The End is Near

What we need is less cowbell.  The skid continues as the Hogs have now lost 8 in a year and the Thanksgiving turkey may be hard to swallow at this point.  But with Thanksgiving comes the traditional game for the Golden Boot, which means we have a short week in store.  "Let's make these last 6 days be fun," right Coach?  The only way to make this week any more fun is to start off a Grubs before you get burned out on the turkey and dressing.  The Total Package and some ice cold waters.  Fire up that Fight Song!

Arkansas was defeated by #13 LSU on the Playstation 31-17.  Alex Collins was the lone bright spot for the Hogs.  Due to the short week, the mailbag is limited but we'll go with what we got.

How long are we going to give Bielema to turn this around?
This is the Million Dollar Question.  It is beyond obvious that there is a lack of talent on this football team and even Coach admitted this week there is more work to do here than he originally thought.  But what scares me is that his recruiting efforts will make us big and SLOW.  Look at his top signee this past year, Alex Collins.  GREAT running back that is on his way to setting the freshman rushing record.  But what's the thing that sticks out about him?  He can't runaway from anyone!  He lacks the breakaway speed.  Speed is the name of the game in the SEC and Bielema better recognize it quickly in the recruiting department.  Honestly, I'm still on the fence with him, but we better at least give him the same amount of time we need to give our fans to pronounce his name right on the call in radio shows!  Note:  In the modern era of the SEC, each coach to win the SEC Championship has won at least 9 games in 1 of their first 2 seasons. 

What do you want for Christmas?
Let's be honest here, this was an email from the wife.  I told you the mailbag was short.  So, Christy, if you're reading this, I want a new coffee maker.

 

This one you got me for Fathers Day worked the first 3 times but hasn't the last 8.  I've also noticed that the coffee starts out hot for the first quarter of a cup and then cools off rapidly.  There have been a few days when I got excited about it because of all the noise coming from the top, but then the same ol nothing keeps happening.  I called the customer service number and they assured me that I do have priority points with the company and help is one the way.  I'm not sure though as they wanted to charge me a ton of money just to return it and buy a new one.

 

Full of turkey and dressing the Hogs will head to Red Stick, LousyAnna for their final game of the year.  But wait folks, this one still involves a trophy and it's the last time we'll play this game after Thanksgiving!  Purple and Gold will be dominant in Tiger Stadium and the unkept Boot looks to remain in Les Miles' broom closet.  Arkansas has continued oppossum style football by playing dead at home and getting killed on the road this year and I don't see it stopping now.  Bret Bielema has never beat a team ranked higher than his on the road and will now face a 17th ranked LSU team whose defense made Johnny Football turn into Johnny Fun Size.

 

Las Vegas tabs the game as a 24 1/2 point victory for the Tigers and they don't pay the light bills by losing.  Arkansas is over their head in ever facet of the game this week and simply has nothing more than atrocious uniforms to play for.  It will be worth celebrating if Arkansas even scores.  Yes, it has gotten that bad around here folks.

 

No eggs for quarterbacks cars, no made up trophies by single guys in Arkansas trying to find dates because he speaks at every fundraiser, and no wins since I've turned another year older.  A season full of "no's" capped off today by "No more 2 games in Little Rock."  Don't act surprised folks, Arkansas only showed up for 1 in the past two years anyway.

 

A dismal season with a dismal ending, yet the end is near......

 

Hogs 3

 

Tigers 34

 

Have a most wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, Bowl Season, Spring Football, Summer, Fall Camp, and any time you eat at Grubs!!!  Until we write again.

 

God Bless You All,

 

Superfan



Ring The Bell!

The Playstation Prediction took advantage of the off week and stuffed our face at Grubs while we took time to drown the sorrows of the season.  The kick of the Buffalo Chicken Wrap got us back in gear and it's time to see what the Playstation has in store.

Arkansas absolutely laid down to the Bulldawgs on the Playstation and turned in yet another loss, 39-17 State.  With the 7 game skid still going we head back to the mailbag.

Can we win this week?
Can we?  Yes.  Will we?  I'm not sure.  If you held a gun to my head and made me answer I would say no.  This team lacks talent, speed, and enthusiasm to simply go out and play for pride.  The hopes and dreams that came in the Louisiana Lafayette Kool Aid were flushed down the urinal when our piss failed to get hot at Rutgers.  And put this little feather in your cap;  No first year Arkansas coach has ever beat Mississippi St.  Even Danny Ford could only muster a tie....in Little Rock.

