs handled their business.

(Oh, speaking of Oregon and OU….how is it that some of the pundits that incessantly complain about the lack of  a playoff system in the college football rationalize away regular season losses in order to pump up teams that they subjectively feel are the better? How is that “settling it on the field”?)

Also, we should note that the game atmosphere at Arkansas’ home stadiums has been very good all year and Saturday was no exception. I have routinely begged the UA to come into the 21st Century in terms of the gameday atmosphere, and this year it has.

Cutting down the number of ads, mixing in recorded, situationally appropriate music, etc. has added to the experience and helped give Arkansas more a homefield advanatage. War Memorial Stadium even has decent cell service on gamedays (the 10,000 fewer fans in the stadium might seem to explain that but for the additional 20 or 30 thousand that congregateget blitzed around the WMS golf course during the game). Maybe one day Reynolds Razorback Stadium will have gameday cell service, too.

What You May Not Have Seen:

Lined up on the left side of the offensive line, tight end Garrett Uekman blocked for Wilson on his 2-yard, 3rd-quarter touchdown pass to Gragg.

What We Hope to See Next Week:

Isn’t it time that the good guys finally win the big one? We’ve been outdueled in the Big Shootout, tripped up by Storner’s Stumble and Filleted by Fish. Long-suffering Hog fans can only hope now is our time.

In the meantime, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Garrett Uekman.

 

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , | 5 Comments »

BlogHawgs Twitter Style College Football Weekend Preview–11/19/11

Posted by Adam Butler on November 18, 2011

Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I still don’t have a Twitter account.

I do, however, have an internationally renowned Twitter Style College Football Weekend Preview. And, thanks to Arkansas Wide Receiver Cobi Hamilton, BlogHawgs now has Re-Tweet Cred. What’s next? A Faux Hawk? Skinny Jeans? An over-inflated sense of self? Only time will tell.

Unfortunately, 11 glorious weekends of college football are in the books, so we don’t have much time left to make spiteful, snarky comments about pretty much every major college football program. Rest assured, though–I am as ready today to bring smarmy fake Tweets as I was on Day 1 of the season.

The only rules for the BlogHawgs Twitter Style CFB Weekend preview are that the fake user names can’t be longer than 15 characters (but may or may not be registered, already), Tweets cannot exceed 140 characters, and I have to end each tweet with a smartazz (that’s for fellow BlogHawg, BK–he LOVES Zs in place of Ss) hash tag. Here we go:

Oklahoma State at Iowa State: @bweeeden’89: I’m glad this one is on Friday night. I’m chaperoning my daughter’s high school homecoming dance, Saturday. #OldHeisMan

Wisconsin at Illinois: @weRzooked: Even Ron Zook’s postgame rants are boring and ineffective. #mr.february

Kentucky at Georgia: @RichtgrrrScale: From the Hot Seat to Hotlanta. #noeasyoutintheSECCG

Vanderbilt at Tennessee: @Vandymania: The ‘Dores are 1-27 against UT since ’82, but Vandy is a road favorite. Dooley noted. #betweenaRockyTopandahardplace

Texas Tech at Missouri: @nO,U: Tech is so bad Mizzou Coach Gary Pinkel played Quarters Wednesday instead of scripting the first quarter. #whatsyourexcuseOU?

Kansas at Texas A&M: @SmokedSherman: How many Aggies does it take to screw up a preseason Top 10 team? Don’t answer that. #SECusoon

LSU at Mississippi: @WeToldUSo: This season has finally provided the proverbial pound of The Mississippi Coach’s flesh. #passthefavabeansandchianti

California at Stanford: @ALuck12: It seemed like the band was on the field last  week. #Indyisniceinthesummer

Nebraska at Michigan: @Maize&Boo: 2 All-Nickname Team QBs with All-Sunbelt Conference talent. #theforwardpassisimportantforaQB

Penn St. at Ohio St.: @ShameGame: Remember when this game mattered? #stillangry

Kansas St. at Texas: @MackAttack: Is it too early to fire a bunch of assistant coaches, again? #3envelopes 

Boston College at Notre Dame: @DomerHomer: At 7-3, we’re guaranteed a BCS Bowl, right? #Win8forTheGipper

SMU at Houston: @MakinthaCase: 17, 537 passing yards & 144 TDs. Imagine the #s he would have if he played in the Big 12! #afriendlyreminderthatOUlostto30ptdogTTechinNorman

USC at Oregon: @Ilikeursweater:  *Holding Nose* Fight On!  #OllyOllyAutzenFree

Boise St. at San Diego St.: @Nov.Reign: What? Boise choked even though it (per the usual) only had 2 competitve games all season? It must be November. #goaway

Mississippi St. at Arkansas: @RockCityHam: Cobi Hamilton 14 Mississippi State 10 #MayorofMarkham

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

Senior Moments–A Salute to the 2011 Arkansas Razorbacks Senior Class

Posted by Adam Butler on November 17, 2011

Thank You.

That’s what I really want to say to this year’s group of remarkable Arkansas Razorback seniors–all 17 of you.

You may think you understand the impact you have had on Arkansas Razorbacks football history and the collective psyche of our great state, but you don’t–you can’t. You are young, impressive adults to be sure, but, in your early 20s, your historical perspective is likely about as long as the life span of the latest version of Playstation.

You have yet to be attacked by random, pesky gray hairs coming out of your ears or slowed by cracking knees worthy of a Rice Krispies (Snap, Crackle, Pop) commercial. Trust me, that day will come.

Forty years from now when a stranger in a Razorbacks cap comes up to you at your grandson’s high school football game and tells you exactly where he was when you and your teammates thumped LSU in Little Rock to earn the school’s first BCS Bowl appearance, you may then be able to fully appreciate your place in Razorbacks history. Make no mistake–you have carved out a special place in that history.

While we should be ever-mindful of the need for perspective–especially in light of the Penn St. tragedy–we also should feel no need to apologize for taking pride in your athletic accomplishments or the fact that the way we identify ourselves–as Razorbacks–does matter to us.

By now you well know that as denizens of Razorback Nation, we are all united, in a way by the program and the University–ties that bind Arkansans—from Texarkana to Paragould, from the Big Apple to the San Francisco Bay.

