Some random thoughts after the Razorbacks’ tough loss to Florida.
The Good
Like defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said, “We didn’t go in there for a moral victory.” But man…we should be really proud about how our Razorbacks played the #1 team in the country. Six sacks, and four turnovers…now that’s what a ‘Fighting Razorback’ defense is supposed to look like.- After the Alabama game, Coach Petrino said the he didn’t think the Razorbacks really felt like they could win against a high caliber of opponent like the Crimson Tide. Don’t think we have to worry about that anymore.
- D.D. Jones and Jake Bequette were in the backfield the whole afternoon…both finished with two sacks each. Several of the six total sacks were of the ‘coverage sack’ variety, as Tebow found no open receivers to throw to.
- For the second consecutive week, defensive tackle Zach Stadther recovered a fumble. Stadther had one his better games, finishing with four tackles, as the Hogs shut down the Gators inside running game all day.
- Before Saturday, the Gator ‘D’ had not given up any plays greater than 30 yards all season. The Hogs had three 30+ plays — Dennis Johnson’s 42-yard run, and Greg Childs two long catches of 46 and 75 yards.
- Vanderbilt replaces Florida on the Hogs schedule next year. The Gators won’t see Arkansas in the regular season again until 2013.
The Bad
- Generally, we loathe listening to whining, opposing fans when they complain about officiating…so we’ll just grin and bear it. Let’s just say the officials ‘got the word.’ Penalties: Arkansas 10 for 93 yards, Florida 3 for 16 yards.
- Alex Tejada’s two misses were his first two missed field goals of the 2009 season. In three years as the Arkansas kicker, Tejada has failed to really make a clutch ‘game-tying or game-winning kick. He’s (over) due for one.
- The Hogs were 0 for their first 10 on third-down coversions Saturday. Ouch. Finishing 2-for-13 on the day makes the Hogs 20-for-76 (26.3%) on the season — still an alarming trend.
The Ugly
- After Tejada’s first miss, a 40-yard attempt in the third quarter, the Gators immediately capitalized. Tebow’s 77-yard touchdown to Deonte Thompson looked pretty easy after Ramon Broadway jumped the short route, allowing Thompson to get behind him. Really the only big mistake the Hogs ‘D’ made all day.
"If Mallett’s execution ever catches up with his ego, he’ll be fantastic.
Until he becomes the next Tebow, it’s probably best keep his mouth shut and not diss his receivers. Average is a generous description of Mallett’s play yesterday."
Mallett certainly didn't have his best game, but I love him because he's not Tebow. It's easy to be Tim Tebow when you are surrounded by the best talent in the country and you have always been the golden boy. We are not Florida! At Arkansas, we need someone with some grit. I love his edge and his obsession with playing better. Finally, I didn't hear him diss his receivers. I heard him say that "Me and the Receivers have some work to do." That's true. They were out of sync with one another all day but I didn't here him say it was their fault. It is Mallet's attitude that has me less worried about a hangover at Florida.
I thought I'd be happy to give them a game, but Damn that hurt! Go Hogs. We're proud of you. Its time to give out of .500 range and string together some wins.
"Generally, we loathe listening to whining, opposing fans when they complain about officiating…so we’ll just grin and bear it."
Maybe you should have taken this approach on Saturday!… it was getting ugly for a while there.
Has anyone been to ESPN.com lately on the main pagew there is a slide that says "BCS Standings…" and on the front there is a clear picture of Riley Cooper all over Andru Stewart on that deep pass in the endzone with no offensive pass interferance called. Unbelievable
Funny…that's actually the photo that I had just inserted in HogBlogger's post for later today!
I saw this post yesterday and thought it was interesting: http://www.teamspeedkills.com/2009/10/17/1089273/…
Agree with the notion that the calls didn't win the game for Florida. Our many missed opportunities did. Great game for Arkansas, though. Hopefully we can carry the momentum and grab at least 3 of our last 6.
I wondered during fall camp why they hadn't gotten Tejada a scholarship at UCA. If we are going to compete in big games we need a kicker that can kick from outside the ten yard line.
Yeah we got hosed but we also left plenty of points on the field. Bobby called a great game but the kids are still too young to have that killer instinct and put a team away. We had Florida on the ropes and let them go.
Now, the real season begins. I hope we are inspired and not tired. It's time to GO.
http://www.olemisssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPS…
Check this link, particularly Nutt's comments about how Mallett was going to come back from Michigan even without Petrino.
Good Article. Old Hooty hasn't changed a bit. I liked the part about him signing the recievers too. Of course he signed Crawford and Miller and Fish.
I had thought he would have more success with his bunch. Now that he has shown his colors I'm almost glad he is over there.
Houston is gonna try to take credit no matter where he is. but after how we handled Flordia the ole miss fans will be saying OL Houston we have a problem. cause the hogs will whip the floor with them in oxford.
Ok, I just have to say this to get it out. As you all probably know the gators got free points early in the game. When we were up 10-3 it was 4th and 22 so the gators kick a field goal. Anyone notice the play clock sitting on 0 and the ball had not been snapped. That 3 points would have changed the game, yes Tejada missed this and Mallett missed that, but that was the big deal. I am sure Tejada is kicking himself right now but just know that he has only conected with his butt 2 of 4 tries. I bid you all a good day and I hope Houston Nutt duct taped his butt on because we are going to give it a good thumping.
I'm sick of hearing everyone suck up to Tim Tebow and sing his praises. I'll admit, he's incredible, but let's be fair. Watching the game replay on ESPN College Football last night and they said (in a 2 1/2 minute segment) "Tebo" seven times and "Mallet" three. ESPN, take a cue from Fox News – "Fair and Balanced".
Appears our D is rolling. There were advantages by situations that hurt both teams but that one call was a bad one, but let us move forward. The threats and harassing of that referee is criminal and if it keeps up some team or fans somewhere are going to jail for harasing a ref. That is low class, hurts our team and needs to stop. Not only that it is self-defeating.
Yes, Mallet's talent is getting close to matching his mouth and confidence but he has been bad in some games this year which surprises me. I really expecged him to be the premere QB that he can be since he can thrown any type pass. He has absolutely great receivers and yes he would likely have come to Arkansas and yes his talent is the one that took Florida to the gun. That being said why can't fans move on? It seems that they lost money in some games and cannot keep it quiet. If Las Vegas is not working for you, try the Oklahoma lottery or.
Florida game reminded me of the SEC championship game In Atlanta in 06. Arkansas literally had Florida on the ropes and woud have win going away uncept for Fish's choosing to field a punt inside the 5 yard. Strange how such a little thing can change a game but BIG MOMENTUM immediately changed to Florida. Like this game it was a fun game but it still counts as 1 more SEC. In other words, we are 1-3 in SEC, Ugh.
Saturday will be a fund game to watch, win or lose. Nothing more or less than a win or loss so do not let it smash you day. Enjoy the game.
Looks like Arkansas needs their "clean up man", Shay Haddock back!!!
Tejada, sucks!