Is this the last game ever at War Memorial?
Highly doubtful.  But, like you, I wish it was.  I totally get the tradition we have there but the tailgating is bigger than the game now and not even the UCA kids are excited about tailgating for an 11:00 kickoff this week.  The last game?  No.  We'll be forced to suffer through another season there next year.

Back to The Rock for the season "home" finale and the Hogs are out to fight for pride.  Due to the losing streak the Hogs could easily lay down, but there is one glimmer of hope for the Hogs.  Anytime you play a school from Mississippi you have a chance.  The trailer pullin, tire tool carryin, Ole Mrs rejects to come The Rock with their Cowbells in hand.  And this time of year that bell becomes just a little more special because every time a bell rings a Mississippi State fans gets his teeth.

 

 

 

 

Mississippi State will play one of 3 QB's tomorrow as their top 2 are "game time decisions."  If Dak Prescott plays, the Hogs could be in for a long day trying to stop the run and Frank Fletcher will be trying to figure out what 12 cars he's going to give away in 2014.  If State resorts to the 3rd string QB, Arkansas has a chance to put on a show as the secondary won't be exposed and the D Line can show they are the only strength on this defense.  Offensively, Alex Collins must continue to tote the rock and will need a breakaway run or two to keep the offense on the field and the clock running.  Brandon Allen simply has to manage the game and throw the ball to our guys, not theirs.

 

In what could be the ugliest played football game in decades, I'm drinking the Kool Aid one last time.  Zack Hocker drills the 48 yarder as Arkansas wins on the last play of the game.

 

 

Hogs 23

 

Dawgs 20

 

Cmon Hogs!!!!!!

Superfan

 

Gosh Almighty

The Hogs come up on the short end of the stick again against Auburn, but at least Bielema gave Gus some of his own medicine with a swinging gate play.  The onside kick, we're still not so sure about.  The Hogs season seems to be all but over, but we must trudge on as fans.  Off to Grubs Uptown we go for the Total Package burger, some pizza dip and the Playstation.  Fire up that Fight Song!

The Playstation has begun to fizzle out on the season as well as nothing is getting close to real life.  On the Playstation Ole Miss is winless and the Hogs prevail 17-6.   Time for the mailbag.

Do you think Jeff Long deserved a bonus and raise?

Are you kidding me?  Of course he.....didn't.  Tell me one thing he's done that has impacted play on the field/court.  His move with Texass was a little "Nuttish" if you ask me.

Will the Hogs beat Mississippi State?

I can't even think about Mississippi State right now.  I'm to worried about how we'll beat Ole Mrs.  But to answer your question, probably not.  This team just isn't very good and to say the defense has gaping holes is like saying Bobby Petrino likes motorcycles.

So the Hogs load the bus for a road trip to the dreadful state of Mississippi for a chance to steal victory from the Rebel Black Bears.  Still licking their wounds from the losing streak, the Hogs must find a way to run the ball effectively enough to control the clock.  Wait, that didn't work last week did it?  As Bielema tries to implement his system at Arkansas, the main problem has become quite evident.  Arkansas lacks defense.  There's not a single player in the back 7 who could start for any other team in the conference.  But they have to suit up and they've got to play their best in order for Arkansas to have a chance.

Hugh Freeze has turned the Ole Mrs we've all loved to hate into somewhat of a contender in the SEC West.  But let's be real, they're still playing football for a school that redshirts Miss America's more than they do football players.  When the best thing you have going for your school is the new edition of Chevy's Tahoe, Polo's new pleated pants, Steve Maddens latest model of boat shoes, and a tailgate party more famous than Archie Manning, you've got problems.  So many problems that this little gem says it all:

Gotta love that school spirit in a bottle!!!!!  Vodka please!!!

It's an early kickoff folks.  If you're headed to Oxford I suggest just staying in Tunica or The Grove.  Going into a game at Ole Miss is just a bad idea, especially this year.  Get the cheese dip ready and most importantly GET YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT GOING!

Arkansas 17

Ole Miss 38

Go Hogs!

Superfan

Be-luh-ma and Mal-a-zan

Welcome back to reality.  I hope everyone enjoyed the off week since we didn't lose!  It's back to the grind this week as the Hogs continue to work on the process of winning.  Back to the grind means back to Grubs Uptown for the phenomenal Mushroom Swiss Burger with fries and the coldest beer in town.  Fire up that Fight Song and let's see what the Playstation has in store!

