Arkansas Declaws LSU 31-14

found on google images

Arkansas did something this past Saturday that many teams do not. They went into Death Valley at night and dominated LSU. The Hogs were hitting on all cylinders from the moment the clock started until it hit all zeros in the fourth quarter. One of the biggest stats lines of the night is 299-59. Those are the total rushing yards from the night. With LSU having a candidate for the Heisman trophy, it would be easy to make the assumption that the bigger number belongs to the Tigers. Arkansas's defense buckled down and forced LSU to try to beat the Hogs though the air. Fournette did have 91 yards averaging 4.8 yards per carry. However it was a negative 44 by LSU QB Brandon Harris that knocked the Tigers down to a total or 59 rushing yards on the night. Arkansas ran strong behind Alex Collins who finished up with 141 yards and an average or 8.8 per carry. The Hogs secondary bent but did not break allowing Harris to have 271 passing yards, 109 of those went to Malachi Dupre. Arkansas has now won 4 straight games and gone on the road the last 2. The Hogs are currently tied for second place in the West division of the SEC with a 4-2 conference record. Arkansas also clinched a bowl game at the end of the season getting their 6th win to improve to 6-4 overall. Up next for the Hog are the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Razorback Stadium. The Bulldogs are coming off a drumming from Alabama this weekend.

Never Yield Down the Stretch

 After a rough start Arkansas is back above .500 at 5-4 on the season. With three games left for the regular season, Arkansas will likely finish the regular season above .500 and bowl eligible.

 The first of the three games takes the Hogs to Baton Rouge to battle LSU in Death Valley. LSU is coming off a game where they got slapped around by Alabama. LSU is not known for losing back to back games. Arkansas has gone on the road and won SEC games this year( Tennessee and Ole Miss) and records seem to go out the window with the Hogs and Tigers meet. This game is hard to pick because Arkansas is rolling along with confidence and LSU knows that its playoff hopes are on life support. If Arkansas can shut down Fournette and not let Brandon Harris look like a world beater then they have a shot to get a third SEC road win.

 The second game in the final stretch brings the Hogs back home to Razorback stadium to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs. They are 7-2. They will not be a guarantee win for the Hogs. Arkansas does have a slight advantage being at home.

 The final regular season game has the Hogs hosting Mizzou for senior day. Mizzou is not very good. They are coming off back to back seasons of winning the east. This will be the game that Arkansas can almost count on for the bowl eligible win if they drop the other two. Mizzou got the Hogs last year so they should be looking for retribution especially if a bowl game or better bowl game is on the line.

Razorback Nation: Patience is a Virtue

Listening to Sports Talk radio in Arkansas right now is very tough. A lot of fans like to listen for the inputs from the hosts and former players that are on the radio. Some fans even call in to interact with the hosts and ask questions or answer questions.With every loss the negativity grows worse and worse. Its ok to be upset at losing. Some folks though are taking things way too far by calling for the coaches head after just 9 games. Most coaches don't walk into a new program and win right away. It didn't matter what coach walked into Arkansas, they would not have won that many games this year with this team as it has been assembled. Coach Bielema has been partially handicapped due to two straight up in the air recruiting classes. When Jeff Long was forced yes forced to fire Bobby Petrino and then brought back John L Smith on a 10 month contract there was uncertainty on the hill. Recruits that weren't sold on being a Hog no matter what didn't want to have anything with Arkansas because they had no idea who would be coach or what system they would run. Then during the season the team quit and the bottom fell out. John L Smith was fired as expected and finally in mid December of last year Bielema was named Head Coach. His staff only had about a month to put together some time of recruiting class to run the style they want to run at Arkansas. He did a pretty good job of gathering a few good players. Alex Collins, Dan Skipper, and Denver Kirkland were some highlights so far of the class and were last minute pick ups. With a full season of recruiting there is no doubt that the Hogs will get the players they need to be successful in the near future. Fans need to forget what has happened and focus on where this team is going. Petrino hurt the Hogs pretty bad on defense. John L Smith hurt the Hogs in general. Bielema will get this team to where its competitive and hunting for championships. It may not be next year but very soon. Fans need to also forget about Gus. No matter how you feel about him he would not be doing any better at Arkansas. He is doing well at Auburn right now because he recruited most of those players and was only gone from the program for one year. Fans will have to do something that is pretty much non existent in society these days. That is to be patient. Patience is a virtue and good things come to those that wait.