The Razorbacks have long been a source of pride for an inferiority complex-saddled citizenry that has bristled at its shabby national image.We revel in your athletic exploits and are pained when you come up short.

We mark the passage of time by Street to Peschell, the Stoerner Stumble, The Miracle on Markham, and, hopefully, upcoming triumphs in Atlanta and New Orleans.

We rise in unison at the drop of a hat to deliver a boisterous cheer that is equal parts stereotype enforcing and, when done right, awe-inspiring. There’s no shame in any of those things.

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A cynic will, somewhat correctly, chide these as syrupy sweet musings about games that, again, in the grand scheme of things don’t move the dial. That’s fine. I get that.

But for a moment, let us unapologetically divert our attention away from the sometimes stark, brutal truths of everyday life. For some people, that diversion is a fine wine or film noir. For me, it’s well-designed play on 4th and 4.

It’s an escape that has been an enjoyable one for a few seasons, largely due to this year’s Razorback seniors who have helped shape the Arkansas football program for the last four years, and seemingly for years to come.

It is a group of seniors that arrived on campus and cast its lot with a program not far removed from being in total disarray and leaves having established the same as a nationally relevant Top 10 program–something that it has not been in decades.

It wasn’t easy. As freshmen, these seniors were learning a new system and were toyed with and embarrassed in a 3-week stretch that saw the Razorbacks lose by a combined score of 139-34 in successive losses to Alabama, Texas and Florida.

Now, in 2011, they are in the midst of a 24-5 streak and with 9 wins in 2011 have just 2 less victories than college football bluebloods Texas and Florida combined.

The seniors have overcome strokes, broken necks, torn knee ligaments (in record rehab time) broken bones, the death of loved ones, and highway robbery. They have also confounded The Hat, and, but for an errant kicker might be 3-0 against mighty LSU. And, while they still have work to do, they are on the verge of completing one of the best 2-season showings in school history.

With just one more win, Arkansas will have 20 wins in a 2-year span for only the 5th time in program history, back-to-back 10-win seasons for only the 3rd time in program history and 2 of the twelve 10-win seasons in Arkansas’ 117-year program history.

So, as Arkansas’ seniors prepare for their last home game Saturday before what will undoubtedly be a raucous crowd in and around Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium, (hopefully to be followed by the opportunity of a football career–the chance to win in Baton Rouge against the unanimous #1 team in America in a showdown of BCS Top 5 teams) let us do what they can’t afford to do.

Join me in taking pause, reflecting and giving a tip of the cap to Arkansas’ group of 17 seniors who have put the “W”s back in “Woo, Pig Sooie!”. They’ve earned it.

 

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Posted in Commentary | Tagged: , , , | 14 Comments »

BlogHawgs Heisman 5+1–11/16/11

Posted by Adam Butler on November 16, 2011

Special to BlogHawgs by Kris Boyd

Wanna know who would be high on this list had he been able to beat Oklahoma State–Kansas State Quarterback Collin Klein.  The +1 loves Klein.  He is a one-man show; however, his erratic arm still keeps him out of the +1 (+2?). 

Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden squeaks by Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck as the two-man race for the golden trophy sprints on.  Alabama runningback Trent Richardson is scraping for yards, Houston quarterback Case Keenum is doing what he does best, and Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon is the best WR in college football. And,  the +1 welcomes back Oregon runningback LaMichael James.   

1.  Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Weeden was outstanding against a terrible defense.  However, he did what his Oklahoman counterpart could not do; lead his team to a victory over a severe underdog–Texas Tech. 

3,635 yards, 31 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 73.1 % completion rate, 10-0 record

2.  Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford:  Is it Andrew Luck’s fault that his defense did not show up Saturday night?  No, it is not.  But is still his job to lead his team to victory.  Luck was not crisp (fifth worst completion rate in his career) against an Oregon defense that was not known for clamping down on opposing foes.  The late interception was not his fault, but the earlier turnovers were.

2,680 yards, 29 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 70.6 % completion rate, 9-1 record 

3.  Case Keenum, QB, Houston: Yes, the +1 realizes that Houston has not really played anyone, but that is why Case is #3 and not #1.

3,951 yards, 37 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 74.2 % completion rate, 10-0 record

4.  Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State : Blackmon was not needed and played sparingly in a blowout win over Texas Tech.  Blackmon had six receptions which were his low for the season. Blackmon is the best wide receiver in the country and deserves an invite to New York City.

1,142 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12.3 yards per catch, 10-0 record

5.  LaMichael James, RB, Oregon:  The Texarkana (the Texas side, but when is someone going to do a piece about all the talent that has come out of the Texarkanansans during this four year stretch?) native destroyed a Stanford defense that was supposed to be good against the run.  James missed almost three full weeks with an injury, but has played like he hasn’t missed any time.

1,207 yards, 12 touchdowns, 7.9 yards per carry, 9-1 record

+1.  Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama:  Richardson averaged almost 2 full yards less per carry for the second time in two weeks.  We’ll give him a pass against LSU, but Mississippi State bottled Trent up most of the night.  The Bulldogs are good against the run, but aren’t big time players supposed to really step up in big games when you need them?  Trent ran for over 100 yards but it took 32 carries to get there.

1,205 yards, 18 touchdowns, 5.9 yards per carry, 9-1 record

+2.  Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas:  Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m a homer, whatever.  Joe needs to be mentioned.  He is the most electrifying player in college football.  Just take a look at Joe’s numbers this year.

568 receiving yards, 13.2 yards per catch, 2 receiving touchdowns, 9-1 record

138 rushing yards, 15.3 yards per carry, 1 rushing touchdown

250 punt return yards, 17.8 yards per punt return, 3 punt returns for touchdowns

For comparison, let’s take a look at the last two Heisman winners that were wide receivers and their stats for the entire year:

Tim Brown, WR, Notre Dame-1987

846 receiving yards, 21.7 yards per reception, 3 receiving touchdowns

144 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 1 rushing touchdown

401 punt return yards, 11.8 yards per punt return, 3 punt returns for touchdowns

Desmond Howard, WR, Michigan-1991

985 receiving yards, 15.9 yards per reception, 19 receiving touchdowns

180 rushing yards, 13.8 yards per carry, 2 rushing touchdowns

282 punt return yards, 15.7 yards per punt return, 1 punt return for touchdown

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

BlogHawgs Weekly Stat Geek Newsletter

Posted by Adam Butler on November 15, 2011

By BlogHawgs Stat Front Man Brian Rogers

With the Arkansas defense showing steady improvement the past two weeks (we know, we know–the Hogs weren’t playing powerhouse offenses like Oregon, Houston, orAuburn Oklahoma St.), let’s take a step back and focus on that side of the ball.