The losing streak continues, therefore we're back to the mailbag again this week.  Keep sending in your questions and I'll answer the best ones right here.  Arkansas actully won on Playstation 38-17, but it should be noted that Auburn is 1-7.  Mail time:

What was all the controversey about game tape with us and Auburn?
Good question and incase you weren't in touch with Coach B's press conference Monday, here is the story.  Auburn sent two copies of game tapes to Arkansas (as most schools do).  One copy is the TV copy and the other copy is the school copy.  Aparrantly, Auburn's school copy didn't include a "swinging gate" play that the TV copy showed.  Coach B took issue with it and turned it into the SEC.  Was Gus trying to undermine the Arkansas staff??  Highly doubtful.  However, the REAL problem came when Auburn reported Arkansas' tape that was turned in.  Gus complained to the SEC that Arkansas' tape didn't show Arkansas scoring any touchdowns.  This should get interesting about kickoff time.

Did you pull out the Petrino costume for Halloween again this year?
Stupid question, but you were one of 2 this week and I need material.  No, I didn't.  However, I did go trick or treating and every house we went to gave away Arkansas tickets.

 

 

So, Gus comes to Fayetteville for the first time and the driver of the bus and his fancy schmancy, hide and seek offense look to light up the board against Arkansas for the first time since he had Scam Newton.  While Arkansas fans had this chalked up as a win in August, reality has set in at it looks like Gus could walk out of this deal with a victory.  He took over a team that was mostly recruited by him and nearly every player fits his scheme.  With a little bit of coaching he has Auburn off and running and actually has a realistic shot to win the SEC West.  But don't count Arkansas completely out of this one, yet.  While Auburn is much improved, they're still the bad Auburn team that Arkansas beat last year and Arkansas has had Auburn's number in years past.  Auburn won't want to play a physical ball game and if Arkansas can execute any one of their 4 offensive plays they have a chance to keep this a competitive ball game. 

The "Hurry Up" verses the "Huddle Up" takes place at 5:00 tomorrow night on ESPN2.  Daylight Savings Time ends tomorrow night and between all the commercials from ESPN2 and the bad football we're likely to see, I just hope this one is over before we turn our clocks back so that we don't have to watch an extra hour. 

Come enjoy the tailgate at The Rendezvous.  It will be the most fun you've had all day!  It's hard to do in these situations, but it's time to get our mind right and DO YOUR JOB!!!!

Arkansas 24

Auburn 31

Go Hogs!
Superfan

Hog Tied

The Hogs didn't mean for Homecoming to mean "all fans leave for home," but the beat down last week led to that.  By the start of the 4th quarter, a tshirt gun could've exploded and not hit anyone.  "Rebuilding" is officially the motto as we continue to press on towards "the process" of winning.  To ease the pain, quick licking the wounds and start pouring alcohol on them.  Grubs Downtown, Uptown, and Rogers has the coldest tall boys around.  Get a pizza dip while your at it!

Due to a losing streak of more than 3, the write up for the Playstation game will not appear.  Instead we open up the mailbag again to answer your questions.  As they did with South Carolina, the Hogs kept it close with Bama.  Alabama 24 Arkansas 21.

Only one question this week as apathy is trending towards Johnelle Smith standards.

"You're the best arm chair quarterback I've seen, I bet at some point in your life you said Peyton Manning was no good.  Why do you think Austin is better than Brandon?" 
Thanks for the softball.  I don't think I've ever said Peyton was no good, but yes, I do have a history of cussing him.  He was a Tennessee Volunteer, why wouldn't I cuss him??  Why is Austin better?  Because he can't be any worse.  With this season all but over, there is no reason not to get him some experience.  Don't give me the redshirt business.  If he's going to redshirt, does that mean he is the primary backup next year and starts as a Sophomore??  Cmon Maaaaan!  Let's face it, he needs to get in the game.....and Brandon must have naked pictures of Jen.


So the Hogs are trying to find every way possible not to feel sorry for themselves and must now travel to Tuscaloser, Alabama, home of the double wide trailer, the crow bar, and Beefy Bama girls. 

Let's not forget that while the state of Alabama is the most confused redneck state in the nation, their footbawl team is awfully damn good.  So good that they've created a statue of a coach who is no less still alive, but is coaching their team!  The Beefy Bama girls turn into grown men on the football field and are an absolute dominating force in the world of college football.  But Coach Bielema told the team, "you don't get on the plane if you don't have the attitude to go win the football game tomorrow."  Here's hoping the plane doesn't take off in an illegal formation.