Maniac's SEC Picks:Week 4

Week 4 of the College Football Season
Last week I went 7-1  So far this season I am 18-2 since week 2. 
My picks are in bold.

COLORADO STATE @ ALABAMA

ARKANSAS @ RUTGERS

AUBURN @ LSU

TENNESSEE @ FLORIDA

NORTH TEXAS @ GEORGIA

TROY @ MISSISSIPPI STATE

MISSOURI @ INDIANA

SMU @ TEXAS A&M

VANDERBILT @ UMASS


Kentucy, Ole Miss, and South Carolina are all off this week. 

The Great Stadium Debate

www.wmstadium.com

It's becoming a bigger and bigger issue these days and this season is no exception. The issue seems to be among fans a Northwest Arkansas vs Central and South Arkansas thing. Fans that are most passionate for the games to stay are from the Central and South Arkansas area. A lot from those areas still travel pretty well up to NWA to see the Hogs play in Fayetteville. But for some including myself the only experience they have ever had to see the Razorbacks in person has been at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Razorback games have been played in War Memorial since 1948. So its very easy to see why people are so passionate about games being there because generations have grown up watching games there. Now with that said fans still need to buy tickets and go to the games. Plenty of people show up to tailgating outside the stadium on what is starting to be called "The Course". The economy has some hand into people not buying tickets. Ticket sales are only part of the equation. Costs for the team, travel, and recruiting are playing a huge roll into the debate as well. Some of the decision makers feel the costs are rising to a level where its becoming costly to have a "home" game away from Fayetteville. Coach Bielema said that the bus ride to Little Rock and back is the longest travel they have and its a home game. Starting this year they are flying back from the game and eventually would like to fly to the game and back. Then one of the bigger issues at least to the coaches is recruiting. When the Hogs play at Little Rock they can not host recruits on official visits which limit their interactions with the recruits. Coach Bielema said this year there were about 6 kids that only had open weeks on the games that were in Little Rock which mean they would not be able to get an official visit with them. Understandably this would appear to be a major issue to the coaches and the decision makers because they want the coaches to be happy so they can put out the best product possible and stay with the team. Bottom line is if fans want games to stay in Little Rock then they need to show up and support the team inside the stadium not just on the outside tailgating. Instead of blowing money on beer, food, and everything else someone would want or need for tailgating use the money on a ticket and have a low key tailgate so you can send a message to the decision makers that you want the games. Even then it still may not be enough save the games once the contract expires especially when politics will most likely get involved but if the fans don't show up then that will give them the message that fans in the central and southern parts of the state just don't care anymore. Whether the games go away or not fans need to continue to support the Razorbacks and want whatever is best for them to succeed.

Maniac's SEC Picks: Week 2

Week 2 of the College Football Season.
These are my picks for the teams in the SEC
My picks are in bold and underlined 

Samford @ Arkansas

Arkansas State @ Auburn

Miami (OH) @ Kentucky

Florida @ Miami

W. Kentucky @ Tennessee

Toledo @ Missouri

Alcorn St @ Mississippi State

South Carolina @ Georgia

SE Missouri St @ Mississippi 

Sam Houston St @ Texas A&M

UAB @ LSU

Austin Peay @ Vanderbilt 

2013 Arkansas Razorbacks Season Prediction

credit: ArkansasRazorbacks.com

It's finally game week. That time of year that all football fans desperately look forward to all winter and summer long. Last season was a major disaster. No one can deny the Razorbacks had talent last year. The biggest thing they didn't have was leadership on and off the field. The players flat out gave up especially after the loss to Louisiana Monroe. You have to go back a few years to win the Razorbacks lost all games at War Memorial like they did last season. Most people would say that the Arkansas Razorbacks are in rebuilding mode. I personally would say the Razorbacks are in redemption mode. The Hogs made a big splash hiring Bret Bielema (Pronounced Bee-la-muh). He hired a top notch staff and even grabbed some big recruits at the end of the recruitment period. It will take a few years to get the players that Coach Bielema and his staff need to fit the style they are bringing to Arkansas. Fans will need to be patient and realize their will be growing pains. But fans can take solace in the fact that along the way there will be things to be very excited and happy about. Last year the Razorbacks won only 4 games but with a better coach they could have easily won 6 to 7 games.

1. Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns-------------------------------W
2. Samford Bulldogs--------------------------------------------------------W
3. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles-----------------------------W
4. Rutgers Scarlet Knights-----------------------------------------------W
5. Texas A&M Aggies -------------------------------------------------------L
6. Florida Gators---------------------------------------------------------------L
7. South Carolina Gamecocks------------------------------------------W
8. Alabama Crimson Tide------------------------------------------------- L
9. Auburn Tigers--------------------------------------------------------------W
10. Ole Miss Rebels------------------------------------------------------------L
11. Mississippi State Bulldogs--------------------------------------------W
12. LSU Tigers--------------------------------------------------------------------L

                I see the Razorbacks going 7-5 and pulling an upset on South Carolina. I can't quite put my finger on why but I feel like the Hogs can get it done against the Gamecocks in Fayetteville. There are other games that really could be a lot closer than people think. If the Aggies don't have Johnny Football then that could be a winnable game. Also Florida at the Swamp has the potential to be an upset. If the Hogs were to get a few upsets along the way I completely feel like it will balance out with a few let downs as that is just a fact of history with the Razorbacks. In my opinion the Razorbacks have the talent to be at least a 6-6 team and go on to a bowl game and likely win it making them just over .500 for the season. 

Open Letter to Razorback Nation

The College Football season is just around the corner. The SEC Media Days are going on and Coach Bret Bielema did what coach does best and stole the show. He has high hopes for the season and the future of the program. The Petrino era has spoiled the fans. Fans have been very high on the Hog for the last couple of years. Last season was a big disappointment for all involved with the U of A. Coach Bielema is already making headway with some recruits that fit his and his staff's styles better. Fans are just going to have to be patient for the next few seasons as adjustments are made and players are brought in and developed. Just look to the NFL and see how some of the most recent guys that have played for Bielema are doing. JJ Watt is considered one of the best defensive players in the league and he is only beginning his career. Russell Wilson was good at NC State but finished his development at Wisconsin and then went on to be one of the top QB's in the NFL as a rookie. There were several players drafted this past season including Dallas Cowboys first round pick Travis Frederick. Coach Bielema has a proven track record. Give him and his staff time. They will make Arkansas respectable again and hopefully bring them to the promise land. Bottom line please give the coaches time to do their jobs. We are fans which is short for fanatics but you still have to have realistic expectations for just a short while. Believe in the Hogs and support them no matter if they go 14-0 or 0-12. WPS! Never Yield! Go Hogs! Be Uncommon!

19 Years Ago Today: 1994 National Championship - Arkansas vs Duke

April 4th 1994 sticks out to all of Razorback Nation. It is the last time the Hogs have won a championship in one of the major sports. The Razorbacks have come close since including a return to the championship in 1995 but a loss to UCLA. Take a look back as Razorback Nation remembers this very important date in Razorback History.

Razorback Pledge of Allegiance

Former Razorback Coaches Throw Players Under the Bus.

Earlier this week an article came out through Sporting News talking with former Arkansas Razorback coaches Paul Haynes, Paul Petrino, and John L. Smith. What the men had to say has Razorback Nation up in arms. Players are also upset as they are at the center of the story. The story is based around the fact that the former coaches say the players quit on them. You can read the article here

I understand that the coaches are upset as to how the season went down. But the problem I have with them going out and throwing the players under the bus is that they are all coaching. All three are Head Coaches now. Paul Haynes is now the Head Coach at Kent St. Paul Petrino is the Head Coach at Idaho. John L. Smith actually got another Head coaching job at Fort Lewis College which is Division II.

Maybe the players did quit some on the coaching staff. There were a lot of issues going on last season. But correct me if I am wrong but I believe a coaches job is to coach the players and if they did quit then the coaches should try harder to get the attention of the players. I think the coaches quit first. It was especially prevalent in the second half of the Louisiana Monroe game.

Coaches are supposed to be role models of the players. Most players will have their coaches in their lives throughout their career and even their life. This act by these men shows no class to me. They showed that they really don't care for those kids. I hope parents of kids who might end up at those schools read the article and really think about the men they are before letting their child go there. I felt like those men were in a lame duck situation but they should have made the best of it and used the season as a showcase for their resume. Unless a player comes out and bad mouths a coach and he is responding then coaches should always have the players back. As I fan I feel disrespected by those three men. I can only imagine how the players that played for them felt.

