Razorhog Site

Stayin' Alive

2009-11-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

The blog will continue ... a long vacation.

Razorback 2008 Season Prediction

2008-08-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

In 2008, the Hogs will go 7-5 with a ticket to the Liberty Bowl. The majority of fans are picking 6-6 with a good contingency suggesting a losing season. The losing season theorists may have some fuel with Petrino's release of the depth chart on Monday with a huge amount of freshmen playing on both sides of the ball. Petrino is preparing for the future and isn't wasting this season with the illusion that playing veterans will make a difference. To get to seven wins, Casey Dick will have to mature as QB and the offensive line will have to lead the way. Here is how it might play out:

Aug 30 Western Illinois (win)
Hogs 38, Leathernecks 10

Sep 06 Louisiana-Monroe (win)
Hogs 27, Warhawks 21

Sep 13 at Texas (loss)
Longhorns 45, Hogs 17

Sep 20 Alabama (win)
Hogs 24, Tide 21

Sep 27 Open

Oct 04 Florida (loss)
Gators 38, Hogs 21

Oct 11 at Auburn (loss)
Tigers 31, Hogs 20

Oct 18 at Kentucky (win)
Hogs 28, Wildcats 24

Oct 25 Ole Miss (loss)
Rebels 42, Hogs 31

Nov 01 Tulsa (win)
Hogs 35, G0lden Hurricane 31

Nov 08 at South Carolina (win)
Hogs 21, Gamecocks 13

Nov 15 Open

Nov 22 at Mississippi State (win)
Hogs 27, Bulldogs 17

Nov 28 LSU (loss)
Tigers 49, Hogs 10

Football Season 2008

2008-07-31T10:48:00.002-07:00

The season is upon us and so is the renewing of this blog. Keep an eye out for my predictions!

Spring / Summer Drought

2008-05-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

For college football fans, this is the desert. The distance between Spring practice and the first whistle in August. This blog will be sparse until then but will still be alive. Go Hogs Go!!

'Miss Congeniality': Darren McFadden

2008-05-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Darren's face says it all. The best prospect in the NFL 2008 Draft looks like he had to accept the Miss Congeniality Award with pride and dignity.

To Oakland? What a way to end your career before it even begins!

Hogs Make the Big Dance - That's It

2008-03-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

My prediction: One and done. What a lousy draw with Indiana in the first round!!! It is horrible to be a nine seed.

Razorhog Basketball

2008-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

"40 Minutes of Pell" spells doom for #25th rank Mississippi State and #13th rank Florida this week.

Wow!!

Mississippi State summary.

Florida summary.

I am still hanging on to those 1st round NCAA Tourney tickets in North Little Rock at Alltel Arena (plus, I will get to see the TOP seed Memphis there as well!!).

2008 Razorback Football Schedule

2008-01-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

Aug 30
Western Illinois Fayetteville, Ark.
Sep 6
Louisiana-Monroe Little Rock, Ark.
Sep 13
at Texas Austin, Texas
Sep 20
Alabama Fayetteville, Ark.
Sep 27
Open
Oct 4
Florida Fayetteville, Ark.
Oct 11
at Auburn Auburn, Ala.
Oct 18
at Kentucky Lexington, Ky.
Oct 25
Ole Miss Fayetteville, Ark.
Nov 1
Tulsa Fayetteville, Ark.
Nov 8
at South Carolina Columbia, S.C.
Nov 15
Open
Nov 22
at Mississippi State Starkville, Miss.
Nov 29
LSU* Little Rock, Ark

Pelphrey Wolves Sholuld Be Beginning to Howl

2007-12-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

Appalachian State 74, Arkansas 67 in Alltel Arena in Little Rock on December 22, 2007. Simply sad. The beginning of the end of the Pelphrey era. But why aren't the wolves really howling yet? Media spins and fan disillusionment.

Wally's spin.

Press conference.

Bobby Petrino: Which one did we get?

2007-12-24T06:32:00.001-08:00

Choice A: The Atlanta Falcons Coach?

Choice B: Louisville Cardinals Coach?

I am guessing that Jeff Long and all of Hogland are betting on choice B. Let's see. This space is not going to sing any praises until he is proven on the field. Just for the record, the cabinets on the football team aren't as bare as fans and the media want us to believe. In essence, people are giving him some grace period without any merit. Why? The fallout from Atlanta and the belief that he will be choice B.

Why hire Jim Grobe?

2007-12-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

It looks like Jim Grobe will be the next coach for the Hogs. See these sources:

http://www.wholehogsports.com/nwat/59960

ARSN

So why? He has a dismal and not even mediocre head coaching record. I guess it is because he beat Ole Miss (see video below) while at Wake Forest.

Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English??

2007-12-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

Ran into this on espn.com...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3138826

"ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting that Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English interviewed for the Arkansas job on Sunday (December 1, 2007), according to a person briefed on the meeting."

Maybe Reggie Herring has a real shot at the head coach job at Arkansas!!

Official End of the Nutt Era

2007-11-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

A photo is worth at least one-thousand words.

Houston Dale Nutt is going to coach the Ole Miss Rebels. Fans who are really "Razorback Fans" will not cheer for Mississippi (or Tulsa for that matter) when the Hogs go face to face.

Nutt Going to be a Rebel

2007-11-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Read for yourself...

Memphis Commercial Appeal

You heard it here first.

Nutt to Leave Arkansas?

2007-11-26T13:58:00.001-08:00

Reports are all over the board.

Caution from this blog until 6:30pm CT on November 26, 2008.

ESPN

KATV

KARK

THV

Arkansas Razorbacks Spoil #1 LSU BCS Title

2007-11-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

Arkansas 50, LSU 48

Biggest victory in Arkansas football history? Death Valley and the number one team in NCAA football.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273270099

You decide.

Real Men Of Genius - Houston Nutt

2007-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

One of the best videos of the Houston Nutt era!!

Presented by "Gus Light".

Wally Hall Needs A Reality Check

2007-10-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

"The victory wasn’t as pretty, or as powerful, as the score made it appear." - Wally Hall http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/205110

Arkansas 44, Ole Miss 8. Hmmmm ... by all accounts that's a pretty good beat-down in Oxford. Compare that to Florida's performance on September 22 on the same stage Gators 30, Rebels 24. Go figure.

Nightmare on the Hill

2007-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Perfect laughter for this October!!

Ebay: Buy Houston Nutt's Moral Victory Item

2007-10-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

Today, you can own a piece of Razorback history....and just think, you might just find this purchase as your ticket to becoming the next Razorback head coach. View the item on Ebay.

Photo of the Auburn / Arkansas Game

2007-10-16T06:39:00.001-07:00

"Wheels Completely Fell Off the Houston Nutt Razorback Bus"

It's official. Nuttville, Arkansas is a thing of the past. Here's why:

SEC play 0-3 start.
Leading Heisman candidate reduced to looking like a third string back for Temple
QB that couldn't start for any SEC school
Undisciplined players - late hits, trash talking, confusion on the field, etc
Offensive unit that is losing ground as the season progresses

Who's to blame? Not the players. Not the fans. Not the media. It's simple, Houston Dale Nutt. Enjoy your next bus ride at Baylor.

Rent-A-Win #3 - Tennessee Chattanooga "Mocs"

2007-10-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

"We need to see if we can get to half-time in a competitive manner." - Rodney Allison, Mocs Coach

That pretty much says it all. Arkansas 75, Tenn-Chattanooga 3. McFadden breaks the all time rushing record for the Hogs in Little Rock.

Learn more about this cupcake team from their official site. Video press conference from the Mocs coach.

Arkansas vs Kentucky

2007-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Most are saying this will be a very high scoring affair; however, I think the defenses will stiffen up and play today. There will be a lot of scoring but the Hogs clock domination (not to be confused with clock management) will prove to be the winning edge in this game. Arkansas 38, Kentucky 31.

Big Play: Felix Jones will bust a long run 60+ yards. Crosby Tuck? No TD but perhaps two catches.

Lousy Play: Wide receivers and the defensive secondary.

Arkansas vs Alabama Prediction

2007-09-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's going to be ugly. I think that both defenses will be exploited at various times. Alabama's defensive will be shook by the lightening and thunder tandem of McFadden and Jones. The Arkansas defense will look bad against the passing attack that Alabama will bring. Make no mistake, Saban will throw it deep and often even if all the analysts say that Alabama will like to play smash-mouth football. Against Vandy last week, Alabama did throw long and deep ... those will be big gains against the Hogs secondary. However, Arkansas proves to be a little too much and the honeymoon for Saban ends with a score of 30 to 28.

Big play: Peyton Hillis will run for a TD and/or return a punt that will change the game.

Lousy play: Casey Dick and the receivers.

The 2007 SEC Doormat Trophy Award

2007-08-31T10:01:00.001-07:00

Each year, I hand out the Southeastern Conference Doormat Trophy Award. For 2007, the preseason favorite is Mississippi State. Sylvester Croom will be out of there!