There is a mass perception out there that this defense has backslid from the improvement made last year. In looking at where this defense stands relative to the country, it seems perception and reality are not the same.

When looking at points per game allowed and rank, keep in mind the number of games missed by key (All-SEC) contributors.

 

NCAA Rank

Pts/Gm

2011

30

21.5

2010

45

22.8

2009

62

25.8

 

We don’t know  care where Arkansas ranks in terms of yards per game because a wise man once told me: “It’s not a Yardboard! It’s a Scoreboard!”

Individually, last Saturday night could not have gone better for a group of seniors that will live in Razorback lore. While they may not have the rings like Hatfield, Johnson, Marshall, or Phillips, they have led this Arkansas from being program in disarray with the transition of a  coaching change into national top 10 relevance the program has not seen in decades, all the while stamping their names all over the UA history books.

With the Mainstream Media co-oping the BlogHawgs Weekly Stat Geek Newslettter last week, everyone now knows about the places in history held by Arkansas wide receivers Jarius Wright and Joe Adams.

So, we would like to use this space this week to shine the light on Arkansas’ senior defensive stalwarts.

On the defensive front, which is now seemingly 100% after dealing with early season injuries, Jake Bequette has regained his dominating form with 4 sacks in the past two weeks. The surge has moved Bequette  into 4th all-time on the UA sacks chart.

Rank  Player Sacks Diff.
1. Wayne Martin 25.5 6
2. Henry Ford 25.0 6
3. Steven Conley 21.0 2
4. Jake Bequette 19.5
5. Marcus Adair 19.0
6. Scott Long 18.0
7. Jamaal Anderson 17.5
8. Ray Lee Johnson 16.0

Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin also continues to climb the UA career tackles and tackles for loss list. Franklin seems destined to finish 2nd all time for tackles and somewhere in the top 10 in tackles for loss.

Rank Player Tackles Diff.
1. Tony Bua 408 45
2. Ken Hamlin 381 18
3. Sam Olajubutu 372 9
4. Caleb Miller 368 5
5. Cliff Powell 367 4
6. Jerry Franklin 363
7. Ronnie Caveness 357
8. Rickey Williams 343

 

Rank Player TFL Diff.
1. Billy Ray Smith, Jr. 63.0 31.5
2. Henry Ford 46.0 14.5
t3. Wayne Martin 37.0 5.5
t3. Jimmy Walker 37.0 5.5
t5. Malcolm Sheppard 36.0 4.5
t5. Caleb Miller 36.0 4.5
t5. Johnnie Meadors 36.0 4.5
8. Steven Conley 35.0 3.5
9. Jeb Huckeba 33.0 1.5
10. Jamaal Anderson 32.5 1
t11. Marcus Adair 32.0 0.5
t11. Dan Hampton 32.0 0.5
13. Jerry Franklin 31.5

 

Arkansas safety Tramain Thomas added a tally to his interception total against Tennessee. The pick moved him into a tie at 6th, 3 behind Steve Atwater. (Notice there are not a lot of recent names on this list.)

Rank Player Int Diff.
1. Steve Atwater 14 3
2. Gary Adams 13 2
t3. Orlando Watters 12 1
t3. Louis Campbell 12 1
t3. Tommy Trantham 12 1
t6. Tramain Thomas 11
t6. Anthoney Cooney 11
t8. Charles Washington 10
t8. George Walker 10
t8. Jim Rinehart 10
t8. Louis Schaufele 10

 

Finally, with the last Little Rock game of the year upon us this week with Mississippi State coming to town, we wanted to leave you with an interesting performance trend.

Arkansas wide receiver Cobi Hamilton may as well be known as the “Mayor of Markham Street”. Check out his career splits between games played at War Memorial Stadium and all other (home and away):

Rec Yards TD Games

Total
Little Rock 18 508 6 5
Other 58 874 5 31

Average
Little Rock 3.6 101.6 1.2
Other 1.9 28.2 0.2

 

Dan Mullen if you are reading this (and we would be shocked if there are any SEC coaches NOT reading Bloghawgs), triple team this guy. Number 3 and #4 are overrated, anyway.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

BlogHawgs Razorback Rewind–Tennessee Game

Posted by Adam Butler on November 14, 2011

WPS!

Ho-hum.

There was a time when the invasion of vomit hunter orange-clad Tennesseans into Fayetteville froze the Razorbacks like deer in Fat Phil Fulmer’s ample headlights.

Arkansas (9-1, 5-1), who had been 3-13 all-time versus Tennessee (3-6, 0-6), bucked that trend in a major way in a windy Reynolds Razorback Stadium Saturday night, as it shot down the Tennessee Volunteers 49-7 and sent 17 seniors off in style following their last on-campus home game of their college careers.

The Vols tried to mount some resistance early, but in the end, Arkansas was counting points and bagging records en route to a rout.

What We Saw:

Arkansas once again proved my new/old favorite adage: It’s not a Yardboard (or a Clockboard). It’s a Scoreboard.

Arkansas outgained Tennessee in total yards by a relatively modest margin of 499 to 376 and the Vols won the Time of Possession battle by a whopping 37:06 to 22:54.

It was enough, if you didn’t see the score (or you are whining Arkansas fan looking for a nit to pick) to make one think the game was close. It wasn’t.

Arkansas senior wide receivers Joe Adams (with a 60-yard, zigg-zagging, jaw-dropping punt return touchdown that was as dazzling of a play as you will ever see, and a 40-yard TD catch that wasn’t shabby) and Jarius Wright (the new University of Arkansas career reception leader with 154, thanks to a record-tying circus grab) were the headliners, stealing the spotlight from runningback Dennis Johnson, who continued his recent surge (11-97, 2 TDs, 4 catches, 43 yards).

Adam’s and Wright’s efforts were so eye-popping that they were #1 and #2 respectively on SportsCenter’s top plays of the weekend.

