Posted by Adam Butler on April 3, 2013
Dakota Mosley is back in the news.
There is trouble on the Plains.
Auburn grad and Alex Rodriguez PED-outing author Selena Roberts dropped a bombshell today on her alma mater.
I have to say it’s shocking. And by “It” I don’t mean a tell-all expose’ on the ills of a Gene Chizik/Cam Newton-led program.
By “It” I mean the fact that the piece doesn’t mention Newton for what seems like 180,000 characters.
Posted in Sports | Tagged: 180000, Auburn Tigers | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Brett Kincaid on September 12, 2012
I’m tired of pretending the Hogs aren’t total bitchin’ rock stars from Mars.
I spent some time earlier this week reliving all of Arkansas’s memorable losses since joining the SEC. After last Saturday’s Markham Street Meltdown it felt right. Now that the unranked Hogs get a free shot at the #1 team in the land, it also feels appropriate to look at the best wins for the Razorbacks in the same time frame.
We’re trying to look on the bright side. With ten weeks left in the season, we need to be as positive as possible. What’s the alternative? Sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves while another championship passes us by? That’s what basketball season is for these days. (ZING!)
The good news is that Arkansas has pulled off bigger upsets with less talent. It has been almost 5 years since the Hogs knocked off the #1 team in the country, so we’re due for another big win. To hopefully invite good juju into Razorback Nation, let’s take a stroll down Memory Lane and remember the good times we’ve all enjoyed as Hogs fans since joining the Southeastern Conference.
1) Tennessee (Nov. 13, 1999) – Redemption! After the crushing loss at Neyland Stadium just one year earlier, Clint Stoerner and Anthony Lucas produced one of the greatest moments in the history of Razorback Stadium. The Volunteers entered the stadium ranked #3 in the nation, hoping to repeat as national champs. Instead they left in defeat, coincidentally by the exact same score of their win on Rocky Top the previous year. Arkansas 28, #3 Tennessee 24
1999 Arkansas vs Tennessee from Hog Database on Vimeo.
2) Tennessee (Oct. 10, 1992) – In the first matchup between the two schools as conference foes, the overmatched Razorbacks marched into Knoxville with an interim coach a few weeks after a humiliating loss. They came back across the Mississippi River as dragon slayers. Orlando Watters ripped off a 71-yard punt return for a TD. Freshman quarterback Barry Lunney, Jr. and the offense failed to convert a tying 2-point conversion. Darwin Irelland recovered Todd Wright’s onside kick attempt with 2:27 remaining in the game. Lunney connected with Tracy Caldwell on 3rd and 16. And Wright, goofy helmet and all, slide in a 41-yard field goal with :02 on the clock. What a ride. I remember it like it was yesterday. Arkansas 25, #3 Tennessee 24
1992 Arkansas vs Tennessee from Hog Database on Vimeo.
3) Alabama (Sept. 16, 1995) – You want to piss off a Bama fan this weekend? Tell him Lunney-to-Meadors was a catch. Arkansas 20, #13 Alabama 19
4) Texas (Jan. 1, 2000) – Remember Y2K? The way Arkansas ran up, over, and around the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl you’d think Texas had been up all night waiting on the world to end. Instead it was their season that ended in very, very disappointing fashion. It also marked the end of an era as it was the final time we’d see Stoerner-to-Lucas in Razorback red. #24 Arkansas 27, #14 Texas 6
5) LSU (Nov. 27, 2002) – Almost everyone I know has a story from where they were during this game. I watched this from a bar full of LSU fans in New Orleans. After getting its ass handed to it all day, the Arkansas offense went nuts late – resulting in a signature play that became known as the Miracle on Markham. Arkansas 21, #17 LSU 20
6) LSU (Nov. 23, 2007) – Several things stand out to me about this game. Clearly, it was thrilling to see the Hogs knock off the #1 team in the country. It was also the last time we saw Houston Nutt, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Peyton Hillis all on the same field. And it was the day before I got engaged. Arkansas 50, #1 LSU 48 (3 OT)
7) Ole Miss (Nov. 3, 2001) – The Razorbacks and Rebels wrote a story that autumn night in Oxford, Mississippi, that Mr. William Faulkner himself could never have imagined. Tied at 17-17 after regulation, the game didn’t end until Jermaine Petty stopped Mississippi tight end Doug Zeigler at the 2-yard line to seal this historic win. Never before had a college football game reached 7 overtime periods, and it lands appropriately at the #7 spot on this list. Arkansas 50, Ole Miss 48