Hogs 2007 Season Predictions

2007-08-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

After the day after "Turkey Day", Arkansas will be 9 and 3. McFadden on the bubble for the Heisman Trophy. The Hogs go to pick Cotton. We begin the recruitment of a good QB. All hoping Felix will come back for his senior season. Here's the breakdown as I see it:

Sept 1 - Troy in Fayetteville (win)
Arkansas 35, Troy 14

Sept 15 - Alabama at Tuscaloosa (win)
Arkansas 21, Alabama 20

Sept 22 - Kentucky in Fayetteville (win)
Arkansas 31, Kentucky 17

Sept 29 - North Texas in Fayetteville (win)
Arkansas 28, North Texas 10

Oct 6 - Tennessee-Chattanooga (win)
Arkansas 56, Tenn-Chat 3

Oct 13 - Auburn in Fayetteville (loss)
Auburn 24, Arkansas 10

Oct 20 - Ole Miss at Oxford (win)
Arkansas 24, Ole Miss 7

Oct 27 - Florida Int'l (HC) in Fayetteville (win)
Arkansas 45, Florida Int'l 10

Nov 03 - South Carolina in Fayetteville (win)
Arkansas 38, South Carolina 28

Nov 10 - Tennessee at Knoxville (loss)
Tennessee 31, Arkansas 14

Nov 17 - Mississippi State in Little Rock (win)
Arkansas 27, Mississippi State 14

Nov 23 - LSU at Baton Rouge (loss)
LSU 27, Arkansas 10

Reflection: 2006 Season's Picks

2007-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

For 2006, I predicted 8 - 4 ... the Hogs finished 10-2. OK, I was wrong but who wasn't? Most people were saying 7 at best.

Let's review (my prediction / real outcome)..
*indicates incorrect prediction

Sep 02 - USC 35, Ark 24 in Fayetteville (loss)
Sep 02 - USC 50, Ark 14 in Fayetteville (loss)

Sep 09 - Ark 48, Utah State 14 in Fayetteville (win)
Sep 09 - Ark 20, Utah State 00 in Fayetteville (win)

Sep 16 - Ark 21, Vanderbilt 10 in Nashville (win)
Sep 16 - Ark 21, Vanderbilt 19 in Nashville (win)

Sep 23 - Ark 17, Alabama 14 in Fayetteville (win)
Sep 23 - Ark 24, Alabama 23 in Fayetteville (win)

Oct 07 - Auburn 31, Ark 20 at Auburn (loss)
Oct 07 - Auburn 10, Ark 27 at Auburn (win)*

Oct 14 - Ark 56, Southeast Missouri State 3 in Fayetteville (win)
Oct 14 - Ark 63, Southeast Missouri State 7 in Fayetteville (win)

Oct 21 - Ark 35, Ole Miss 28 in Fayetteville (win)
Oct 21 - Ark 38, Ole Miss 3 in Fayetteville (win)

Oct 28 - Ark 38, Louisiana-Monroe 10 in Little Rock (win)
Oct 28 - Ark 44, Louisiana-Monroe 10 in Little Rock (win)

Nov 04 - South Carolina 31, Ark 14 at Columbia (loss)
Nov 04 - South Carolina 26, Ark 20 at Columbia (win)*

Nov 11 - Ark 17, Tennessee 14 in Fayetteville (win)
Nov 11 - Ark 31, Tennessee 14 in Fayetteville (win)

Nov 18 - Ark 28, Mississippi State 13 at Starkville (win)
Nov 18 - Ark 28, Mississippi State 14 at Starkville (win)

Nov 24 - LSU 31, Ark 28 in Little Rock (loss)
Nov 24 - LSU 31, Ark 26 in Little Rock (loss)

View my original 2006 predictions.

I am working on the formula for the upcoming 2007 season predictions. Keep an eye out.

McFadden for Heisman?

2007-06-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

"D-Mac" aka Darren McFadden. Enough said? His coming out party last year for the nation in ESPN's GameDay in Fayetteville versus Tennessee was enough to get him runner up to the Heisman in 2007. Until that point, he was under the radar. Not any more.

Will he be the next Heisman? I believe so and can't wait to watch in in action each game. I am looking forward to each snap when number five is on the field. We should see plenty of the "wildcat" formation but look for Peyton Hillis to take QB snaps with D-Mac in motion and Felix Jones in the backfield ... football dreaming in June.

Read about more pre-season accolades.

Summer Lull

2007-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell, things are dead as of late. I am waiting until the first kickoff in the Fall. This site is dedicated primarily to the Arkansas Razorback football season.

Arkansas Rumor Mill

2007-04-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

The mill is running strong! Soap opera U is in full swing. Here are the interchanging scenes...