How you feel about coaches throwing players under the bus?

Give Mike Anderson Some Time

www.thesportsbank.net

Razorback fans need to take a huge chill pill when it comes to the Arkansas Razorback Basketball program. Its only year two of the Mike Anderson era. He has brought back the fastest 40 mins of basketball style to Arkansas. Anderson has had some success quickly at other schools. I think that might be why people are already expecting big things from him. The difference is there were players that could play that style better. Anderson inherited some not so great players for his style. Fans need to give him some time to get his players in that can run that style. He is off to a good start with that and next year there are a few more guys that are coming in that should be able to give him a greater chance of getting his style implemented. I am just as frustrated as everyone that the basketball program has been down as long as it has. Nolan and Anderson spoiled us in the 90's with the dominance the program had. I can remember watching the NCAA selection shows right after the basketball program fell from dominance and the announcers talked about how it was different to see the bracket without the Hogs. Being frustrated and voicing concerns is one thing. Calling up sports radio stations and calling for Mike Anderson to be fired is ridiculous. Fans need to just relax. I have full faith that Anderson will get the job done and take the Hogs back to being a tournament team every year and maybe recapture that glory from 1994. I have a strong feeling that Arkansas is on the rise when it comes to all sports programs. Bottom line is fans need to just sit back, relax, and give Mike Anderson some time to work his magic. Go Hogs! WPS!

2013: A Razorback Rising

https://www.facebook.com/HOGHUB?fref=ts

In 2013 the Arkansas Razorbacks athletic department looks to bring a Razorback Rising to the college athletics. In 2012 their was a big buzz around the program. The beginning of the year saw the football team buzz of a possible National and SEC Championship run. The Diamond Hogs reached the College World Series. The basketball team had the return season of Mike Anderson and fans were extremely excited over his return. The Ladybacks also had a good season last year. They made the NCAA tournament and advanced into the second round. 

We are only a few days into 2013 but there is already a big buzz around the Razorback program. After a disastrous 2012 the Razorback football program is already on the road to recovery. After going 4-8 the Hogs hired a new permanent coach. Bret Bielema has put together a top notch staff and has brought back the excitement to the fans. There is no where to go but up for the football team. A return to a bowl isn't out of the realm of possibilities. It probably won't be a BCS bowl but a lower tier bowl with a 7-5 record is reasonable. 

Mike Anderson has the basketball team off to a good start. As of this writing they are 8-4 and about to enter SEC play. I expect this team to make a run toward the NCAA tournament. This team is getting better and better every game. 

The Diamond Hogs are getting ready to start up the season but the accolades are coming in already off the heels of the College World Series trip last season. The Diamond Hogs are ranked #1 in the preseason poll. Three players were named preseason All-Americans. 

The Ladybacks are off to a hot start again this year. As of this writing they are 12-1 and ranked 23rd in the country. They are also about to begin SEC play. I haven't keep up with them much but they look poised for a return trip to the NCAA tournament. 

The softball team didn't have a great season last year. Only winning 7 games in the SEC they look to improve on that and continue the Razorback Rising in 2013. 

2013 hopefully will be known as the Year of the Razorback by the time its all said and done. The program has several teams poised to make runs and some ready to return to relevance. 

Welcome to 2013: A Razorback Rising! 

From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: Bret Bielema is new Head Hog

Bret Bielema from Wisconsin is the new Head Coach at Arkansas. Bielema has had a pretty good career at Wisconsin. He went 68-24 and led the Badgers to three straight Rose Bowls including this season. Coach Bielema likes to play hard nose defense and that will be a big factor in whether or not he is able to get the Hogs competitive quickly. His teams are also a run first style team. Bielema was a lineman when he played at Iowa. He knows how to focus on the run and recruit the players that can do that. It may take a couple of seasons for him to really get the players that he needs to play his style. I hope the Razorback fans will all get on board and give the guy a chance and lets see what he can do. I agree with most analysts that he is a solid coach and knows how to win games but only time will tell if he is that home run hire that everyone expected. Doing a quick twitter poll (you can follow me on twitter @rzrbckmaniac) A lot of Hog fans seem to be excited. Some are excited because the search is over. Some are excited because of the smash mouth style he likes to play. Some of the ones who are not excited are upset because he is not that sexy hire that everyone has expected. I am taking a wait and see approach. I am excited that the coaching search is finally over and the Razorback football program can finally move on from the Petrino debacle. Coach Bielema will instantly become a rock star in the state because of the entire state's focus on the Razorback program. To me it doesn't matter who the coach of the Razorbacks ultimately is because I will always bleed Razorback Red!