2001 Arkansas vs Mississippi [7ot] from Hog Database on Vimeo.
8) Texas (Sept. 13, 2003) – The Razorbacks rolled into Austin for the first time since leaving the Southwest Conference and showed all the speed and power the SEC had to offer. Matt Jones, a question mark entering the game due to an injury, looked as good as ever by putting up 241 yards of offense and 2 touchdowns. I remember watching this at my buddy Jon’s house while his just-turned-2-year old son, who is now 11, took a nap. Lots of silent cheers that day. Arkansas 38, #5 Texas 28
2003 Arkansas vs Texas from Hog Database on Vimeo.
9) LSU (Nov. 27, 2010) – How sweet it is! Arkansas finally reached its first BCS bowl game thanks to another win in Little Rock in the Battle of the Boot. Ryan Mallett threw for more than 300 yards and 3 touchdowns in his final regular season game. #12 Arkansas 31, #5 LSU 23
10) Auburn (Oct. 7, 2006) – This game had it all. A breakout performance from Darren McFadden. Freshman sensation Mitch Mustain winning on the road. Beating an Arkansas native head coach roaming the far sideline. And a national television audience watching the Hogs take down the #2 team in the country. Arkansas 27, #2 Auburn 10
Posted in Sports | Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, BCS, College Football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, SEC, SWC, Tennessee Volunteers, Texas Longhorns | 8 Comments »
Posted by Adam Butler on September 1, 2012
This is the 30th in our series 30 Thoughts on Razorback Football in 30 Days leading up to the 2012 Kickoff.
It was an easy decision, really. Brett and I decided early in Fall camp to eventually wrap up our series of 3o posts on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 30 days leading to the kickoff of the Hogs’ 2012 season with a breakdown of what we thought would constitute a Good or Bad season for the Razorbacks.
I agreed to wear the Black Hat.
It was a no-brainer.
It’s not that I try to be a pessimist. I come by it naturally.
When the topic is potential pain and heartache, I am a soothsayer. Forget the “glass half empty” tag. I’m a “I just ordered a $15 drink and my glass fell off of the table and shattered” guy.
So, consider the above as a fair warning. This isn’t going to be a post for the faint of heart. It is my “worst case scenario”.
While in many ways this post will be the polar opposite of Brett’s fine and arguably as plausible “It Will Be a Good Season If…” post from yesterday, I dug his 4-quarter format so I am co-oping.
Hardcore Hog fans might want to lock away all of the sharp objects within arm’s length.
OK? Here we go…..
It Will Be a Bad Season If…
First Quarter
As I explained earlier this month, even I can’t talk myself into any hand-wringing over the possibility of former Arkansas Head Coach Jack Crowe coming full circle and Citadeling the Hogs with a FCS team 20 years after notching the worst loss in Razorback history. That was before I was told the mini Gamecocks’ defensive starters will include 3 walkons. Arkansas should win handily.
The following week, Arkansas will head to Little Rock to take on the University of Louisiana Monroe. The War Hawks are no slouch, they have a phenomenal nickname and Arkansas will undoubtedly be looking ahead to its Top Ten showdown (with ESPN’s “Gameday” on hand in the Ozarks) the following week.
But even in a “Bad Season” scenario, these Hogs are too good to lose to a Sun Belt foe. The Hogs will sleep walk through a 30-point win, clearing the path for one of the toughest tickets in Razorback history.
As we know all too well, Arkansas doesn’t just lose The Big One, it builds up the anticipation of a monumental win to a fever pitch and then rips our hearts out with a salad fork. This time, Arkansas will build an early 2-touchdown lead with Tyler Wilson and Cobi Hamilton hooking up for a few big plays exploiting Bama’s talented, but inexperienced defense.
But then, interim Arkansas Head Coach John L. Smith, a renowned special teams guru who has also been known to try anything once, will dial up an ill-fated (and unnecessary) “go for the jugular” onside kick that will fail, turning The Tide. From there, Bama will methodically wear down Arkansas’ defense throughout the 2nd half, ultimately prevailing 28-24.
At the end of the First Quarter of the season, Arkansas should have a 2-1 record and countless questions about the onside kick that will live in infamy.
Second Quarter
If this group of Hogs has proven anything, it is that they are able to shake off tough losses and refocus on the remainder of the season. They did it in 2010–with a 10-win campaign and BCS Bowl bid after giving away their tilt with Bama and having their game with Auburn taken from them.
Last year, the Razorbacks again looked to be in a world of hurt after being humbled in Tuscaloosa and “whoop”ed for 2 quarters by the Texas A&M Aggies the following week in Jerry World. They responded with a comeback for the ages that was the catalyst for a 7-game winning streak.