1. Houston Nutt and the infamous 40+ page report suggesting many things.

2. The basketball coach search culminating in hiring a barely above 500 record in the Sunbelt Conference - John Pelphrey. The spin that Kentucky had Pelphrey on its short list ... what a laugher!

3. Cody Burn's dad on talk show radio.

4. Mitch Mustain and the Springdale crew.

5. Frank Broyles retiring from the AD position in December.

6. University of Arkansas officials and Board of Trustees have nothing better to do that get involved in each scene.

What a mess!

Can I start a rumor? Here it is...

Frank Broyles is retiring from the AD position in order to become the next Razorback football coach.

Hogs Are Dancing!

2007-03-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

By the skin of our teeth, the Hogs have made it back to the NCAA Tourney. We begin out west in Spokane, WA but are in the East bracket as a number twelve seed facing number five seed Southern California in the first round. Will we be one and done? Not so fast, I think we take revenge on USC for the past two football games and win big. My pick: Hogs 79, Trojans 68 (two points less than our football team allowed in L.A. in 2005).

Houston Nutt vs Wally Hall Saga

2007-02-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

Houston we have contact. Nutt has backbone and nerve. I respect him for calling in and covering his back and his program. It appears that all lost in this exchange because critics will now have more ammunition. Here is the final score:

Houston Nutt 28, Wally Hall 3
(Wally was eerily quiet and couldn't respond to Nutt.)

Wally's Column...
http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/181358

Houston's voice response on talk radio...
http://kabzfm.com/1037thebuzz/index.htm (bottom of page)
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNsV-yWJrXU

Other perspectives...
CBS Sportsline.com
ESPN
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Spin
Today's THV
Arkansas Times

Recruiting Class 2007

2007-02-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

Of course, there will always be "positive spin" in college football recruiting. Arkansas is not an exception. The media is touting that this is the year for offensive and defensive linemen. We should have signed blue chip running backs and quarterbacks. In reality, QB is wide open for competition and the tailback position will have a vacancy the size of the Grand Canyon after next season when McFadden and Jones opt for the NFL after their junior season. We hope Jones will mature a year and increase his stock but if he is a solid first rounder then he must take the money and run.

Here is the 2007 recruiting class without spin:
http://www.wholehogsports.com/nwat/49892

Here is the 2007 recruiting class WITH spin:
http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/181271
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=10&amp;amp;p=9&c=8&yr=2007

Questionable Comment by Broyles

2007-01-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

According to our Athletic Director Frank Broyles, it appears that Arkansas doesn't have the "best players":

Broyles said blocking challenges are different in an offense like Malzahn's. He pointed out that West Virginia has used a spread, no-huddle offense successfully, but Mountaineers quarterback Pat White is a dangerous runner.

"It'll work when you've got the best players," Broyles said. "Any offense will."

Credit:
ARSN Article via Associated Press

Basketball: No Moral Victories

2007-01-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

In the loss to #2 ranked Florida...

“ I’m proud of the guys in those Razorback uniforms, ” Heath said. “ That [Florida ] team is special. They are very skilled and shoot the ball well and pass it and defend at the highest level in college basketball. Our team showed they wouldn’t back down. ”

On the other hand, Heath stressed he didn’t want his Hogs accepting a moral victory but be determined to go Ole Miss realizing they hadn’t finished the job in Gainesville.

Credit:
http://www.wholehogsports.com/nwat/48988

Movie Poster Says It All

2007-01-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

"From a BCS Game To Losing Three Straight ... An Unbelievably True Story"

I came across this in a forward from a forward email. If anyone knows who created it, I will proudly give proper credit.

Capital One Citrus Bowl 2007

2006-12-29T07:59:00.000-08:00

Who would have guessed that my brother and I would pick this match up back in August? Don't believe it, check it out!

I am having a tough time predicting this one. If I was putting money on the line, I would go with the Badgers because defense wins bowl games. However, I believe that McFadden (runner up to the Heisman) will run roughshod all over the #3 defense in the land. We piled up over three hundred yards on the ground against the #1 LSU defense. Watch out for Felix Jones.

The Hogs win in a close one 21 - 17. The key will be who gets out to an early lead. If a two score lead is established, then that team will move to a grind it out format as both teams excel in that type of game. It will be very interesting. GO HOGS GO!

SEC Championship

2006-12-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

We lost to Florida. What a bummer! Sugar and/or BCS went down the drain. Up next: Wisconsin.

HOGS GOING TO ATLANTA!

2006-11-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

SEC Championship Game

A dream season for the Razorback Nation.

