It's All Greek To Me
I've been criticized for being associated with Hogville, the largest message board for Arkansas fans. The common complaint is that the majority of posters despise Nutt and want him gone. They spew hate and filth and are generally unpleasant. While some do fall into that ugly category, the majority offer a different tone.
From my experience, a lot of them are passionate Hog fans who find themselves saddened by what a promising season has become. To be honest, Saturday's amazing victory only proves their point.
Watching Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in action is a treat. I've watched a lot of football, and they are the real deal. Against South Carolina, the duo completely demoralized and dismantled an SEC defense. The Gamecocks knew what was coming, but were helpless to stop it. Incredible. But therein lies the sadness.
It's very possible this season ends pleasantly: a good bowl game, maybe even a solid win over a power conference opponent. Everyone walks into the offseason smiling, with 7, 8 even 9 wins. But not everyone. The simple truth is that this promising season was squandered before November ever came around.
Arkansas may never see another running back combo like Dmac and Felix. That's not even to mention the mutiple talents of Peyton Hillis as well. In my opinion, the Hogs had a monstrous advantage over every other team in the SEC before the season began. As we've seen so far, parity is ruling not only the SEC, but the nation as well. While the injury to Marcus Monk was a setback, it should have only emboldened the Hog coaching staff to be more creative with their backfield tandem. But they weren't. All too often, the playcalling was uninspired and conservative. The sheer TALENT of the Hogs backfield kept them competitive in every game, even in position to win. But time and again the lack of creativity caught up with Arkansas. Other teams adapted and found ways to win. Sometimes they were outplayed (Kentucky), sometimes they were outcoached (Auburn and Alabama). And while they did lean on their most talented player, they also crippled him by running predictable plays into the angry teeth of defenses licking their chops for a chance to level a Heisman candidate. The result: injuries, poor production and yards per attempt, and a lack of touches for Jones, an All-American in his own right.
Why am I critical of a 6-3 team? Because there are 2 first round draft picks in the Arkansas backfield, and if the dynamic playcalling from 2006 were in effect from the beginning, this team is more than likely 9-0 and playing for a shot at a BCS title. That is the sadness I sense at Hogville. Fans knew they had a good thing going with DMAC, Felix and Hillis. And quite frankly, flashing an SEC Western Championship ring won't cut it anymore. All teams have down years. This should have been a huge up year with once in a lifetime talent. Now, the sadness has turned to anger and frustration because it appears another good season is unfolding, and not a great one. I can't say I blame them.
From my experience, a lot of them are passionate Hog fans who find themselves saddened by what a promising season has become. To be honest, Saturday's amazing victory only proves their point.
Watching Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in action is a treat. I've watched a lot of football, and they are the real deal. Against South Carolina, the duo completely demoralized and dismantled an SEC defense. The Gamecocks knew what was coming, but were helpless to stop it. Incredible. But therein lies the sadness.
It's very possible this season ends pleasantly: a good bowl game, maybe even a solid win over a power conference opponent. Everyone walks into the offseason smiling, with 7, 8 even 9 wins. But not everyone. The simple truth is that this promising season was squandered before November ever came around.
Arkansas may never see another running back combo like Dmac and Felix. That's not even to mention the mutiple talents of Peyton Hillis as well. In my opinion, the Hogs had a monstrous advantage over every other team in the SEC before the season began. As we've seen so far, parity is ruling not only the SEC, but the nation as well. While the injury to Marcus Monk was a setback, it should have only emboldened the Hog coaching staff to be more creative with their backfield tandem. But they weren't. All too often, the playcalling was uninspired and conservative. The sheer TALENT of the Hogs backfield kept them competitive in every game, even in position to win. But time and again the lack of creativity caught up with Arkansas. Other teams adapted and found ways to win. Sometimes they were outplayed (Kentucky), sometimes they were outcoached (Auburn and Alabama). And while they did lean on their most talented player, they also crippled him by running predictable plays into the angry teeth of defenses licking their chops for a chance to level a Heisman candidate. The result: injuries, poor production and yards per attempt, and a lack of touches for Jones, an All-American in his own right.
Why am I critical of a 6-3 team? Because there are 2 first round draft picks in the Arkansas backfield, and if the dynamic playcalling from 2006 were in effect from the beginning, this team is more than likely 9-0 and playing for a shot at a BCS title. That is the sadness I sense at Hogville. Fans knew they had a good thing going with DMAC, Felix and Hillis. And quite frankly, flashing an SEC Western Championship ring won't cut it anymore. All teams have down years. This should have been a huge up year with once in a lifetime talent. Now, the sadness has turned to anger and frustration because it appears another good season is unfolding, and not a great one. I can't say I blame them.
posted by Mark Lericos at 12:37 AM
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