Similarly, the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the 2012 season should be Mother’s Milk for the Hogs. Sure, Rutgers could be a trap game. But, Greg Schiano isn’t walking through that door. The Scarlet Knights are a solid Big East Team (yes, that’s an oxymoron) but the Razorbacks have worked too hard and suffered through a much too tumultuous offseason to Piscataway a shot at a dream season in Week 4.
The Hogs will beat the Scarlet Knights, but it will be too close for comfort. From there, a 2-game road trip awaits the Razorbacks. BK has already detailed TAMU’s surprisingly tepid recent homefield advantage. What he didn’t mention is that the Aggies are transitioning to a 4-3 defense and they don’t have the tackles to match their new SEC brethren.
By Week 5, A&M should be riding high with a favorable early schedule and the ear-to-ear smile of the blissfully ignorant. And then, Arkansas’ Knile Davis will channel E.D “Extremely Dangerous” Jackson and have a record-setting outing at Kyle Field leading the Hogs’ to an easier-than-expected, double-digit win in College Station.
Arkansas will than head to the Plains knowing that if they can take down the War Damn Eagle Tigers they will still have all of their preseason goals intact. It won’t be easy. With a tough early schedule that could easily have Auburn sitting at 1-3 with Arkansas coming to town, Auburn will have 180,000 reasons to want to take down the Hogs.
But Kiehl Frazier will continue his virtuoso performance as a Kodi Burns imposter, leading to an Arkansas win. ESPN cameras will catch Frazier’s father mumbling profanities in the stands while wearing his “Malibu’s Most Wanted” Starter Kit– A white AU track/warm up suit (ie parachute pants) and matching backward lid.
Heading into the 3rd Quarter of the season, Arkansas should be 5-1 and with a manageable slate of games on the horizon, eyeing another sprint to the finish.
Third Quarter
At this point in the schedule, Arkansas won’t have to worry too much about Big Blue. Even the UK football players will be looking ahead to basketball season.
Mississippi is so bad that its new coach, Hugh Freeze, when asked at SEC Media Days to compare his roster to the one he just left at Sun Belt Conference member Arkansas State, essentially said the Red Wolves were deeper and more talented than the Rebel Black Bears. (FILL IN STRAINED FREEZE/ICY OXFORD RECEPTION FOR THOSE COMMENTS JOKE HERE)
Tulsa will put points on the board in Reynolds Razorback Stadium–they always do. But TU”s defense wouldn’t run afoul of the rules in a standard flag football game. Arkansas should score at will and roll on to its 6th straight win and an 8-1 record at the end of the 3rd Quarter of the season.
Fourth Quarter
By the 10th week of the season, the chances of USCE QB Conner Shaw being healthy (either physically or mentally) after taken a ton of hits to his body from opponents and even more to his psyche from the Ole Ball Coach are slim. If healthy, Gamecocks runningback Marcus Lattimore will be a major threat to an Arkansas defense that has struggled in the past with downhill runners.
But if Arkansas has had one team’s number in recent years it has been USCE. Arkansas is 7-3 in its last 10 versus South Carolina. In the last 3 contests with the Gamecocks, Arkansas, in going 3-0, has averaged 39 points a game and has boasted an 18-point margin of victory over Steve Spurrier and company.
Ellis Johnson, (a top-notch defensive coordinator against almost everyone not named Petrino) has moved on, but his protegé’ and former Arkansas assistant Lorenzo Ward has been on hand for the previous beat downs and there’s little reason to think he has more of any answer for the Hogs’ offensive assault than he has had in the past. The trend should continue and if so the Hogs will beat the ‘Cocks to notch their 2nd 7-game winning streak in as many seasons.
You must be asking…..”This is a bad season?” I get that.
At 9-1 with 2 of the leading Heisman candidates and a quirky quote machine of an interim coach, Arkansas will be one of the big stories of the college football season. All that will stand in the way of a date with destiny–a Top 5 matchup with LSU to end the season and crown a SEC Western Division (and a potential 2nd 2012 Fayetteville visit from ESPN’s Gameday) will be a scrappy bunch of Mississippi State Bulldogs and their cow bell-ringing fans.
THIS is when the Starkville will hit the fan in Arkansas’ 2012 season.
With 7 or 8 wins and a walk-over Egg Bowl against Mississippi remaining on his schedule, MSU head coach Dan Mullen will be extra amped to finish strong and pave the way for an exit stage left in advance of NCAA investigators and their wacky new old “heads or tails” infractions investigative approach.