Arkansas Razorback Season Prediction: Update 2012

Right before the season started I did a season prediction. Below you will find that. You can also go back to read that blog. 
Arkansas Razorback Schedule
9-1 Jacksonville State----------------------------------------------------------------W
9-8 Louisiana-Monroe @WarMemorialStadium in Little Rock------------W
9-15 Alabama--------------------------------------------------------------------------W
9-22 Rutgers---------------------------------------------------------------------------W
9-29 @Texas A&M-------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-6 @Auburn------------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-13 Kentucky----------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-27 Ole Miss @WarMemorialStadium in Little Rock------------------W
11-3 Tulsa (Homecoming)-------------------------------------------------------W
11-10 @South Carolina----------------------------------------------------------W
11-17 @Mississippi State--------------------------------------------------------W
11-23 LSU--------------------------------------------------------------------------W


As we all know the Hogs are 1-3 with the one win coming against Jacksonville St. Based on the way the season is going and the fact that the kool-aid has worn off I will give my updated prediction. 

9-29 @Texas A&M-------------------------------------------------------------------L
10-6 @Auburn------------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-13 Kentucky----------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-27 Ole Miss @WarMemorialStadium in Little Rock------------------W
11-3 Tulsa (Homecoming)-------------------------------------------------------W
11-10 @South Carolina----------------------------------------------------------L
11-17 @Mississippi State--------------------------------------------------------W
11-23 LSU--------------------------------------------------------------------------L

The way I see it today the Hogs will be 6-6 when the season ends. The only game that I could see them winning that I have them losing might be A&M. SCAR could end up being an interesting game. LSU is a loss. I wouldn't be surprised at this point if the Hogs didn't win another game or they even managed to go on a winning streak and win the rest. 

What you do think the rest of the season will look like?

Arkansas Razorbacks: Road to Redemption

arkansassports360.com

Last weeks 52-0 loss in Fayetteville was the first shut out there since the 60's. Tyler Wilson did not play because he was still recovering from concussion like symptoms. But Tyler did make a splash not because of his play but because of his talk after the game. As you can tell from the picture it was not a happy talk. Tyler said "It wasn't pretty to me to sit on the sideline and watch as a player. Sucks I can't be out there and do anything about it. Do I feel that we, at times, gave up out there? Yeah. Absolutely," He also said "As a leader it sucks to see people not do their jobs and things go wrong." Tyler was fired up and upset at the way the players played. He wasn't the only one as Razorback Nation was also very upset. Midway through the second quarter the game was only 7-0 Alabama. But everything went south after that. The Hogs did have a chance to score but missed on field goal that banged off the upright. Just when Hog fans thought things couldn't get any worse, John L Smith did what he does best and said something stupid that the media is now running with and making the entire Razorback Nation look dumb. JLS said in his press conference to get your chin up and SMILE. That press conference video has now gone viral and plenty of parody videos are already popping up.

This afternoon ESPN's Outside the Lines did their show on Arkansas. They called it #ArkansasMess . They basically talked about who was responsible and what could be done to fix the situation. There are plenty of opinions on who and what do to. Most people agree that Bobby Petrino has some type of blame in all this. The one thing that could get this train back on track is winning.

Razorback Nation got some great news today when Tyler Wilson was cleared to return. Tyler is by far the leader of this team and I dare say the organization right now. His return has already breathed some life into the fan base. Rutgers is a winnable game especially with Tyler at the helm. Tyler is the conductor of the train that is the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Razorbacks are arguably the laughing stock of college football. From top 10 program week one to a program in shambles now. The remaining games on the schedule besides LSU and maybe South Carolina are fairly winnable games. It all starts this weekend with Rutgers. The Hogs must take the rest of the season week to week in hopes of building up some wins and momentum to build the Road to Redemption.