Arkansas’ defense continued to improve, too–thanks to its re-emerging defensive line and suddenly aware (when the ball is in the air) secondary.  Senior Defensive End Jake Bequette had another sack (his 4th in 2 weeks) and a forced fumble, fellow senior Tramain Thomas had a key goalline interception in the last minute of the first half and Byran Jones continued his steady, All-SEC caliber player in the interior defensive line.

What We Didn’t See:

–Arkansas wide receiver Marquel Wade missed his 2nd consecutive game. Wade was suspended for last week’s game against South Carolina due to a much-discussed flagrant personal foul on Vanderbilt’s Jonathan Krause. Wade missed this week’s game due to a seperate violation of team rules. This is not a good trend for Mr. Wade. Don’t make me sorry that I vehemently defended you.

What You May Not Have Seen:

–With just over 11 minutes left IN THE SECOND QUARTER and Arkansas leading 21-0, an orange clad pair of Tennessee fans beside me headed for the exits. Thanks for coming, guys.

–During the 2nd quarter, UA runningback Ronnie Wingo Jr. drew the ire of some very astute Hog fans behind me for getting crossed up and going the wrong direction on a running play. The only problem with that is that Wingo wasn’t on the field on that play and had nothing to do with the busted assignment.

–After one patch of uneven play for Arkansas Quarterback Tyler Wilson, UA Head Coach Bobby Petrino could be seen on the sidelines asking him, “How do you expect us to win this game if you don’t know how to do your *blanking*  job”?

That’s a tough critique of a guy who, on the season, is 211-342 (62%) for 2,850 passing yards and has 18 passing TDs, 4 rushing TDs, only 5 INT, and is on track to earn All-SEC honors.

Then again, there is a reason Petrino cranks out winning QBs like arguably no one else in college football–”zero tolerance” accountability.

–This is not a vintage Tennessee squad, and one is beginning to wonder if the Vols have slipped so far it will be tough for its unexplainably cocky (is it the legacy?) head coach to right the ship.

What We Hope to See Next Week:

At #6 in the BCS standings and with a road trip to unanimous #1 LSU left at the end of its schedule, Arkansas is a legitimate part of the BCS Championship discussion as we sit here on November 14, 2011.

Now, the Hogs need to win and get some help. Arkansas should whip Mississippi State Saturday in Little Rock. And, if the Hogs can get 1 more surprise involving a group that includes OU, Ok. State, Oregon and Alabama, the Razorbacks would have a decent shot to punch their ticket by winning out.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , | 16 Comments »

BlogHawgs Twitter Style College Football Weekend Preview–11/11/11 Edition

Posted by Adam Butler on November 11, 2011

It’s Week 11 and it’s 11/11/11. I’m no numerologist, but that MUST mean this is going to be a great weekend of college football, right?

It has already gotten off to a shaky start. I have been poised to join the rest of the World and actually sign up for a Twitter account, but alas, it appears my heaven-sent user(/band) name is already taken. (Why didn’t *I* think of that??)

But, like Eduardo Saverin, we soldier on. Our first BlogHawgs billion isn’t going to make itself.

The only rules for the BlogHawgs Twitter Style CFB Weekend preview are that the fake user names can’t be longer than 15 characters (but may or may not be registered, already), Tweets cannot exceed 140 characters, and I have to end each tweet with a smartazz (that’s for BK–he LOVES Zs in place of Ss) hash tag. Here we go:

Ohio State at Purdue: @freetatsroknow:  Can Urb dot the eye, tomorrow? #goodlucknthefutureluke

Michigan at Illinois: @slowurroll: ”That’s a Tight End right there, boys”. “Um, noooo, it’s a Wide Receiver.” #big10.3fortytime

Kentucky at Vandy: @winnintime: We hear you knockin’, Vandy. Open the Dore. #hogsstrengthofschedule

Wake Forest at Clemson: @clempsunfan: “Didn’t we almost have it all?” #notreally

Texas A&M at Kansas State: @gigmeintheeye: Sherman lost his effeminately named tank last week. Is his job, next? #itshouldbe

TCU at Boise State: @papasmurf: I’m so sick of Blue. #1gameseasons

Miami at Florida State: @iluvtha90s:  I would rather watch an alumni game. #nostalgia

Texas at Missouri: @byenotBye: I will be rooting for the program that wasn’t afraid to play with the big boys. #keepaustinweird

Nebraska at Penn State: @denial: Penn’s motto is “Virtue, Liberty, Independence.” May future PSU admins have 1. Sandusky none of 2., and the victims some form of 3.” #shame

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech: @HELP!: Will that Doege hunt? #PokethePokesbubble

Michigan State at Iowa: @fructose: Brought to you by: Corn. Seriously. #adspaceferentz

Tennessee at Arkansas: @arresteddev.: Hogs are 8-1, “But, I am still thirsty.” #thanksseniors!

Florida at South Carolina: @brianwilson(7:30): A Prick vs. The Cocks. #hogsshouldascored60

Washington at USC: @home4theholidays: Still smarting from Stanford Lucking out in The Coliseum. #thanksfornothinglane

Auburn at Georgia: @upsetalert: An easy (by SEC standards) schedule makes me wonder if the Dawgs’ bark is worse than their bite. #beatBoise

Oregon at Stanford: @elimination: The Quack is about to attack. #highliters

Alabama at Mississippi State: @cryinggame: Les always seems to have a suprise….taped down. #hoping4ahangover

La Tech at Mississippi: @wemissualready: We called that mid-season firing, brutha. #timbrandoluvsNutts

Notre Dame at Maryland: @traditionalunis: Ugly vs. Ugly. #myearlycollegedatingoptions

Western Kentucky at LSU: @walkthru: The Tigers could tailgate all day and beat the Hilltoppers–even if they didn’t take the field until the 3rd quarter. #we’llseeyain2weeks

 

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , | 3 Comments »

BlogHawgs Heisman 5+1–11/8/11

Posted by Adam Butler on November 8, 2011

Special to BlogHawgs by Kris Boyd

It comes down to three.  Trent Richardson was hurt because Alabama did not win THE GAME OF ALL-MANKIND even though he played as well as he could. 

It’s unfortunate, but true.  Andrew Luck and Brandon Weeden both play big games over the next several weeks.  The +1 feels that most Heisman voters have already filled out their ballot and mailed it in, but let me pose this question to you. 