Arkansas will struggle from start to finish and will be left with a myriad of “What Ifs”–chief among them a 38-yard missed field goal from sure-footed placekicker Zack Hocker that would have sent the game to overtime.
In the wake of the disastrous loss, Arkansas, Smith and all of the Razorbacks will say the right things about sending the seniors out on the right note and still having a lot–namely The Golden Boot–to play for against LSU.
But talk is cheap, and a group of guys can only bounce back from so many gut-punch losses on the big stage. A raucous Razorback Stadium will fall silent early when LSU’s Les Miles goes for a 4th-and-long conversion from near midfield and Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. takes a slant to the house after eluding Arkansas cornerback Darius Winston. LSU will never look back, vanquishing the Hogs 48-16 and sending them to the most disappointing 9-3 season in school history.
Overtime
After playing in the Cotton Bowl last year, and re-upping to make the annual trek to Jerry World to play TAMU every year (again) beginning in 2014, the Razorbacks will be sent to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech and its throwback offense in the Chick Fil A Bowl.
With a homefield advantage and a half-hearted opponent, Ga Tech will put an end to the John L. Smith era at Arkansas with a blowout win that will have national pundits wondering if Arkansas really was the plum job it seemed to be just a few weeks earlier when the Hogs were 2 wins away from playing for the 2nd National Championship in school history.
And that, BlogHawgs Nation, is how a 9-win season could be a “bad” season.
With no marquee win (ie neither Bama or LSU) this would be a a bad season considering where Arkansas has been, the opportunity it has (in terms of personnel, staff and schedule) and the potential step back with the national perception of program
If Arkansas’ gridiron journey of hope and would-be redemption turns south in such a gut-wrenching manner that only a tortured Hog fans can understand, in some ways, 2012 will be a season of misery.
But remember, this was a “worst case scenario”.
Let’s just hope the Football Gods don’t hate us that much.
Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, College Football, John L. Smith, SEC, South Carolina Gamecocks | 3 Comments »
Posted by Brett Kincaid on August 28, 2012
This is the 27th in our series 30 Thoughts on Razorback Football in 30 Days leading up to the 2012 Kickoff.
Traveling in Style
Much has been made this year about the fact Arkansas gets both Alabama and LSU in Fayetteville. As noted a few weeks ago, that certainly is better than playing those two SEC juggernauts on the road, but a successful season cannot be guaranteed by merely winning those two ballgames. While the remaining home slate looks manageable, Arkansas has enough tough road games to test their mettle even without the Crimson Tide or Tigers on the travel schedule.
Of particular concern is a pair of back-to-back road games in September/October and November that will ultimately prove whether or not the Razorbacks belong in the BCS hunt. Even with a loss at home to Alabama early in the season, Arkansas can still make its case for BCS consideration – perhaps even a shot at the title depending on how the season goes – if they hold serve and beat LSU the day after Thanksgiving. Standing in their way, though, are trips to College Station and Auburn in the middle of the season and trips to Columbia and Starkville late in the year. Going 4-0 in those games has a far greater impact on the season than the two big SEC West games at home. Wins over Bama and LSU mean nothing if the Hogs manage only a split of these road games.
The first of the two road swings worries me more than the latter two, despite the fact that South Carolina and Mississippi State stand to be better football teams right now than either Texas A&M or Auburn. As is the case most often in life, it’s about timing. The Aggies and Tigers catch Arkansas at a critical time in the schedule and have a great chance to ruin – or destroy – the Arkansas season.
The Hogs head to Aggieland on September 29th for the first road game of the year. This is the first time 
the Razorbacks have visited College Station since the Hogs left the Southwest Conference, and the Aggies would love to spoil the return visit. After three consecutive losses in the Southwest Classic – the last 2 very close games – first-year Aggie coach Kevin Sumlin would love to finally take down the Hogs. Unfortunately for the Aggies, Kyle Field hasn’t exactly been a fortress in the past five years. From 2007-2011 Texas A&M has only a 23-12 overall home record (including a loss to Arkansas State) in their home stadium. Even more troubling for Aggie fans, they are just 11-10 at home versus conference opponents during that same time. Once a feared destination for opponents, Kyle Field has far more bark than bite in recent history.
Winning at Auburn has not eluded Arkansas like some other conference venues, but it is still a tough place to grab a win. The Hogs have pulled out wins at Auburn in three of their last 5 visits dating back to 2002, but Jordan-Hare Stadium has been very accommodating to the War Eagle Tigers over the past five 
seasons. Auburn stands at 30-8 at home since 2007 – marred by a 4-3 home slate in Tommy Tubberville’s final season in 2008. In conference play Auburn stands at 13-7 at home during that time. Erase the 2008 season, and Aubbie looks much stronger at 12-4 in that period.