It has been a long, hard fought road this year, but the Hogs have made it to the conference dance. We are 10-2 on the season with our only loses going to excellent teams in Southern California and LSU. My pre-season pick was 8-4 which was VERY gracious back in the summer. We match up well against Florida. Last week, we rushed for over 300 yards against the best defense (i.e. #1) in the country LSU who have held opponents to an average of 70 yards on the ground.

My prediction is that McFadden will rush for over 200 yards and we will convincingly beat Florida 28 to 14 in route to a sugar tasting event. Go Hogs Go!

Another "Domino" Falls in the Search for Sugar

2006-11-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

Photo of the South Carolina Game

A win against Spurrier. How sweet? After the victory against Auburn, this contest was considered the crucial game and litmus test. Now, we beat South Carolina and everyone says that Tennessee is the true test? I can' figure it out. Which is the true test? It doesn't matter! Each game is just a step towards the SEC Championship and "BCS Land". I have more fear of Mississippi State than Tennessee; however, I am not looking ahead because the Vols are up next.

Arkansas Versus South Carolina

2006-11-02T18:18:00.000-08:00

In my pre-season picks, I chose South Carolina 31 to 14! Well, things and situations have changed. The Hogs are ranked #12 in the nation. However, SC will give the Hogs quite a challenge. My prediction is a low scoring affair 10 to 7 with the Hogs edging out the Gamecocks.

When the Hogs win...
The SEC Championship game is almost a lock because we would only have to beat LSU or Tennessee to go to Atlanta. We are thinking BCS and bring out the sugar packets!

If the Hogs lose...
Our expectations will begin to focus on the Cotton Bowl. Tennessee and LSU become must wins and who wants to think about it. The good thing is that the Vols and Tigers play us at home.

Keys to Victory...
Establish the running tandem of McFadden and Jones. It is that simple. Let Mitch Mustain throw down the field on the first series.

Keys to Defeat...
Over confidence will do it every time. Lack of focus and mental preparation will doom our Hogs.

Things to Cheer About...
National TV on ESPN at 6:45! The Hogs should take this chance to show the country that we are for real and not a fluke team. Matter of fact, if we beat SC in an excellent fashion, we should move ahead of all the other SEC teams in the polls ... Give us just deserve!

Photo of the ULM Game

2006-10-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hog's Halloween Treat

Trick or Treat? The first quarter of play against the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks seemed more like a trick or a "Nightmare on Markham". The Hogs were still asleep and looking ahead to South Carolina as the score was tied 7 to 7. However, mistakes and better talent proved to be the difference in the final blowout against the directional school. The only treat ULM received was the money and 10 points on the board. Up next, bring on the Gamecocks of South Carolina and the Hogs better field the same type warrior mentality that beat Auburn!

Ole Miss Versus Arkansas

2006-10-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

In my pre-season picks, I chose Arkansas 35 to 28 for a win. Arkansas should win the game but I think it will be a lower scoring affair. I am taking the final score of 21 to 7. By the way, the latest line is the Hogs by 17.

When the Hogs win...
Cotton Bowl here we come almost for sure. The Nutt bashers will still be looking for fodder to come out again. They will find negativism in a win and winning season ... how pitiful!

If the Hogs lose...
The wolves will be howling again. Houston please do not lose this game! The QB "controversy" will be in full swing and will dominate the air waves.

Keys to Victory...
Lightly use the pass to open up the run. It worked at Auburn with the Monk TD reception and it should work to exploit a weak Ole Miss defense.

Keys to Defeat...
Special teams mistakes ... I am feeling that it may be a bad week for this area on our team. When we are winning, a lapse in this area usually has led to loses and key losing skids in the Nutt era. Let's hope we are focused in this area!

Things to Cheer About...
TV game again! Regional coverage on JP (I know Lincoln Financial ... old habits are hard to break!). Most would say win number six and a bowl game but not at this point ... let's not cheer for that reason when we win ... keep our eyes focused on each game and sole ownership of the SEC West. Peace out.

Photo of the SEMO Game

2006-10-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Dessert Served!

Last week, we were eating crow. Next up -- Southeast Missouri State (SEMO). What a joke! A huge 63 to 7 beating. I couldn't even get motivated to write a pre-game prediction for SEMO. However, let's now turn our focus on Ole Miss and protect our national #15 rank and our spotlight at #13 in the BCS.

Photo of the Auburn Game

2006-10-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Arkansas Fans Eating Crow

Ok, if you look back at my prediction for the game, I am the first to take a bite. However, many of the Houston Nutt bashers must take their fair share and order up an extremely large plate! Where are all the thrashers and bashers at now on talk radio? I hear them talking of BCS Bowling and praising the program ... very strange!