If Luck and Weeden both lead their teams to undefeated seasons… If Luck’s stats pale in comparison to Weeden’s… If Oklahoma State played a way tougher schedule than Stanford… Why does Luck deserve the Trophy over Weeden?

Two games will now decide the Heisman:  Stanford/Oregon and Oklahoma/Oklahoma State.

1.  Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford  Another ho-hum game over another inferior opponent.  Luck didn’t set the world the world on fire, but Stanford did not need him to against Oregon State.  The +1 has no doubt Luck will destroy an awful Oregon defense this Saturday.

2.  Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State Weeden was dynamic Saturday night.  He continuously matched each Kansas State score with drives of his own.  Kansas State has a porous defense, but dropping 502 and 4 in an ultra-competitive game is worthy. 

3.  Trent Richardson, RB Alabama Richardson played about as well as a running back could play against a great LSU defense.  Trent was Alabama’s offense with 170 rushing and receiving yards. 

4.  Case Keenum, QB Houston Keenum again did what he supposed to do.  Beat a team you are supposed to beat and put up great stats while doing it.  On the year: 3,626 yards, 36 total TD’s, 3 Int.’s and a 74% completion rate.

5.  Landry Jones, QB, OU Jones was awful against probably the worst pass defense in the country. 

+1.  Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State Blackmon retains his title as “The Best WR in America (and Oklahoma)” with Broyles out for the year.  Big players step up in big games.  Justin brushed off a bad fumble and lit Kansas State up for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns when Okie State needed big drives and scores.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , , | 14 Comments »

Wanna Know Why I Hate Twitter? Fools Like Tim Brando

Posted by Adam Butler on November 8, 2011

The CBS College Football Studio Host and longtime Houston Nutt apologist and Hog hater must have been in his cups last nite.

That is the only thing I can think of to explain Tim Brando’s odd behavior on the internets. In the wake of the news that The Mississippi Coach will soon be no more, Brando spent most of yesterday on Twitter defending Nutt and painting Arkansas fans with a broad brush.

One might think that Brando would want to talk about anything but Nutt and Arkansas fans at this point. After Arkansas parted ways with Nutt following the 2007 season, Brando routinely railed on Arkansas fans for what he deemed to be their collective shabby treatment of Nutt, and essentially said they would rue the day they ran off The Mississippi Coach.

In so doing, he also made it a point to repeatedly, dismissively lecture Arkansas fans about how they had unrealistic expectations and Arkansas could do no better than Nutt (Will he say the same to Mississippi fans during their search? No way. Brando is chummy with Mississippi legend and Coach Maker Archie Manning).

Now, less than four years later with Arkansas (led by Bobby Petrino) pulling itself out of the ditch Nutt left it in and establishing a perennial Top Ten caliber program, Nutt has Mississippi back in the same ditch. (To Nutt’s next employer: Watch Out For Black Ice!)

And, Brando, unlike Nutt, is on the offensive and defending the man who has put Mississippi back in its comfort zone–last place (and waaaaay worse nationally than Mississippi’s traditional 50th spot……MISSISSIPPI FANS–DO IT NOW–OCCUPY FBS EXPANSION! Does the FBS really need 2 schools from New Mexico? It may take Mississippi math, but we can get you back down/up to 50th!!).

Yesterday, after the announcement of Nutt’s firing/resignation at Mississippi, Brando sent several shots over the bow, but this was the most ill-advised:

TimBrandoTim Brando

 
The sad side of our culture shows up when people take joy out of someone else’s bad news. No tweets or interviews for me in Arkansas again.
 Soon after seeing it, I predicted a forthcoming (forced) apology, but even though I suggested, tongue-in-cheek, that it would happen in a matter of minutes, I was surprised when it actually did:
 
TimBrandoTim Brando

 
Upon further review I shouldn’t have proclaimed no more tweets or interviews in Arkansas. A bit much, as my wife would remind me. Apologies.
So, the professional journalist who has, for years, derided an entire state for the reactionary moves of a segment of fans, is now apologizing for being…….reactionary? That’s rich.
 
Not unexpectedly, Brando will have TMC on his radio show, today, within the hour (10:30 a.m.). If it wasn’t so early, it might be a good time for an “Excuses Drinking Game”. They will be flowing. You can count on it.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , | 13 Comments »

Houston Nutt is Toast

Posted by Adam Butler on November 7, 2011

per ESPN SEC bloggers Chris Low and Edward Aschoff, who, citing multiple sources, say Mississippi will not retain The Mississippi Coach and will announce the decision at a 2 P.M. press conference.

The Over/Under on number of days it would take for The Mississippi Coach to crash and burn in Oxford was 1,440 (20 days shy of 4 years from the day he was hired).

Keep your betting tickets, because, amazingly, it was a push.

Man, that was fast–and expensive (TMC reportedly has a $6 million buyout).

Is this the part where we say “We told you so, Mississippi Rebel Black Bear fans.”?

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , | 17 Comments »

BlogHawgs Razorback Rewind–South Carolina Game

Posted by Adam Butler on November 7, 2011

WPS!

Saturday was a historic night at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. As the night wound down, the Earth shook noticeably in the Ozarks.

Then, a little over an hour after Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette baptized South Carolina quarterback Conner Shaw, there was an actual earthquake that put an odd cap on a seismic Hog victory that was 46 years in the making.

The Hogs’ 44-28 victory over #9 ranked South Carolina was the first win for the Razorbacks in a Top 10 matchup in Fayetteville since 1965. And, though it should could have, it didn’t come easy.

What We Saw:

Arkansas (8-1, 4-1)  controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Bequette wrecked havoc–logging 3 of Arkansas’ 5 sacks, and pressuring Shaw on several other occasions.

For the first time this season, Bequette, who has been dinged by a hamstring injury for most of his senior campaign, looked like a force for the Hogs. This was a big development for Arkansas’ defense because having a healthy and productive Bequette is like having a shutdown closer in baseball. When he is on, he makes everyone else around him better.

Meanwhile, Arkansas’ offensive line kept Arkansas Quarterback Tyler Wilson clean most of the night, despite facing one of the best defensive fronts in the country. The Hogs threw the ball 38 times and allowed one sack, as compared to South Carolina’s 5 sacks and 25 pass attempts. The Arkansas OL also opened enough holes for runningback Dennis Johnson to have another stellar outing.