The numbers tell us that both road games can be won. Neither Texas A&M nor Auburn have the pedigree one might expect given their tradition-rich home venues. Both can get very loud and very intimidating to inexperienced teams, but Arkansas has the upperclassmen a team needs to weather these road storms. If the Hogs can return to Fayetteville on October 13th to face Kentucky at no worse than a 4-1 record Arkansas will have itself in position to make another run to the BCS. That run starts in Texas, regardless of the outcome at home against Alabama 14 days earlier.
Posted in Sports | Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, BCS, College Football, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Kyle Field, SEC, Texas A&M Aggies | 5 Comments »
Posted by Adam Butler on December 13, 2011
(previously known as The Shiloh Coach around this neck of the internets).
This news actually makes me happy for ASU fans. I tend to lack patience with them because they are the biggest Hog haters in America. But, I genuinely felt bad when I read some of the abject misery from red Wolves fans when the joy of their best season in decades quickly turned to pain with the departure of Head Coach Hugh Freeze to Mississippi.
I have to admit that in one way I am a bit saddened by it all. I mean where have all the BlogHawgs abbreviations gone?
In the span of a few weeks, BlogHawgs Nation has lost TMC (The Mississippi Coach, Houston Nutt), TSC (The Shiloh Coach, Gus Malzahn) and TRBTLBMICG (The running back that likes Body Mass Index Challenged Girls, Michael Dyer). The good news is we will be adding one, soon–TLAAFB (The Los Angeles Angels first baseman).
Meanwhile, if you are an Auburn fan you have to be a little nervous. Gene Chizik is starting to look a bit like he did at Iowa State. Wthout once-in-a-generation freak Cam Newton his teams have looked fairly Amesian at Auburn.
And now, less than a year after winning the BCS Championship, both of his coordinators have left very high-paying assistant gigs to go to Central Florida and Arkansas State, respectively (to be fair, though, defensive coordinator Ted Roof was given a pink slip).
Throw in the fact that Michael Dyer–(aka TRBTLBMICG) the best offensive player on a suspect Auburn offense–is suspended indefinitely and very well never play another snap for the War Damn Eagle Tigers, and there are plenty of reasons for the most anxious AU fans on The Plains to be concerned.
But enough about Auburn. It’s Arkansas State’s day. Congrats, ASU fans. But, is Jonesboro big enough for Kristi Malzahn?”
Posted in Commentary | Tagged: Arkansas State, Auburn Tigers, Gene Chizik, Gus Malzahn, Kristi Malzahn | 20 Comments »
Posted by Adam Butler on November 2, 2011
I could only shake my head yesterday when the news came down from the SEC office that University of Arkansas wide receiver Marquel Wade has been suspended by the league for Saturday’s Top 10 tilt with South Carolina because of his personal foul in last week’s victory over Vanderbilt.
It was just the latest in a long line of uneven decisions by a conference that protects its sacred cows and treats others like tripe.
To be sure, Wade’s hit on Vandy punt returner Jonathan Krause, at first blush, looked as dirty as they come. Tack on Wade’s post-hit behavior, and I can understand why and how he was ejected from the Vanderbilt game (although I think it was the wrong decision given the way the SEC has handled similar plays).
The hit looked dirty. It was vicious. Wade appeared to celebrate the injury (although more likely, as he said, he was celebrating the play and what he thought was a favorable outcome) 20,000 Vandy fans were screaming for an ejection, and Wade was mouthing.
A closer look, though, suggests that while Wade’s hit was early, and deserved a penalty, and his actions following it were improvident, malicious intent may well have been lacking.
Krause appeared to shade his eyes from the sun rather than call for a fair catch. At full speed (about 20 MPH for a guy with Wade’s 4.3 speed, going full tilt) it all happened quickly, and was complicated by Krause making a late movement toward Wade. It literally happened as quickly as the blink of an eye.
Wade likely saw Krause’s hands come down to make the catch in unison with the passing of the shadow of the ball, and thought he timed the hit perfectly. Wade said as much in the apology that he made, yesterday.
The officials appeared to agree, in part, at least regarding the lack of a fair catch call, because the ball was live and was returned upfield (and VU declined the the penalty). I think he flipped out because no one would listen to his version of events. But, he definitely should not have done so. It made a bad situation much worse. (That said….listen closely…is it just me, or is the “yapping” yapping that Wade is doing with Coach Veltkamp not him saying “I didn’t know that, Coach, that’s what I am trying to tell you!”.)