Brandon Allen put in a full week of practice for the first time since injuring his shoulder and the full gameplan was practiced full speed all week long.  While that will make a slight difference in timing and performance, it is still a crucial aspect for receivers to actually CATCH the football.  It may also be helpful if a few of the receivers grew hands on their butts since that's where most balls are thrown to them.  The full week of practice should help that cause, but the true question will be "How will Allen respond when he realizes the beating he took in his first career start last year wasn't just a bad dream?"  Nick Satan will be throwing the kitchen sink at the poor kid every play.  It will be the defensive version of Spurrier last week.  Arkansas' offensive line will get a "man test" this week.

There's only one thing to look forward to this week and that's hoping they show Katherine Webb on tv.  A road game to the football mecca with a team that has little to no chance, means the visiting Arkansas crowd will be little to none.  The good thing that comes from that is Webb will be easy to spot and the other Bama girls will have plenty of room to sit.

6:00pm on ESPN.  You can decorate the mantle, heat up the cheese dip, and yell at the TV, but don't forget to hide the women and the children.  It's a Bama beat down this week folks.

Hogs 3

Bama 42

Clown Coming

The losing streak moves to three as the Johnnies and Joes are beginning to outdo the X's and O's.  Arkansas was once again Gator bait, but returns to Don W Reynolds this week to face the Ol Ball Coach for Homecoming.  There's not a better place in town to meet up with the ol college buddies for some pizza dip, burgers and beer than Grubs Uptown.  Head on over for your pregame meal and let's see what the Playstation has in store.  Fire up that Fight Song!

As has been tradition in years past, when the losing streak hits 3 the full write up for the Playstation stops.  Arkansas held their own, but real life Brandon Allen showed up on the Playstation this week as South Carolina gets a Pick 6 to start the 4th quarter and the Hogs blow a 17-3 lead to lose 23-17.

The SEC Network comes to town for an 11:21 kickoff and even though it will be past noon on the east coast, it will still be way to early to hear 5,000 people yell in unison, "COCKS!" 

The Ol Ball Coach comes to town, visor and all, ready to win a game that has had bowl game implications for these two teams since joining the SEC.  The winner of this game usually goes bowling, while the loser struggles to finish the season.  Unfortunately, things are shaping up for the Hogs to be on the losing end of this one and sitting at home for Christmas, but "winning is a process" and perhaps that process could start with Homecoming.

Speculation has been abound on whether the biggest factor in the game will even play or not.  Jadeveon Clowney, Mr One Hit Wonder himself, just might not feel like playing tomorrow.  Then again, he may.  Clowney provides Spurrier this year's bit of comic relief at South Carolina, but when he's on the field he's a force to be reckoned with.  Arkansas must be prepared to run the ball off the tackle......away from Clowney's side of the field, if they're going to have any chance of winning this game.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Arkansas must get back to the ground game with a heavy dose of Johnathan Williams and Alex Collins.  If the mentality and identity of this football team is going to be "run the ball," then throwing 41 passes won't cut it.  Line up, knock your man down, and run the damn ball!!  While the competition may have been far less, that philosophy worked for the first 3 games.  Winning WAS "a process."  If the Hogs are to have any chance tomorrow, the ground game must be effective.  If winning the ball game rests on the shoulder of Brandon Allen, well...Coach can turn on the Reggae music and start prepping for a Bama Beatdown next week. 

 

 

 

 

11:21 kickoff.  Yes, that's A.M.  Eat a big breakfast, the most important meal of the day, and get your mind right.  The Hogs will need our help tomorrow, if nothing else just to keep their spirits up.  It's a brutal schedule but, "They gotta play us."  Be proud and be loud and DO YOUR JOB!!!!!!

 

 

Arkansas 27

 

Cocks  38

 

Go Hogs!

Superfan

 





Swamp Water

Johnny Cash got the job done and the Hogs are on a 2 game losing streak and headed to The Swamp.  Unfortunately, for the first time in 10 years, there is no Playstation Prediction this week.  I'm either sick of the losses or unknowingly drank some swamp water, but playing the game this week wasn't an option.  Half of you are in Vegas though, so you don't give an Ole Miss anyway.

The game was simulated and Florida won 48-45 in 2 OT's.

Here's hoping you and the team can avoid the nasty virus!  It could have been Coach B's excuse for the Hog Walk last week??

Get your pregame meal from Grubs and decorate the mantle with your Hog gear!

Arkansas 17

Florida 34

Go Hogs!

Show Me the Money!!!

