Some random thoughts after watching the Razorbacks’ win over Auburn.
The Good
“Balanced offense” and “win all three phases — offense, defense and special teams.” These are two things that we’ve heard Coach Petrino say numerous times. But Saturday was really the first time that both of those things have happened in the same game since Petrino arrived in Fayetteville. It’s definitely a winning combination that this team needs to learn how to repeat.- Gus Malzahn must have nightmares about Dennis Johnson. Just like last year against Malzahn and Tulsa, a big kickoff return by Johnson helped swing the momentum back after Auburn had closed the gap to 11 points in the third quarter.
- Welcome back Michael Smith and D.J. Williams! As Chris Bahn wrote in his post-game column, if anyone thought that opposing defenses had ‘figured out’ how to stop Smith and Williams…think again.
- Overall, the secondary play was improved, with safety Elton Ford and cornerback Andru Stewart shining on Saturday. Even though Ford had to sit out part of the game with an injury, he still had nine total tackles, including seven solo. Stewart had his best game as a Razorback, with a season-high seven solo tackles and a forced fumble that led to the Hogs’ third touchdown of the day.
- And speaking of turnovers, the Hogs did a nice job capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes, scoring 17 points off Auburn’s three turnovers.
The Bad
- Very disconcerting news about Joe Adams suffering a ‘mild’ stroke earlier in the week. All Hog fans wish him the best for a speedy recovery. Adams, who was on the sideline and apparently feeling better on Saturday, watched as Greg Childs (85 receiving yards, TD), D.J. Williams and Lucas Miller helped pick up the slack in his absence.
The Ugly
- Not much ugly on Saturday except for a botched extra point attempt and the third quarter defense against Auburn. The Tigers racked up 20 points and 207 rushing yards in the quarter, including a 60-yard jaunt by running back Ben Tate. Safety Anthony Leon had a shot to make the tackle, but took one of the worst angles we’ve seen this year and failed to even get a hand on Tate.
- We’re absolutely sure that the talent level it takes for pianist Jura Margulis to play “Stars and Stripes Forever” is something that only a few people in the world can do. But can we maybe save that virtuoso performance for halftime of a ‘big game’ like, say…Eastern Michigan? We’re thinking Jura won’t care. And instead, we replace Jura on the halftime program with…hmmm…maybe ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC blaring over the loudspeakers?
Walking on Sunshine also contributed to this post.
A great, great performance in all phases. That is the way you have to play defense in the SEC, fast and physical.
How about, finally, a LACK of penalties on the side of the Hogs? That also helps.
Most definitely… especially those STUPID ones!
If the refs had called some of the pass interference on us that they did on Auburn, we would not be happy. At least two of those were no calls. That said, they were short gains for us that probably did not have a big effect on the outcome.
What is the SEC network? Does that mean I have to pay to get that game? Is that the JP game? If nothing else, I would get that on ESPN 360, right? I'm freaking out a little bit. gotta see the Ole Piss game.
Depending upon your location (assuming it is actually in Carolina)… your choices are:
Charlotte NC WAXN IND
Greensboro-H. Point-W. Salem NC WCWG CW
Norfolk-Portsmth-Newpt Nws NC WSKY IND
Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville NC WNCN NBC
Charleston SC SC WMMP MNT
Columbia SC SC WIS NBC
Greenvll-Spart-Ashevll-Anderson SC WYCW CBS
Myrtle Beach-Florence SC WWMB CW
Unfortunately, I'm left out of the Tulsa, Oklahoma market!!!
SEC Network
I’m not 100% how this works but I did re-watch the Georgia game later… so, if nothing else, you’ll be able to watch it on a delayed basis.
I am with you. I have been looking for that Jacket/Pullover as well as the Mesh hat he has been wearing. I cannot find either anywhere. Obviously he gets the special stuff but you would think that they would want to release it soon after because everyone sees him wearing it and wants it.
Well I finally just found the Hat. But the jacket is nowhere to be found.
cool thanks..I will keep searching. No Hog gear out here in cali, not even when they won basketball championship.
Here’s one more “Ugly” for you – the empty upper deck in the SEZ. It Kind of jumps out at you on TV. Seems like we would have enough students to fill that thing up if the tickets aren’t selling to the general public.
But that is about it for me. We got every break in that game, but we took advantage of them like a good team should. Run offense looked great. OL protection was great. I thought Auburn’s secondary/LB played well and had excellent coverage on a good percentage of our passes, more so than any other team not named Alabama. Mallett reacted well, either running for decent gains or throwing the ball away. He made good decisions.
Get well, Joe.
I had to watch the game on espn 360, I did enjoy it, out in cali we dont get much SEC football. I have been trying to find the jackets Coach P is wearing, anyone have any ideas.. I tried Addidas online.
I believe the stuff he is wearing is in the store at Bud Walton – not sure if available on-line from the store. The team apparel stuff is usually only in the Bud Walton store.
Is this the hat? adidas Arkansas Razorbacks Cardinal Pre-Season Flex Fit Hat
Or maybe this hat? adidas Arkansas Razorbacks Cardinal Coaches Structured Adjustable Hat
Confirmed the jackets are not in the web store. I suggest calling the store at Bud Walton.
That first hat is the one. It looks gooooood. Gonna have to order one of those.
That hat is also available in the RazorBlogger's Fan Shop… (from the department of shameless merchandizing)
Florida is an open week. Ole Miss is the THE game.