As a result, Wade was ejected, and now suspended, for a “flagrant personal foul”. But, let’s be real. He’s in hot water because he made the hit THEN acted badly following the hit (on the field and on the sidelines). Would he have been ejected and suspended if he was wearing Crimson and White instead of Cardinal and White?
Given SEC precedent, who knows? I guess the answer, for the SEC, depends upon which uniform you are wearing. If it’s Bama, you get a flag, but no ejection.
If it’s Auburn, you can make repeated dirty hits on the same player, almost start several brawls, celebrate at midfield with one of your coaches, and get a flag and a “private reprimand” during a season filled with dirty hits.
If Wade deserves a suspension, what about the Vanderbilt defender who tackled Arkansas’ Jarius Wright to the ground by the facemask after spinning him completely around with it (drawing 4 flags) ? It was flagrant and had every bit as much intent as Wade’s hit.
It makes one wonder if the SEC would suspend this kid. It looks like old school football to me.
Posted in Sports | Tagged: Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, College Football, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, Marquel Wade, Nick Fairley, SEC | 12 Comments »
Posted by Brett Kincaid on October 10, 2011
Reynolds Razorback Stadium
***Shared by-line here with Adam Butler, who wrote most of this. I was the stenographer for the most part.***
A good time was had by most at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday night when the Hogs whipped the War Damn Eagle Tigers 38-14 on national television. I’d say all, but there were a few Auburn fans in the building – in addition to several dozen ridiculous Arkansas “fans” that were critical of every single call made by Bobby Petrino. I guess you really cannot please everyone. I wish I could spend a week managing those assholes that refuse to believe the guy with a lifetime of coaching experience is smarter than he/she is regarding the game.
But back to the game…
The Razorbacks took control of the game midway through the 2nd Quarter and never looked back. While the Hogs had trouble nailing the door shut, I suppose that’s going to happen from time-to-time against a quality opponent. In the end, though, Arkansas heads into its OPEN WEEK (not a BYE week, morons) at 5-1 on the season – exactly where we thought they’d be.
Things we saw:
What we didn’t see:
What You May Not Have seen:
What we hope to see in off week:
TMC
Posted in Sports | Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, College Football, ESPN, Joe Adams, SEC | 11 Comments »
Posted by Adam Butler on October 10, 2011
Good job by SECRefHighlights on the Youtubes.
I particularly like watching TRBTLBMICG get drilled. A lot.
Posted in Sports | Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, College Football | 1 Comment »
Posted by Adam Butler on October 7, 2011
In advance of tomorrow night’s showdown between #10-ranked Arkansas and #15-ranked Auburn, I sat down for an electronic conversation with one of the best SEC fans I know–AU Jed.
Jed is an Auburn alum, but he is an avid BlogHawgs reader, he follows all things SEC and he has a very good handle on the State of the Union. Out of deference to him (although he did not request it) I have chosen to use the God-given names for Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Auburn running back Michael Dyer and Auburn quarterback Kiehl Frazier in this interview.
Here’s what I had to say in Part 2:
AUJ: Most fans of the SEC would agree that you need to do 2 things to consistently win in this league: 1) Stop the run 2) Run the ball effectively. Arkansas has struggled to do either of these against quality teams thus far. Do you see Arkansas being able to overcome this?
BH: I think Arkansas’ numbers in both areas will improve as the season goes along. That is how Bobby Petrino’s teams at Arkansas have progressed in-season. At this time last year, people were wondering if Arkansas could develop a running game and develop a defensive identity.
Knile Davis then emerged, and, once the Arkansas defense picked itself up after it got Newtoned, the Hogs were able to get enough stops to go on a run and earn the school’s first BCS bowl berth.
Just how much Arkansas can improve in the run game on both sides of the ball this seeason will depend upon injuries on defense, and increased continuity on the offense line. Jason Peacock appears to have grabbed control of one of the tackle positions for Arkansas ahead of true freshman Mitch Smothers. That helps.
Now, Petrino will be looking to establish a few running game staples just as he did with Knile and the stretch play last season. In order to do, so, one or two of the running backs need to emerge and provide consistent production. Dennis Johnson appears to be the most likely candidate to do so, but interestingly, the much-maligned Broderick Green, coming off of a torn ACL in sprng practice, appears to be better than he was before the injury, and could provide some much-needed toughness in short-yardage situations.