Report Card Versus Auburn

2006-10-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

How can you report anything other than positive about the historic 27 to 10 lashing that the Hogs gave to #2 nationally ranked Auburn? I can ... only an A+ and F this week!

A+
An entire team effort. We won the war in both trenches - offensive and defensive lines.

F
The referees for too many flags and almost disrupting the game during the second quarter. Did anyone notice that Auburn scored 10 points when the officials seemed to control the tempo of the game in that quarter?

Arkansas vs Auburn

2006-10-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

In the pre-season picks, I chose Auburn 31 to 20 to win. I stand by picking Auburn but I feel that they will do it by at least three touchdowns. Revised score of 28-7 has Auburn beating us with ease. It is hard not picking the Hogs but the Tigers are just too strong and the home field advantage will even help to exploit our Hogs more. I hope I am wrong ... dead wrong!

When the Hogs win...
The Nutt haters should call in to all the talk shows and beg for forgiveness. I will not listen to all the hype of a National Championship run or a BCS Bowl. Make no mistake ... we will not win this one.

If the Hogs lose...
Keep the game respectable. There are no moral victories. Repeating ... no such a thing as a moral victory in football.

Keys to Victory...
The entire Auburn team getting a stomach bug at the beginning of game time. I wouldn't want that to happen so we will need to pray for a miracle. The glimpse of hope may be McFadden ... will he prove he is the best back in the SEC?

Keys to Defeat...
Careless turnovers and sloppy tackles! If we see this, the national TV audience may get a real laugher out of this one and CBS may question the LSU game for its broadcast.

Things to Cheer About...
The team will get seasoned one way or the other. National TV exposure for recruiting? I am trying to make a stretch in this section. What is or will there be to cheer about?

Photo of the Alabama Game

2006-09-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Exercising the Demons!

Three demons were put out to dry...
1. Lack of defensive turnover. (Add scoop and score to it!)
2. Quality win at Razorback Stadium. (Loud fans especially on the defensive score.)
3. Houston Nutt gets relief from the hell raisers! (2-0 start to conference play)

Report Card Versus Alabama

2006-09-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Arkansas squeaked out a 24 to 23 victory over the Crimson Tide. Let's give honorary credit to the three missed field goals and EXTRA POINT from the Alabama place kicker. I hope he retains his scholarship!

A+
First defensive turnover! Results in a scoop and score scamper. A play like that almost breaks the will of an offensive unit and provides an energizing boost to the defense.

B
Punting special teams. No mistakes and great placement inside the 20 and one on the half yard line.

C
Kickoff and punt returns. Average at best. We need to find a spark or at least ignite the one Felix Jones had last season.

D+
Our defensive secondary was thrashed over and over again by a QB making his first road win. Did anyone notice in the 1st quarter that the Alabama guy was wide open for TD but it was over thrown?

F
QB play. Three interceptions. Enough said? They were very bad ... just heaved up without thought or consideration. Some picks are forced but these were just plain horrific. Mitch will learn and make adjustments. I just hope we don't get conservative based upon these mistakes.

Alabama vs Arkansas

2006-09-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

In the preseason picks, I chose Arkansas 17 to 14 to win, but not sure that will play out on Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. I feel that Alabama is at least two scores better than us at this point. So, my prediction this week is Arkansas 24, Alabama 34 ... our defense is just too weak.

When the Hogs win...
We will be 3 and 1, exactly where most "normal" Hog fans expected to be in the beginning of the season. The not so normal Hog fans were the ones asking on talk radio -- "Would Houston run up the score on Southern Cal?"

If the Hogs lose...
It is going to be a very rocky road for the team for the rest of the season. Alabama is the litmus test for the rest of the season. The Nutt wolves will really be howling.

Keys to Victory...
Outscore Alabama! Sounds like duhhh, right? Our defense will put up very little resistance so we better be able to out score them. Keep Kenneth Darby in check!!

Keys to Defeat...
Flatness. It has been the mantra of all the games with Vandy seeing a very slight reprieve in sloppy performance (except for the D unit which looked horrific to me!).

Things to Cheer About...
Going 2-0 to start conference play. Insider note, watch Darren McFadden have an outstanding game. Razorback Stadium will be rocking and rolling ... national TV.

Report Card Versus Vanderbilt

2006-09-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Photo of the Game:
Southeastern Conference Doormat Trophy

(Thank goodness Vandy didn't hand it to us!)

A+

There were about 10,000 fans in Nashville calling the Hogs. It was a fun weekend there!