A tough road loss for the Hogs last week as they blow a 4th quarter lead.  But it's time to get back to business as the conference season begins this week.  Back to business means back to Grubs and the Playstation.  Fire up that Fight Song!!

A&M won the toss and chose to defer.  Arkansas receives the ball and gets straight to the power run game in an absolute torrential rain.  11 carries between Johnathan Williams and Alex Collins and 85 yards later the Hogs lead 7-0.  Hockers kickoff would sail through the endzone and here comes Johnny.  On the first play from scrimmage, Manziel takes the snap and goes 75 yards for the TD.  Arkansas takes the field for the second time and AJ Derby throws an interception on 3rd down.  Manziel would make 2 for 2 as he goes 80 yards untouched and the Aggies lead 14-7 after 1.

The rain gets to both teams in the second quarter as fumbles are exchanged, but Arkansas would get back to the bread and butter in a 13 play 76 yard drive capped by Williams 2nd TD.  14-14 at the half.

The 3rd quarter was field position football with exchange of possessions and the Hogs take possession with a mission into the 4th quarter.  Chewing up the clock and A&M, Alex Collins puts his name into the Player of the Year hat grinding out 14 straight carries finding paydirt with :32 left in the game.  21-14 Hogs.   Buuuuuut, Manziel would do magic one more time and with :18 we are headed to OT.

In OT, Manziel throws a TD pass to put the Aggies up 28-21.  Collins would come out in the WildCat and score on the first play.  Feeding the hot hand, the Hogs line up and go for 2 but Collins is stopped just short of the goal line.  28-27 Aggies.

So, what's all the fuss about??  Yeah, the Hogs blew the lead and the game last week and 99% of it can be blamed on the coaching, but rest assured people this team would be 1-3 under any other staff.  You're not giving up, are you??  Heck no.  Not around here!

Conference season begins as the Hogs welcome in Texas Autograph & Money in what looks to be a downpour weather wise, and possibly score wise.  Mr Johnny Football/Cash himself will be out to make real life look a video game.

It goes without saying that the key to this game is #2 vs the Arkansas defense.  The back 7 of Arkansas will be tested each and every play and when weakness is spotted it will be attacked at laughed at by the confident Cash.  Can he be stopped, or can we only hope to contain him?

Offensively, Arkansas matches up well vs A&M as the run game is Arkansas strength and A&M's weakness.  For cryin out loud, Sam Houston State ran the ball down their throat.  Look for Alex Collins to get up to 20 carries Saturday, and if they're all for positive yards, Arkansas has a chance to make their defense look solid......by keeping #2 on the sidelines to sign autographs for the Burls Kids. 

Arkansas OWNS the series record, but the wanna be sippers from A&M sure do think they run the place now that they've joined the SEC and have victories over the Hogs and Bama.  They could win every game of the series until I die and they still won't catch Arkansas.  You seem to forget one thing Aggies......well actually you forget everything.  You may have the upper hand (if he doesn't suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome) again this year, but you're still from Texass and we still don't like you.  So, take your yell leadin, touch down kissin, band playin, 12th man cheatin butts back home.

 

 

It's a 6:00 kickoff, which leaves time for plenty of tailgating!  Come by the Rendezvous and get your mind right!  Bielema can put his stamp on the program with this one, we'll need to help him out all we can.

 

 

 

Arkansas 17

 

 

Autograph & Money  47

 

 

Prove me wrong Hogs!!!!

 

Superfan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R U Ready!?

The Hogs grounded their way to victory over yet another cupcake, but with the injury to Brandon Allen Hogs fans seem to be a bit worrisome this week.  Relax folks.  Take a quick glance back and notice how close the Playstation Prediction is getting to the results each week.  Feel better??  Then let's head over to Grubs for the best pregame meal you can get and then fire up that Fight Song!!  The "Total Package" is required for the road trip!

The Hogs once again won the toss and chose to receive the ball on a rainy, cold day.  (Keep in mind Brandon Allen wasn't injured on Playstation, but I subbed in AJ Derby anyway). 

Arkansas continues their 1st quarter form and starts with "Williams right, Williams right, we're going with Williams right until you stop us."  Derby would convert 2 3rd downs of more than 5 yards and Alex Collins caps the opening 17 play 81 yard drive from 1 yard out.  7-0 Hogs at the end of 1.

Rutgers tried to control the ball in the second quarter and Nova looked sharp completing 5 passes in a row between several runs by Paul James.  However, deep in Arkansas territory, Chris Smith forces a Nova fumble and Arkansas recovered.  10 plays later, Johnathan Williams bounces in the endzone and it's 14-0 Hogs at the half.