Razorback Nation: United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Arkansas News Bureau

Arkansas fans woke up Sunday morning thinking they had a nightmare but unfortunately it was a reality. The number 8 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks lost to an unranked Louisiana Monroe WarHawk team Saturday night. The Hogs were up 28-7 before allowing the WarHawks to come back and tie the game up to send it to overtime. After the Hogs kicked a field goal they gave up a touchdown to end up losing the game 34-31. Also in the game Tyler Wilson was knocked out of the game with what appears to be a concussion type injury. The university is not really saying what is wrong with him or a timetable for return. Also injured in the game was cornerback Tevin Mitchell. Mitchell was carted off the field after colliding with teammate Alonzo Highsmith. He appears to be moving and doing better. Hopefully he will make a full recovery regardless if he play football again or not.  The last major injury from the game came from running back/fullback Kody Walker who ended up getting a lower leg injury and its being said that he is out for the season. Things went from bad to worse by lunch time on Sunday. The new AP poll came out and the Razorbacks dropped from number 8 to out of the AP poll. This was the second largest drop in the history of the poll.

Razorback fans are understandably upset today. The Hogs were a 30 point favorite over ULM. Their were high expectations for this team this season. Obviously the end goals of the season have changed but its time for the fans to get behind this team and support them. Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites were littered with fans very upset about the loss and blaming everyone from Jeff Long to John L Smith to the players to even Bobby Petrino. Some fans are trying to sell their tickets to this weekends big match up against Alabama. I hope some fans buy those tickets because those selling them don't deserve to go. I would rather go and watch MY team get beat 100 than be hypocritical about my fandom.

If you were a fan on Saturday then you need to be a fan today. Its ok to be upset, mad, even ticked off but its not ok to throw in the towel on the team. If you don't want to be a fan anymore that's fine go out and be a fan of LSU or someone else but don't talk about the Hogs anymore like your a fan.

Its times like these that the Razorback Nation has to come together and remain strong. United We Stand, Divided We Fall!

2012 Arkansas Razorbacks Season Preview and Predictions

www.arkansasrazorbacks.com

There is just 15 days till the Razorbacks kickoff against Jacksonville State in Fayetteville. This past off-season has been one of the wildest in recent memory. Former Coach Bobby Petrino was involved in a motorcycle wreck that led to the discovery of infidelity and illegal hiring practices. He was let go mostly due to the illegal hiring of the women that he had the infidelity with. He also lied to his boss Athletic Director Jeff Long. With the timing of the incident there weren't many coaches available to take over the talented Razorbacks. Jeff Long reached out to former assistant coach John L. Smith. Smith had just left the Hogs to take over the Head Coach job at his alma mater Weber State. Smith knows the system and knows the players and the other coaches. He is the perfect fit for a rent-a-coach. Smith was given a 10 month contract. Most including myself don't think there is a thing he can do to remain the Head Coach of the Hogs including winning a National Championship. Also during the spring there were some issues with players. Andrew Peterson, Maudrecus Humphrey, and Marquel Wade were arrested and later removed from the team. But there is good news on the season. Knile Davis is back and says he is back to full strength. Tyler Wilson also returned to the team rather than make a run for the NFL. Paul Petrino also returned to the Hogs to take over for Garrick McGee who left to become the UAB Head Coach. Right before the Cotton Bowl two new defensive coaches were brought in after Willie Robinson was not retained. Taver Johnson and Paul Haynes both previously at Ohio State showed the upgrade they will bring during the Cotton Bowl.  This years Razorback team is one of the most talent from top to bottom in a long time.

Arkansas Razorback Schedule
9-1 Jacksonville State----------------------------------------------------------------W
9-8 Louisiana-Monroe @WarMemorialStadium in Little Rock------------W
9-15 Alabama--------------------------------------------------------------------------W
9-22 Rutgers---------------------------------------------------------------------------W
9-29 @Texas A&M-------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-6 @Auburn------------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-13 Kentucky----------------------------------------------------------------------W
10-27 Ole Miss @WarMemorialStadium in Little Rock------------------W
11-3 Tulsa (Homecoming)-------------------------------------------------------W
11-10 @South Carolina----------------------------------------------------------W
11-17 @Mississippi State--------------------------------------------------------W
11-23 LSU--------------------------------------------------------------------------W

I am drinking the kool-aid as they say. This team is very talented and very motivated. The schedule sets them up for lots of success. The only losses I could see possible happening would be to Alabama or LSU. Both of those teams did lose a lot last year and LSU just lost their special team beast the Honey Badger. With the games being at home I have to give the edge to the Razorbacks. Texas A&M at College Station could be a tough task. Miss State is always tough at home. South Carolina wont be an easy win but should be a competitive game.