B
Mitch Mustain is 13 of 20 for 223 yards in the air and each week he is showing improvement.

C-
Kicking game improvements - a few kick-offs actually went into the end zone and there was a 44 yard field goal right on the money except negated by a penalty.

D
Offensive and defensive lines.

F
Defense. The bus driver noted that he could have driven the motor coach right through the holes in our defense. Give Vandy credit? They are and will be considered one of the the worst offensive units in our conference (a complete season will spell it out).

Arkansas vs Vanderbilt

2006-09-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am going to stick with my pre-season prediction of 21 to 10 in favor of Arkansas. This is assuming that we are able to make our extra point attempts. I will be heading to Nashville in hopes of rallying the troops to bring home a road victory.

When the Hogs win...
redemption against the home loss to Vandy in 2005. Alabama will become the "key game" of the season.

If the Hogs lose...
Arkansas becomes the new door mat of the SEC. Miracles better happen for a winning season. Houston Nutt should dust off his resume and Frank will begin to make a few calls.

Keys to Victory...
Physical running game. Run right at their 9 men in the box. I think the same strategy for Utah State with better execution will lead to a solid victory.

Keys to Defeat...
Overlooking this game and thinking about Alabama. Even with the defeat last year in Fayetteville, Vandy is still regarded as the easiest team in the conference.

Things to Cheer About...
A win in a SEC road game. Starting conference play 1-0. Mitch Mustain improvement leads to a more open offense. I will be in Nashville ... that is the best thing to cheer about!!

Report Card Versus Utah State

2006-09-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Photo of the Game: Entire Team - "Flat as Pancakes"

A+
Darren McFadden with 184 yards on the ground. He is back.

B-
Defense gets a shut out but please consider the opponent. No turnovers yet.

C
Passing game glimpses give a little ray of hope for fans on the drive in the 3rd Quarter when he hit Damian Williams on a 50 yard post pattern and then Monk in the corner of the end zone. Mitch Mustain ... No turnovers.

D-
Reverting back to Houston Nutt's playbook. It is 4th and half a yard on their 39 and punt the ball ... Questionable! Oh, we were running the Nutt offense ... That explains it AND it works so well because we went 4-7 and then 5-6. Earth to Houston ... Wake up.

F-
The kicking game. One missed extra point and a close near miss extra point. The 37 yard attempt did not even hit the net behind the goal post ... Scary!! We still can not put the kick-off into the end zone. This team weakness will result in a couple of L's this year.

Utah State vs Arkansas

2006-09-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Should this game be called Cupcake State vs Arkansas instead? The Hogs will heal some wounds in route to a blowout of 52 to 3. Will Houston run up the score?

When the Hogs win...
People will walk out of the stadium with a false sense of pride. The team will be better tuned up and ready to go. Mitch Mustain will look like an NFL QB against these guys.

If the Hogs lose...
End of the Houston Nutt era.

Keys to Victory...
Physical and basic stuff should suffice. Matter of fact, our scout team should be able to put points on the board by just taking knees (well, maybe not that easily).

Keys to Defeat...
Let's not even go there. Unthinkable against this opponent.

Things to Cheer About...
Debut of Mustain. Running game will be stunning. Will we actually use the second half of the game to finely tune our game or will we just run the ball and accept mediocrity? The defense keeping the fan's attention by pitching a shut out.

Report Card Versus USC

2006-09-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Photo of the Game: Offensive Unit - "Sloppy Joe"

(This is not a knock on Robert Johnson!)

"A" honor roll goes to the punting team. Jacob Skinner has improved and kicked a couple of beauties on Saturday.

Above average "B" goes to the first half Hog defense. The bend but not break style of play was in effect but they just ran out of gas in the second half.

Just average "C" goes to the offensive production and quarterback play. Johnson and Mustain each put together an excellent drive apiece but that is about all.

Below average "D" goes to the kickoff team. Can we get someone who can kick it out of the end zone? Did you notice how USC was able to do it and made it an effective weapon in the game?

Failing "F" goes to the running game. Felix Jones had an uncharacteristic three fumbles (two lost). In addition, Peyton Hillis didn't touch the ball until the third quarter.

Southern Cal vs Arkansas

2006-08-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

I am going to stick with my pre-season pick of 35 to 24 in favor of USC, but I hope that I am dead wrong.

When the Hogs win...
First of all, after the game, stay clear of the goal posts especially the in the South end zone. Secondly, join the record capacity crowd in the wild mass exodus out of the stadium. Thirdly, you may not want to tune into talk radio the week following the USC game as fans will go from the average if we are lucky 7-4 predictions to National Championship hype.