Rutgers puts together another impressive drive in the 3rd quarter.  This time Nova scores on a QB keeper after passing his way down the field to put the Scarlett Knights within a touchdown.  AJ Derby would have other plans though.  On the first play from scrimmage for the Hogs, Derby finds Jevonte Herndon for a 75 yard bomb and the Hogs are back up 21-7 at the end of 3.

Rutgers exposes the Arkansas secondary again in the 4th quarter as Nova throws his first TD of the game and it's 21-14 with the home crowd on its feet.  But Arkansas would go to their 4th quarter relics and pound away.  Alex Collins scores again, capping a 12 play drive.  28-14 Hogs.  Running out of time, Nova forces a pass that is found by Otha Peters and Arkansas would then run out the clock.  28-14 Hogs.

The QB "controversy" has lit up talk shows and the always trusty internet this week, but under Bielema Hog fans really need to ask "how important is the QB in this offense."  Yes, I know we have to be able to throw the ball!  But we did!!  And we only threw it 6 times!  Yes, I know it was Southern Whiff.  But why throw the ball 30 times when you can run it 40 time for the same results??  Do you put air in your tires when they're not low??

So AJ Derby leads the Arkansas charge into Piss-that-away, New Jersey as the Hogs make their first "official" road trip of the year.  While this will no doubt be Arkansas' first true test, it will also be Rutgers' first test.  As Coach B said this summer, "they all have to play us."

Rutgers touts the nation's leading rusher in, the man with two first names, Paul James.  But the Hogs defensive line will be out to make a name for themselves, proving that they can stop the run.  The true question will be, can Arkansas defend the pass?  Will Smith and Flowers be able to get to Nova early, or will he put up big play after big play as he did last year?

The key to this ball game, as with all Hog games this year, will be how effectively Arkansas can run the ball. If Alex Collins can continue to turn his patience into positive yards while dragging opponents helmets on his back, Rutgers we'll be yelling, "Cmon Maaaaaan!!!"

Arkansas must control the line of scrimmage and run the ball every quarter like it's the 4th quarter.  The amazing stat of only throwing 3 passes to 56 runs in the 4th quarter this season speaks for itself.  If the ground game is effective, AJ Derby won't have a worry in the world and 6 to 10 passes will be plenty.  Let's just hope they're all to our guys!

It's a HUGE road trip for the Hogs and realistically a game that means the season if the Hogs want to order bowling shoes.  The Playstation Prediction has members with boots on the ground.  Here's hoping you got all your shots before you left!  Keep your wallet in your pocket and your hands high calling those Hogs!  For those at home, get the cheese dip ready, and everyone DO YOUR JOB!!!!!  Hocker with a 51 yarder for the win.

Arkansas 31

Rutgers 28

Ill-Eagle Formation

The Hogs survived a small scare but put away Samford late to move to 2-0 on the year.  A quick flight home from Little Rock and Arkansas is ready to take on the wounded Eagles of Southern Miss.  That means it's time to head for Grubs to grab a pregame meal and see what the Playstation has to offer.  Don't forget, Grubs is now open in 3 locations, Downtown near Dickson, Uptown near Target, and now in Rogers!  Fire up that Fight Song!

Southern Miss won the toss and chose to receive to start the game.  The Eagles wasted no time testing Arkansas' secondary, putting together an opening drive that consisted of 14 plays, 10 of which were passes.  However, Chris Smith would come up with a huge sack on 3rd and goal to force the Eagles to a field goal for a 3-0 lead.  Arkansas would go straight to the Power running game on offense.  Johnathan Williams caps a 9 play drive with a 15 yard TD run and Arkansas leads 7-3 after 1.

Southern Miss would continue to air it out against the Hogs through the 2nd quarter, but Tevin Mitchell comes up with a pick inside the RedZone and the Hogs would prepare to march down the field again.  Williams and Alex Collins continue to wow fans, splitting carries on a drive that was 17 plays and 83 yards.  Collins would find paydirt and Arkansas leads at the half 14-3.

The second half was more of the same as the Arkansas defense continued to improve, coming up with another turnover and recording a season high 6 sacks.  Brandon Allen goes a perfect 4/4 for 50 yards, Williams finishes out a career day rushing 33 times for 248 yards as Collins gained 63 on only 9 carries.  Both added another TD and the Hogs made short work of the Eagles, 28-3 Hogs.