AUJ: The last two games we’ve all seen Tyler Wilson take hit after hit in the pocket. How important is it for the offensive line to give him better protection, not only from a offensive standpoint but from a possible injury standpoint as well?
BH: Wilson definitely needs to take fewer hits. He won’t survive at this rate. A few things need to happen for things to change. First, Arkansas needs the schedule to provide a respite, and it should. Alabama looks to have a transcendent defense, and Texas A&M, for all its problems in the secondary, has a very good defensive front and offers as many different and effective blitz look as any team in the county.
AU hasn’t been able to get to the opposing quarterback. And, now that Wilson has shown his toughness and Arkansas appears to be making strides with its protections (Wilson had more time in the 2nd half of the A&M game), the hits on Wilson should decline.
Green has been lauded as one of the best RBs Arkansas has in terms of picking up blitzes and providing pass protection at the RB position (something that Arkansas fans have largely ignored in the past when bemoaning his playingtime). He should help.
One aspect that has not been addressed, at least publicly, is that so far this season, Wilson has taken several very late and/or helmet-to-helmet hits that have not netted personal foul penalties. That needs to change. And, Wilson, per his coaches, also has to do a better job of picking his spots. By that I mean he has often held onto the ball too long.
At times, that is a necessity. Wilson can look at a coverage at times (the first TD to Jarius Wright last week, for example) and know before the snap that if he gives the play time to develop, it should result in a big play. On those occasions, he can do the math and knows that he is going to get hit, but the risk will be worth the reward. At other times, though, he needs to go through his progression quicker, hit an underneath receiver, and avoid an unnecessary hit.
AUJ: Using your insider connections, what guys on the Hog defense will not be on the field Saturday?
BH: As you noted, getting injury information out of the Arkansas camp is a nearly impossible task. They don’t believe in giving their opponents any advantage. Also, Twitter has curtailed some of the info they release. Arkansas previously opened the first 20 minutes of practice, and when they did, folks were able to gleen some injury information based on who was practicing and how limited they appeared to be.
But, when Knile went down, and observers (some media members) broke the rules and Tweeted about it, Arkansas’ coaches were livid. They feel that a kid’s parents should find out about a season-ending injury before the Twitterverse, if possible. That’s understandable.
Having said all that, I expect defensive end Jake Bequette and defensive tackle Robert Thomas to play this week. Darius Winston was walking with only a slight limp last Saturday after leaving the game due to a leg injury and was also riding an exercide bike on the sidelines. My guess is he will play, but if he is hampered, they will pull him out. Tevin Mitchel (no typo) amd Greg Gatson played pretty well last week, and might provide better options than Winston if he is less than 100%.
Safety Tramain Thomas is a mystery. He was thought to be an emerging playmaker in the preason and he hasn’t been, yet. He dinged his shoulder in two-a-days and one wonders if he is having problems, there. His porous tackling this season suggests he may be favoring it. That is a scary development for a safety especially since it is the thinnest position on Arkansas’ roster. Tank Wright is still on the mend from a broken wrist and is a few weeks away from coming back.
So, in short, help seems to be on the way this week. If Arkansas can get through this game without additional major injuries, the OFF week next week should provide some salve for its wounds.
AUJ: Auburn has had a lot of success recruiting the state of Arkansas in recent years, with two kids from Arkansas expected to play a big part in this game. How can Arkansas keep those top recruits in state and limit Malzahn’s ability to recruit the state?
BH: Well, that’s the $180,000 question, isn’t it? It’s interesting that you used the word “base” earlier in relation to Springdale and Malzahn because he really has a cult-like following amongst some high school players and coaches with connections to his previous high school jobs. He has done a good job of cultivating that–no doubt.
But, I think his ability to continue to do so will depend on the individual recruit. Dyer was set to come to Arkansas, by most accounts, if Arkansas had been willing to offer his BFF, Dakota Moseley, early. They didn’t and the Dyer/Arkansas relationship soured quickly and the Malzahn/Dyer relationship flourished.
Frankly, I think the Dyer situation actually worked out for the better for both programs. Knile emerged as an All-SEC back, and Dyer helped lead AU to the BCS Championship. AU got Moseley and all his baggage, and the black eye and wrands that came with it.
From what I understand, Frazier was going to go wherever Malzahn was, and if that was indeed the case, there isn’t much Arkansas could have done to change it. Luckily, under Petrino, quarterback should never be a problem.
Time will only tell how well Malzahn will do in Arkansas recruiting in the future. I can tell you, though, that anecdotally I have seen that there are definitely parts of the state (Northeast Arkansas for example) exhibiting some Malzahn fatigue. Let’s just say that people sometimes tire of being told (whether explicitly or implicitly) that another person or peer is the smartest guy around.