If the Hogs lose...
It wouldn't be unexpected given the opponent; however, we should never accept a loss and there are no moral victories in football. The game better be competitive or the Nutt wolves will be howling.

Keys to Victory...
See my Ambush article.

Keys to Defeat...
A one-dimensional Hog offense will kill our chances more than Reggie Bush and Matt Leinhart playing under false identities for USC. Take a look at last year, 3rd and long means that opposing defensive units bring nine men even if we have a four wide out set.

Things to Cheer About...
The Fayetteville crowd will be electric. Imagine an 80 yard scamper by Felix Jones. The first time Mitch Mustain trots out on the field. Can you imagine a bigger reaction by the fans than these two events (besides winning of course)?

USC Ambush in Fayetteville?

2006-08-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

When someone mentions "Arkansas versus Southern California", what comes to mind? 70 to 17 AND images of the third team if not water boy team scoring with about two minutes in Los Angeles (not to mention images of Reggie Bush slashing through our defense with ease). Simply put, painful.

Can Arkansas win in Fayetteville? If so, I think it will have to be "ambush style" reminiscent of the beating that Texas received back on September 13, 2003. There are three key ingredients to an ambush:

Ingredient 1: Make them Pay
In retrospect, we played almost flawlessly and made Texas pay with each turnover. If USC puts the ball on the ground, we must score in order to break their will. If they throw picks, then we must return these for TD's or long gains as to provide a short field. We can not get a turnover and go three and out.

Ingredient 2: Solid Defense
Our defense must play 60 minutes and be very stingy. The defensive unit has something to prove and is motivated by the events in Los Angeles, but that is not enough. I think the "bend but not break" style would serve well in this game.

Ingredient 3: Kick'em when it Counts
With the game winding down, we must be able to kick a clutch field goal. In Austin, we all but sealed the victory with about five minutes left when David Carlton kicked a 29-yarder to put the Hogs ahead 38 to 28.

Let us hope that we find the right ingredients so we can feast on the USC stewing that will undoubtedly rock the nation and remove the images from L.A.

Quarterback: Straddle the Fence

2006-08-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been living in a cave or building pyramids in Egypt, you obviously know that Robert Johnson will start on September 2 against Southern California. The majority of the fans are unhappy. The media outlets are showing strong support. I am going to straddle the fence - supported side and unsupported side.

The Supported Side of the Fence
Robert Johnson has experience. He does well in practice, but can he take the same performance to game day? Perhaps he should envision the game as just merely a practice. Johnson just might put things together after sticking it out when most QBs would have hit the road. We can hope that Johnson takes or seeks advice from former Hog Tarvaris Jackson (drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and signed a 4 year contract) on how to take your game to the next level.

The Unsupported Side of the Fence
Start Mitch Mustain. He is the future of the program so let's get him going right away. Johnson had his chance and blew it.

Keeping the Fence in Tact
No matter what your side of the fence happens to be, we all need to stand behind our Razorbacks. At this point, we need to keep the same optimism that we had just a few weeks ago before the series of unfortunate events in this weird off-season.

Pre-Season FB Predictions 2006

2006-08-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

I know it sounds crazy, but I am going to try to predict wins/loses and score before we take our first snap against USC. For all who read, I am sure it will be laughter material at some point; however, I plan on making week to week predictions that will undoubtedly differ from this look into my crystal football.

Sep 02 - USC 35, Ark 24 in Fayetteville (loss)
Sep 09 - Ark 48, Utah State 14 in Fayetteville (win)
Sep 16 - Ark 21, Vanderbilt 10 in Nashville (win)
Sep 23 - Ark 17, Alabama 14 in Fayetteville (win)
Oct 07 - Auburn 31, Ark 20 at Auburn (loss)
Oct 14 - Ark 56, Southeast Missouri State 3 in Fayetteville (win)
Oct 21 - Ark 35, Ole Miss 28 in Fayetteville (win)
Oct 28 - Ark 38, Louisiana-Monroe 10 in Little Rock (win)
Nov 04 - South Carolina 31, Ark 14 at Columbia (loss)
Nov 11 - Ark 17, Tennessee 14 in Fayetteville (win)
Nov 18 - Ark 28, Mississippi State 13 at Starkville (win)
Nov 24 - LSU 31, Ark 28 in Little Rock (loss)

I am predicting 8-4 and that would put us in the running for the Cotton Bowl depending on how hungry the bowl is to have a full crowd. Otherwise, Independence here we come with a long shot for Peaches but not likely.

In the Beginning

2006-08-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

There was a new Razorhog blog.