This should be a very special year for the Hogs. Some National Media pundits have mentioned thier prediction for the National Championship game would be the Hogs vs Southern Cal. As a die-hard Razorback fan that sounds good to me. I could really care less who the Hogs played if they were to win a SEC and National Title. Recruiting is ahead of schedule at this point and that is a good thing considering the coaching situation. Even if the Hogs stumble a little this year they are positioning themselves to be a major player in the years to come.

How you do you see the season turning out?

Bobby Petrino No Longer Head Hog

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

ImagesRumors were flying today as they have been the last few days. Around 6pm this evening it was announced that Jeff Long the Athletic Director for the University of Arkansas was going to hold a press conference at 715pm. Rumors got even wilder upon this news. It wasn't long after this that news of Petrino's firing was coming out. Joe Schad of ESPN was one of the first that I saw breaking the news on Twitter. Shortly before 7pm the AP and other credible news sources had confirmed the firing. Jeff Long didn't start the presser till closer to 730pm. He then stated that Coach Petrino would not be returning to the team. He also reveled some new details like the relationship has gone on for "some" time. There is also this new detail of a $20,000 gift to Jessica Dorrell the mistress/co-worker. My feelings have changed some on Coach. With the right provisions I would still like to have seen Petrino remain the Coach but I respect Jeff's decision. With the new details I lost a little respect for Petrino, but with the way Jeff Long handled the press conference I gained a lot for him. Long gave me the encouragement that he will get the program back on track to accomplishing the goals of winning the SEC and National Championship titles. Long said he will start the coaching search immediately following the press conference. He also named Taver Johnson as the acting head coach till Spring Football is over in late April and then will make a decision going forward after that.

 Not long after the press confrence Bobby Petrino released a statement through his agent. You can read the statement here. He basically says he is sorry and hopes the school has success. The big question now is who will be the new Head Hog. There is a short list already started by fans and national pundits alike. That list includes: Former Assistants Garrick McGee(Current Head Coach at UAB) and Gus Malzahn(Current Head Coach at A-State), Former UNC Coach Butch Davis, Current USF Coach Skip Holtz, Current Baylor Coach Art Briles, and others. I for one want a coach that has already proven what he can do. I feel like the team the Hogs have now is primed and ready for greatness. Why mess that up with a brand new system. I would be fine with Coach Johnson or any current coach on staff continuing being the interim coach through the upcoming season. After the season then make a choice to either keep the current coach or get a guy that will get the Hogs to the promised land. There are just a few guys that could be brought in now that could change my thinking. These guys are major long shots but Bill Cowher and John Gurden are just two off the top of my head that I would be ok with coming in and seeing what they could do with the talent up on the hill right now. How do you feel about Petrino, Long and the University now?

Bobby Petrino, Is he still your coach?

Razorback Nation has been on a heck of an emotional roller-coaster this past week. Fans found out Sunday night that Coach Petrino had been in a motorcycle accident. Everyone rallied around Coach with prayers and thoughts of a quick recovery. Love for Coach Petrino was at an all time high that is till Thursday afternoon. Rumors were all over the place when the police report came out that said there was a passenger involved in the wreck. Turns out that passenger was a 25 year old female employee. Late Thursday night there was a press conference held by Athletic Director Jeff Long. Right before the presser the media was issued a written statement from Coach Petrino. Petrino Statement In the statement Petrino admits to having an inappropriate relationship. Now Razorback Nation is divided on what should be done about this situation. My feeling is Petrino will be suspended for several games that may include a huge match up with defending champion Alabama. I really hope that he will be back. He has the team on the verge of winning championships. I am in now way condoning what he has done but if he didn't break any laws or rules then I don't have a problem with what he does on his own time. I am only concerned with what he does on the football field. The biggest question that has to be answered is did coach break any university policies. That to me that is what Jeff long is investigating. There is also the fact that coach lied to the AD and everyone else about what really happened. He was trying to cover it up as to not embarrass the school or his family but it has made the situation even worse and more embarrassing. Petrino's past is a major catalyst of why the national media is reacting the way they are.  I encourage everyone to seek out information from legitimate news sources and make an educated opinion. I would love to have some feedback and see how everyone feels about this topic.