Malzahn doesn’t necessarily say that, but his minions do, and making it worse, they seem to put off the vibe that simply by osmosis, or from worshipping at the altar of Gus, they have also become the smartest, most righteous guys in the room, too.
All of this, of course, ignores the Big Pink Trooper in the room–ie Auburn “super recruiter” Trooper Taylor the question of just how much of AU’s recruiting success has stemmed from being one large, happy towel-waiving family and how much of it stems from Auburn using alternative recruiting methods and pushing the envelope (proverbially, of course).
I keep hearing recruits (at AU and elsewhere) talking about making “business decisions”. That just seems like curious wording considering all that has gone on in the last year.
But, more than anything, I think Malzahn’s future recruiting success in Arkansas will depend on where he lands. If, as I predict, he becomes the next Mississippi Coach next year (the eff you of all eff yous) he will continue to be a threat to Arkansas recruiting.
Then again, if Arkansas continues to establish itself as a Top 10 program that produces tons of NFL-ready offensive talent (am I the only one who think Wilson is well on his way to being 1st Team All SEC if he stays healthy?) its recruiting should continue to improve.
####
Thanks for your time, Jed. It was fun. Good luck tomorrow. You’re going to need it.
BlogHawgs Prediction: Arkansas 45 Auburn 35.
Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, Bobby Petrino, Gus Malzahn, NCAA Football, Tyler Wilson | 3 Comments »
Blog Hawgs Twitter Style College Football Weekend Preview–11/9/12
Posted by Adam Butler on November 9, 2012
As a Hogs fan, how bad has 2012 been? So bad that this column has been the highlight of my season.
The only rules for this column are that the fake user names can’t be longer than 15 characters (but may or may not be registered, already), the Tweets cannot exceed 140 characters, and I have to end each one with a smarmy hash tag. Here we go:
Louisville at Syracuse: @Charlie$trong: With each Cardinals win, their head coach is earning an offer he might not be able to refuse #Loyalville?
Northwestern at Michigan: @TheBIGHouse: If you cut Brady Hoke, he bleeds Maize & Blue. #thecornsnotthecolors.
Louisiana-Lafayette at Florida: @La-La: The Ragin’ Cajuns vs. a Ragin’ Caucasian. #BattleoftheSwampPeople
Arkansas at South Carolina: @Payback: Arkansas is 3-0 against USCE by a 118-64 margin since 2009. #IMissEllisJohnsonalready.
Missouri at Tennessee: @DesTROYDGB: The Vols gave up 476 more yards to Troy LAST WEEK than Mizzou ”can’t miss” WR Dorial Green-Beckham has gained ALL SEASON. #&5moreTDs
Oregon St. at Stanford: @Eldrick: Cardinal alum Tiger Woods flew straight to Palo Alto when he heard the Beavers were coming to town. #hemustlovefootball
Arizona St. at USCW: @LiarLiar: Lane Kiffin has 1 more signature win at USC than the poor student manager that took a bullet for him this week. #healwaysscrewstheVolunteers
Texas A&M at Alabama: @UpsetAlert: If Bama is gonna lose this season it will be this game. No, I haven’t gone to Colorado this week. #TheHighestState
Baylor at Oklahoma: @Y2k: Sooners QB Landry Jones fondly remembers OU’s National Championship in 2000–when he was a redshirt freshman. #leavealready
West Virginia at Oklahoma St.: @Bookit: The Over/Under for this game is 79. It may hit by halftime. #Big12Defense
Kansas St. at TCU: @HeadyStuff: @TCU, @Baylor & Tx in Manhattan is a resume’-building home stretch. #stayhealthy,Collin
Georgia at Auburn: @AllIn: Auburn waited 54 years for a National Championship and 22 months to fire the head coach who won it. #HCBuyersBeware
Mississippi St. at LSU: @whatwastHat?: Bama pulled a rabbit out of The Hat last week. Honey Badger tried to smoke it. #FlawedLes
Vanderbilt at Mississippi: @UnbelievaBowl: The winner clinches a Bowl berth. #SEISmicactivity
Notre Dame at Boston College: @Rudy: The Luck of the Irish saved ND last week but won’t be needed in Chestnut Hill. #eventheBig10thinksthiswillbeasnoozer
Oregon at California: @FoieGras: The Ducks vs. a Lame Duck. #don’teventhinkaboutitJeffLong
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Posted in Commentary, Sports | Tagged: Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, College Football, SEC | 2 Comments »