It could and should be that easy tomorrow as Southern Whiff comes to The Hill a dismal 0 for their last 14.  In fact, it's a total surprise that Johnelle Smith and Paul Petrino aren't coaching this team as every offensive snap for Southern Miss appears to be "Illegale."  (How glad are we those coaches are gone?)

Arkansas will be tested defensively as Southern Miss will try it's best to throw the football.  There will likely be a few breakdowns in the secondary, but with Flowers and Lake back in the lineup this week Arkansas should be able to pressure the QB.  Otha Peters will look to get his first snaps of the season as well, and if he comes back in the form he left summer camp in, he'll be a huge lift to a rather weak linebacking crew.

Offensively, we could see a record day for Arkansas on the ground.  Southern Miss nearly leads the nation in rushing yards allowed, and Williams and Collins will be licking their chops to run off the tackles.  Brandon Allen will have a chance to throw a few passes, but the Hogs will stay simple if the Power game is working. 

It's an early kickoff on what is set to be a beautiful fall morning.  Grab a windbreaker and a Peanut Butter and Jelly.  It's time to DO YOUR JOB!!!

Arkansas 49

Southern Miss 10

Go Hogs!
Superfan

Back to the Rock

#1-0.  Twitter talk became real life as the Hogs manhandled ULL and gave their fans a little taste of the Kool-Aid.  Now that the Cajun boil is over with the Hogs can eat a little Bliss Cupcake desert in Samford.  Before you go running to the map trying to find where in BFE is Samford, head over to Grubs Uptown for a pregame meal.  Fire up that Fight Song and let's see what the Playstation has in store!!

Arkansas won the toss and in Bielema fashion takes the football.  Once again the Hogs dominate with the Power run game, taking nearly all of the first quarter to cap off a 75 yard TD drive.  Kiero punches it in from the 2 and the Hogs lead 7-0 after 1.

The second quarter put the Hogs on the heels a tad.  Samford played like it was the National Championship and attacked the Hogs secondary.  Chris Smith would end a TD threatening drive with a big sack and Samford was forced to settle for a field goal.  7-3.  Arkansas would come back with another impressive drive, but Alex Collins let the freshman come out of himself and fumbled on the 15 yard line.  Time would expire before Samford could get to field goal range and we're 7-3 at the half.

Arkansas defense forces a 3 and out to start the 3rd quarter and Brandon Allen showed off his arm on the first play, finding Jevonte Herndon for a 68 yard TD strike.  Samford, though would answer right back, chipping away at the Arkansas secondary and finalizing a drive with a 10 yard TD pass.  At the end of 3, Arkansas 14 Samford 10.

The 4th quarter brings back a ULM feeling as the Hogs go a rare 3 and out.  Samford again would pick apart the secondary and with 1:07 left in the game score to go ahead 17-14.  Not wanting a repeat of last year's LR debacle, Johnathan Williams puts the team on his shoulders.  2 plays 75 yards and a TD and a giant exhale for Hog fans.  21-17 final.

So the wonderful stadium debate has resurfaced as the Hogs hit the road for Little Rock.  Coach has even thrown in his piece, calling Little Rock a road game for the Hogs.  I'm sure once he sees how well the clock runs down there he'll move practice down there for the rest of the year.  Surely the place will grow on him, right?  Heck no.  Folks, welcome to the Farewell Tour for Little Rock.

All 40,000 that show up tomorrow will be much cooler than they were last week in the blazing sun, but hopefully they didn't drink too much KoolAid to cool down with.  While the Hogs dominated ULL, we can only be left to wonder are they really that good?  Physically and conditionwise it seems that answer is yes.  The offensive and defensive lines showed that Heberts conditioning program involves much more than riding motorcycles by controlling the line of scrimmage through ALL 4 QUARTERS.  What a welcomed sight! 

Obviously, with an FCS team coming to town (or state), the Hogs will once again win the conditioning and depth battles.  But the key to tomorrow's cupcake is how well we spread the icing.  Can the back 7 of the defense improve?  They made a small step last week looking for the ball, but now they've got to be in position to knock it down or, yes, actually try to catch it.  How much can the linebackers improve in what should be their cliched "biggest improvement of the year?"  With a good coaching staff, teams get better each and every day and so far this team has done that this summer.  Defensively they need to continue that trend tomorrow....and all year.

As funny as it sounds, ball control will be the offensive key tomorrow.  If you think you saw a run play last week, get ready this week.  Alex Collins and Johnathan Williams will each get 150 and I expect Nate Holmes to get a good bit of action as well.  Vanilla, but impressive.  In games like this in Wisconsin, Bielema wasn't afraid to hang 80.  If they can't stop you running the ball, well, they just can't stop you.  That will be his mentality tomorrow as he prepares to "Throw the A" with his bride.