South Carolina (7-2, 5-2) was stymied for the most part by an aggressive Arkansas defensive that bracketed the Gamecocks’ star wide receiver, Alshon Jeffrey, brought repeated “run blitzes” and dared USCE to beat them with someone other than Jeffrey and runningback Brandon Wilds.

But for the running of Shaw (59 yards gained rushing) the Cocks were largely unable to do so.

If there is a complaint (and we know there is because Arkansas fans love to bitch) it is that the Hogs should have put South Carolina away early.

Ronnie Wingo, Cobi Hamilton and Jarius Wright all had dropped touchdown passes, Wilson had an egregious “Pick Six”, Zach Hocker missed a pair of field goals he usually drills and the Hogs were stuffed near the goalline on 4th down. The score could have easily been 65-21.

–Arkansas’ defensive backs played the ball and played it well. Kudos to Isaac Madison, Greg Gatson, et. al.

–Arkansas used QB Brandon Mitchell near the goalline again, with mixed results. We like the changeup. Once Mitchell settles into that role, he can be a real weapon in short yardage. The passing game can be smothered, somewhat, in the red zone, and Mitchell adds a dimension for which opposing defenses must prepare.

–The game atmosphere was great in the 1st half. The second half? Not as much. There were long periods in which there was no music over the PA and/or no organized cheers. It’s too bad. It was a great showcase night for recruiting. But hey, they hocked some Kettle Chips!

What We Didn’t See:

–We keep waiting to see a healthy Greg Childs for Arkansas, and it just does not seem like it is in the cards. Childs, who had a season-ending knee injury a year ago and has not been the same, since. He is giving it a go (and he had an 11-yard reception) but he is receiving fewer snaps, is favoring the leg, and is not being targeted much by Wilson.

 What You May Not Have Seen:

–Jeffrey became frustrated, and pouted a lot. On one such occasion, he was late getting set after an audible, and USCE received a delay of game penalty as a result.

What We Hope to See Next Week:

Arkansas needs to throttle a down Tennessee Volunteers squad. The Vols should still be without Quarterback Tyler Bray (broken thumb) and they have been punchless offensively in his absence.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , | 5 Comments »

The Return of BlogHawgs Twitter Style College Football Weekend Preview

Posted by Adam Butler on November 4, 2011

With the Game of the Century, Millenium, History of Existence coming up, it feels like a good time to bring back BlogHawgs Twitter Style College Football Weekend Preview.

The only rules for the BlogHawgs Twitter Style CFB Weekend preview are that the fake user names can’t be longer than 15 characters (but may or may not be registered, already), Tweets cannot exceed 140 characters, and I have to end each tweet with a smartazz (that’s for BK–he LOVES Zs in place of Ss) hash tag. Here we go:

Mississippi at Kentucky: @pinkslips: The Mississippi Coach may squeek out close wins against 2 awful teams (UK and Miss. St.) and live to ruin more QBs. #double0fortheSECends

Vanderbilt at Florida: @vandymania: Gators should win, but are starting to realize ”Weis” is German for “overrated”. #not2big2fail

Michigan at Iowa: @lackospeedkills: Hawkeyes lost last week 2 a team from Minnesota that wasn’t coached by Craig T. Nelson. #thingsthatshouldneverhappenmuchless2seasonsinarow

Texas Tech at Texas: @redraiderriver?: Ears vs. Steers. #orangeugonnabeatanygoodteams?

Texas A&M at OU: @prissyyellboy: Leads are silly! They’re like cheerleaders! Who needs ‘em? Whoooop! #noIsaidsendhimtoarealmilitaryschool

South Carolina at Arkansas: @thefirsthalf: Well, hello, Razorbacks, have we met? #4quarters=money

LSU at Alabama: @fuzzymath: Bama claims 13 National Championships (or so). Les Miles claims to be able to count to 13 (or so). #fingersandtoes

Oregon at Washington: @duckducksloose: I probably should care, but I don’t. #itsthePacWhatever

Kansas State at Oklahoma State: @Geritol: Brandon Weeden’s grandkids are pumped for this game. #mandatoryretirementageisntjustforairtrafficcontrollers

Missouri at Baylor: @fire&brimstone: I am praying these teams Show Me something other than mediocre defense. #RG3C3PO

Houston at UAB: @12thyrsenior: Brandon Weeden was 33 when Case Keenum arrived in Houston. #graduate,already

Boise at UNLV: @playsomeone: From The Mountain West to the mighty Big East. What a step up! #NoBCSfortheBigLeast

 

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Blog Hawgs Heisman 5 + 1–11/3/11

Posted by Adam Butler on November 3, 2011

Special to BlogHawgs by Kris Boyd

Andrew Luck takes over the #1 spot with a great win over USC.  He is spectacular to watch.  Everything else was par for the course except for Case Keenum looking like QB Eagles. 

Three games will decide the Heisman:  1. Stanford/Oregon, 2. Alabama/LSU and 3. Oklahoma/Oklahoma State.

1.  Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford:  Luck led his team to a great road win over a really good USC team.  The polls do not reflect it, but USC is good mainly due to their defense which is big and fast.  Luck made one bad throw, owned it and then won the game.

2.  Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Richardson dropped only because Luck was so good, but TR could regain the #1 spot if he leads BAMA over LSU this weekend.  They play each other, by the way, in case you have not heard.

3.  Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Weeden again led his team to a win over what many considered, again, to be a trap game for Okie State.  Okie State is good.  Let’s face it.  Bedlam is such a huge game for Weeden’s Heisman hopes.

4.  Landry Jones, QB, OU: Jones was outstanding in a blowout win over highly (and maybe slightly over) ranked Kansas State.  Last time I checked, 912 yards and 10 touchdowns in two games against major conference foes is good.

5.  Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State: Boise State was off last week.  Kellen is a great quarterback.  The +1 doesn’t think he will do anything in the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, but it is a shame we can’t see Moore face better talent on a weekly basis.

+1.  Case Keenum, QB, Houston: The +1 just broke its own “No Case Keenum” rule, but did you see what he did this week?  Those were Tecmo Bowl stats.  And not Tecmo Super Bowl, but old school “let-your-receiver-keep-running-if-nobody-picks-him-up-off-the-line” Tecmo Bowl.

 

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Further Proof That Kobe Bryant is an Awful Person

Posted by Adam Butler on November 2, 2011

Shaq has a new book coming out, and, thanks, to Deadspin, we have confirmation of what we already knew–Bryant has caused all of the problems in the World.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , | 12 Comments »

BlogHawgs Heisman 5+1–10/25/11

Posted by Adam Butler on October 25, 2011

Special to BlogHawgs by Kris Boyd

It was tough leaving the fake Honey Badger, Russell Wilson, off the +1.–probably not as tough, however, as it was for Wisconsin fans to see their National Title hopes fall from their fingertips. 

Big time players step up in big time games.  Wilson, unfortunately, was not big time.  Speaking of not big time, this would have been a great time for the real Honey Badger to step into the +1 had he not (ALLEGEDLY) been smoking poke salad. 

Want a great dark horse candidate?  How about Texas Tech’s Seth Doege?  Seth has put great numbers, led an undermanned TTU team to a 5-2 record and still has to play Okie State, Texas, Mizzou and Baylor (current nationally respected teams who don’t play a lick of defense).

Lastly, to address some e-mails I have received about the +1.: The +1 is not a prediction of how the media will vote.  Anybody can predict that the voters will hand over the trophy to Eric Crouch, Troy Smith or Tim Tebow.  The +1 is all about who actually deserves to win the Heisman Trophy.

1.  Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Richardson is second in the nation in rushing yards and in rushing touchdowns.  His numbers would be better if Alabama was not so great.  He’s averaged 19 total touches a game over his last three.

2.  Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford:  Luck suffered from a similar situation as Richardson on Saturday.  Stanford routed a bad Washington team as Andrew attempted just 21 passes for fewer than 170 yards.  I hate to harp on numbers so much, but do we (as college football fans) really want a Heisman Trophy winner with 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns?  Does it matter?  

3.  Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State:  Weeden led his team to a win in what many considered to be a trap game for the Pokes.  Weeden has thrown for over 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns.  He has a high (72%) completion rate for the season and while he has thrown 7 interceptions, only 1 of those has come in the last four games.

4.  Landry Jones, QB, OU: We’re not going to penalize Jones too much for OU’s loss to huge underdog Texas Tech.  He did throw for over 400 yards and 5 touchdowns.  The Bedlam game looms as the deciding factor between the two windy state gunslingers.

5.  Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State:  80% on completions?  Check.  300 yards?  Check.  3 touchdowns?  Check.  A win?  Check.  It was, however, Air Force.  *sigh*

+1.  Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson:  Cue up DJ Khaled.  Boyd led the Tigers to yet another win and exploded for almost 400 yards total offense and 6 touchdowns.  For the year, that is 2,400 yards passing, 24 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 200 yards rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , , | 9 Comments »

Stat-A-Tat-Tat: Revisiting Razorback Milestones

Posted by Adam Butler on October 25, 2011

Last week during our mid-season Razorback record book update, we put the spot light primarily on the senior WR crew.

This week, let’s look at the defensive side of the ball where, there is another trio of four-year starting seniors that are climbing up some career statistical lists.

First, linebacker Jerry Franklin has never been the prototypical linebacker, and at times it hasn’t been pretty watching him develop, but on the whole he has been a solid force in the center of the defense from the start of the Bobby Petrino era. 

Franklin is currently 8th all-time in tackles at Arkansas with 339. He is on pace to finish his career 2nd on the UA list–roughly 20 tackles behind Tony Bua. 

Franklin would have to average about 12 tackles per game in his final 6 to pass Bua. He is also on pace to move into the UA top 10 in career tackles for loss.

Rank Player Tkl Diff.
1. Tony Bua 408 69
2. Ken Hamlin 381 42
3. Sam Olajubutu 372 33
4. Caleb Miller 368 29
5. Cliff Powell 367 28
6. Ronnie Caveness 357 18
7. Rickey Williams 343 4
8. Jerry Franklin 339  

 

Next, despite missing 3+ games this year, Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette is climbing the career sacks standings. He is currently 8th all time, with a chance to finish in the top 5. 

Rank Player Sacks Diff.
1. Wayne Martin 25.5 10.0
2. Henry Ford 25.0 9.5
3. Steven Conley 21.0 5.5
4. Marcus Adair 19.0 3.5
5. Scott Long 18.0 2.5
6. Jamaal Anderson 17.5 2.0
7. Ray Lee Johnson 16.0 0.5
8. Jake Bequette 15.5  

 

The last line of defense is the secondary, where we find Arkansas safety Tramain Thomas putting his mark on the UA record books. Despite being benched as a wake-up call earlier this season, Thomas is currently tied for 7th all time in interceptions at the UA, with a fighting chance of tying one of the greatest names in the annals of Razorback defense, Steve Atwater. 

Rank Player Int Diff.
1. Steve Atwater 14 4
2. Gary Adams 13 3
t3. Orlando Watters 12 2
t3. Louis Campbell 12 2
t3. Tommy Trantham 12 2
6. Anthoney Cooney 11 1
t7. Tramain Thomas 10  
t7. Charles Washington 10  
t7. George Walker 10  
t7. Jim Rinehart 10  

 

Finally, despite a quiet game from UA wide receiver Jarius Wright in Oxford, he is still on pace to pass Anthony Lucas for career yards, while fellow UA wideout Joe Adams (with JWright closely on his heels) is now on pace to pass Anthony Eubanks for most catches.

Career    
Rank Player Rec Diff.
1. Anthony Eubanks 153  
2. D.J. Williams 152 1
3. George Wilson 144 9
4. Joe Adams 141 12
5. Marcus Monk 138 15
6. Anthony Lucas 137 16
7. Jarius Wright 136 17
8 Richard Smith 135 18
9. J.J. Meadors 134 19
10. Greg Childs 121 32

 

Adams is pace for 168 receptions, JWright 165, and Childs 129.

Career    
Rank Player Yards Diff.
1. Anthony Lucas 2,879  
2. Anthony Eubanks 2,440 439
3. Jarius Wright 2,391 488
4. Joe Adams 2,166 713
t5. Marcus Monk 2,151 728
t5. George Wilson 2,151 728
7. Greg Childs 1,935 944

 

 JWright is on pace for 2,883, Adams 2,516, and Childs 2,028.