Coach will be ready to board that flight home when he learns "Throwin the A" is a gang sign not far from War Memorial.  And the bad part is they don't use T-shirt guns as weapons.

Get your golf clubs and your tailgate ready.  It's Little Rock time!

Hogs 45

Samford and Sons 10

Go Hogs!
Superfan

Finally Football!

The circus has left town, football is finally here and the Playstation Prediction is back for another fun filled year thanks to our partners at Grubs!  As the tradition continues there remains only one way to bring our Hogs to victory.  Fire up that Fight Song and let's see what the Playstation had to say!

Playstation starts off with a huge miss as a torrential downpour hits Razorback Stadium.  Arkansas wins the toss and chooses to receive....and ULL wouldn't see the ball for a looooong time.  Brandon Allen and Johnathan Williams lead a smashmouth, 18 play, 5 minute (an entire quarter on playstation) drive that ends with a Touchdown on 4th and goal.  7-0 Hogs at the end of 1.

ULL brings the no huddle offense and moves the ball well against the leaky Hog defense, but on 3rd on goal, Broadway lays the ball on the ground and Jarret Lake has the recovery.  Arkansas would then introduce Alex Collins to college football, giving him 7 straight carries that went for 5 first downs!  Allen completed 3 passes during the drive and Johnathan Williams finds paydirt from 11 yards out as Arkansas goes 87 yards in another 15 play, time consuming drive.  14-0 Hogs at the half.

The 3rd quarter was like reading the 1st half playbook all over again.  The defense began to gel and the offense continued the game of keep away.  Alex Collins gets his name on the scoring chart and Tevon Mitchell starts the season off with an interception on the only throw to his side.  21-0 after 3.

Lafayette begins to threaten in the 4th quarter, but Chris Smith comes up with a big sack on 3rd down and forces yet another ULL punt.  The band starts to tune up "Hard to be Humble" and Brandon Allen continues to learn to be a game manager as he connects with Jevonte Herndon on a WR screen pass.  28-0 Final.

It's football time and the Bret Bielema era begins!!  He hasn't coached a down in Arkansas yet, but Coach has connected with Arkansas fans by saying all the right things and even talking a little smack on his twitter account.  He is here to put smashmouth football on the map in Arkansas.  Arkansas fans can rest assured with one thing about Coach B though.  Smashmouth football or not, at least we know he's not out texting in the wee hours or carting blondes on bikes.  Bielema is flat out bringing home the bacon folks.

While Bielema outkicked his coverage at home, he's got his work cut out for him at the office.  Petrino jacked up one recruiting class and Johnelle and company didn't do us any favors last year.  While Alex Collins is a "5 star" back, we all know it's impossible to win with freshmen in the SEC.  1 guy won't take a 4-8 team to an 8-4 team.  To make that improvement it takes players and it takes some dang good coaching.  Unfortunately, Johnny's and Joe's usually beat X's and O's, but Arkansas will have a much better chance of competing this year just because they won't be coached by clowns.  As Bielema said in the spring, "we won't lose the game at the line of scrimmage and we're not going to beat ourselves."  Amen to that.

So the Rajin Cajuns bring their 0-36 record vs SEC opponents to The Hill and look to debunk Bielema's #1-0 twitter philosophy.  They'll bring in a no huddle offense and look to give a weak Arkansas secondary a quick test on improvement.  Arkansas will do its best to play keep away on the offensive side of the ball.  Gone are the days of :47 three-and-outs.  Back are the Nutt-ish days of run, run, run, run some more, pass.

Talent or no talent, Arkansas should physically be able to handle ULL.  Nearly every Hog player has done a total body transformation during the offseason and now they're ready to hit someone else in the mouth.  Brandon Allen will be much more settled than his dismal 3-16 performance against ULM, and Johnathan Williams is ready to show he can be a featured back.  It won't win a beauty contest, but it'll win football games. 

It's tailgate time folks!  Call all your smelly Cajun friends and let'em know we like to eat too.  It's a shrimp boil at the Razorback Rd Rendezvous on what will be the hottest day of the year.  But you can't let the heat get to you.  You've got to stop by, grab a bite, grab a cold beverage, and as Coach says, "Hug it up and love it up."  Get your mind right folks and DO YOUR JOB!!!!

 

 

 

 

Arkansas  24

ULL  17

Go Hogs!!!
Superfan