Career    
Rank Player TD Diff.
1. Marcus Monk 27  
2. Anthony Lucas 23 4
3. Jarius Wright 18 9
4. Richard Smith 17 10
t5. George Wilson 16 11
t5. Anthony Eubanks 16 11
t5. Chuck Dicus 16 11
t5. Derek Russell 16 11
t9. Greg Childs 15 12
t9. Joe Adams 15 12

 

 JWright is on pace for 23, Adams 16, and Childs 15.

We will continue to track the Hogs’ progress as the 2011 season is officially (and depressingly) more than halfway completed.

####

Thanks, as always, to BlogHawgs Statistical Frontman Brian Rogers for this report.

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , | 9 Comments »

World Series – Game 5

Posted by Brett Kincaid on October 24, 2011

It’s about time to start a new Bucket List for ol’ BK.  In the past 3 weeks I’ve been able to scratch off two significant items.  First, I was invited to participate in a series of meetings at the White House.  For someone like me that does what I do for a living, it’s hard to overstate how cool an experience that was.  It was right up near the top of the Bucket List, and definitely #1 of all professional items.

These are our seats for Game 5.

Tonight I get to scratch off another one, also one that has been high on the list for as long as I can remember.  I’ll be in the stadium for Game 5 of the World Series tonight.  I’m beyond pumped, if a bit embarrassed that I get to go to this game while my partners – 2 true blue Cardinals fans – do not.  Fate works like that occasionally.  I will carry their enthusiasm with me into the game, though.  It should be an unforgettable experience.

I will do my best to live-Tweet from the game.  Follow us @Blog_Hawgs for World Series updates tonight and all sorts of other stuff in the future.  Help BlogHawgs Nation grow!

Off to Dallas…

 

What’s on your Bucket List?

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

The Idiot Box

Posted by Jeff on October 19, 2011

The Network News Phoenix

 

The Original Three Amigos

The death of network evening news is not imminent.  Recent ratings have shown resurgence in viewershipof the three networks’ 5:30 evening news programs.  For years, the three shows, “CBS Evening News,” “NBC Nightly News,” and ABC’s “World News” had been in decline.  Much was made about how the 24 hour news cycle was to blame.  People just had too much access to news so their interest in stuffed-shirt old men reading the headlines had faded.

The cable news channels are still relying on punditryto get ratings.  MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann left for a little more leeway with Current TV – a channel I may never get on cable.  But they found a quick replacement for him in Lawrence O’Donnell and now the channel has regained its port-side lean.  On the starboard is Fox News.  Despite its owner’s troubles in Great Britain, Fox News is still in command of the race for cable news viewers.  But those numbers still don’t compare to those of network news.  It’s hard to imagine but despite the prevalence of cable and internet, the networks still dominate overall.  It is free after all – if you don’t use cable and just have an antenna.  Of course, people our age are just so used to the only channels we had growing up, that maybe we are unwilling to look around more and/or pay for other programming. (Hence my aversion to paying for HBO.)

 

"Well, I read 'The Wasilla Times.' Lots of neighborhood gossip about Russia in there, y'know."

A little over five years ago, CBS made history by signing Katie Couric to become the first woman to host the CBS Evening News solo.  Prior to that, Couric was best known as the bubbly co-host on NBC’s Today Show.  Many had speculated that she would not be taken seriously.  That did not seem to be a problem, especially when she interviewed the GOP Vice-Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin back in 2008.  After five years, Couric has moved on and Scott Pelley has taken over.  Pelley was a well-respected, in-house reporter who has continued to work in the field as he reports.  Brian Williams took over for Tom Brokaw and he is improving every year.  He has also tried to increase his notoriety by appearing outside his program like his fun ride hosting SNL last year.

"I just want to hear the news!"

 

Since these changes, it appears that interest in network news is returning.  Maybe it’s the Occupy Wall Street movement.  Occupy Television News.  The 1% wants much more news and much less opinion.   I’m not going to make a sign and march down to 30 Rockefeller Plaza but I have another way of protesting tedious, anger-fueled (and fueling) punditry programming on cable news channels.  A remote.  I use it and finally it seems other people are too.

 

 

NO! This was NOT a shameless way to remind people of Sarah Palin's awful interview.

 

Posted in Commentary | 4 Comments »

Are the Hogs “We” or “They”?

Posted by Adam Butler on October 18, 2011

Chris Jones at Grantland.com examines fans’ use of the personal pronoun “we” in relation to their favorite teams. Good stuff.

On a personal note, I tend to agree with Jones, but, nonetheless, sometimes refer to the St. Louis Cardinals as “we” when talking to my brother about them. My rationale is that I have followed the Redbirds religiously for about 30 of my 35 years on Earth, and, even today, I estimate that I watch at least part of 120 of 162 games a year (an sometimes more since they often times make the playoffs). He is similarly addicted. We are not bandwagon fans. We remember the Geronimo Pena era, well.

As for the Hogs, I cannot be convinced that I should not use the word “we” in reference to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Like the Cardinals, I have watched them obsessively for as long as I can remember, and I spent a looooooong stint in Fayetteville as a student (1994-2002–undergrad AND law school–I am no Tommy Boy) that included some time as an intern for the Sports Information Department.

(Pay particular attention to the line around the :08-:10 mark)

For me, the Hogs are “We”. It is neither debatable, nor shameful. We are Family. The Mississippi Coach is sorta like our drunk, seemingly pervy uncle that got an advancement on his inheritance and is universally either considered creepy or despised by the rest of the family.

College teams present the most interesting dilemma. If you’re a student at a university, and you somehow help fund the team through your student fees — I’ll freely admit that this might be a purely Canadian, socialist phenomenon — then “we” is appropriate.

But if you’ve never even attended the school? Then there’s no “we” about it.

The same goes double for professional teams, especially if you’re not even from the same city — or country, even. If you’re some make-believe soccer fan in North America, you cannot refer to frigging Blackpool as “we.”

Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

The Way Candidates Should Talk

Posted by Brett Kincaid on October 12, 2011

Guaranteed Laugh

Posted in Commentary, Politics | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

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