Southeast Missouri State came into Fayetteville and provided the Razorbacks with an opportunity to show off. After all, two directions plus ‘state’ in the school name pretty much assured that the Hogs should be able to dominate.
The domination was almost complete. Cute little double wing look and a counter play to open the game – McFadden wasn’t about to let anyone tackle him - and the Hogs were off and running.
It was good to see so many Hogs get into the game and play well. That had to be fun for them.
Probably the only Razorback that didn’t really have fun was Mitch Mustain.
In his last three starts Mitch is 19 out of 46 and throwing for 235 yards, or an average of 78 yards a game. Mitch’s completion percentage for those starts is just over 41%.
Against Southeast Missouri State, Casey Dick looked like the starter while Mitch looked like the backup. Casey went 8 of 9 for 98 yards. Beyond his passing efficiency, he just looked more comfortable on the field.
Last year Casey Dick started four games, going 53 out of 99 for 584 yards, or 146 yards per game. Casey’s completion percentatge was over 53%. Mitch, in five games this year, has thrown for a total of 578 yards, or 115 yards per game, with a completion percentage of just under 50%.
Mitch has definitely made some big plays in the passing game. He is capable, and I believe he offers a threat to the opposing defenses. However, I think the reason Arkansas has struggled in the passing game has been Mitch. He’s given the coaches reason to worry about his taking care of the ball. He hasn’t shown that he’s able to make his progressions to his second and third receiver. Quite frankly, his accuracy and touch have many times been questionable. I actually think the coaches are limiting what they are asking him to do for these reasons.
While many fans are rationalizing the lack of passing by pointing to the obviously great running game, some fans are upset that Arkansas didn’t take the opportunity to work on its passing game against Southeast Missouri.
I think the Hogs actually did work on their passing game. They just had to use Casey to do it. Was it just me, or did anyone else find it interesting that Casey was the one running the two minute drill at the end of the first half? It was an opportunity to give Mitch that experience. After all, he’s our guy.
I know I’ll get accused of making unnecessary noise about a ‘quarterback controversy.’ There’s not one – Gus clearly said that Mitch was the starter.
However, if Mitch doesn’t start playing better quickly, we’ll be seeing Casey at bat. At least we should anyway.
I agree with you. Hopefully Mitch will step it up or just be efficient like at Auburn so this will be a moot point. If not Nutt may have to go to Casey simply b/c this team is in a very good spot at 13th in the BCS. If we were to win out, which I don't see happening, we could be in a pretty sweet spot.
Mitch took out #2 in the nation … 'nuff said HogBlogger.
I agree with eveything you said. I hope we don't lose a game because we waited to long to make the change.
M16 has not impressed me any this season. I thought this week he would be more impressive with a high school team but he still let me down. I think some of us are not hog fans but fans of hog players. Not that it has not been clear to me but it should have become clearer to others that at this point M16 should not be the starting qb as a matter of fact I would have him #3 behind CD and RoJo. He just needs more time to develop with rotation not with the whole game on him.I don't want to seem like a M16 hater because I do beleive he is the future but I am a hog fan and I think we can win out but not with him alone at the qb position.
I'm glad to see that if M16 has problems Casey will be able to step in. I'm not worried about our offense. I think it will continue to get better every game. I AM still worried about our defense – specifically our pass defense. Maybe my expectations are too high and I worry too much. Can somebody blow some defensive sunshine my way?
Yea Razorbilly I was really worry through the first few games about those dbs and I don't know if its the competition these last two or three games with the exception of the tigers but to win out we have got to get them looking for the ball not just running in front of a man this is not peewee football.
i still have not figured out this team 100% but hey were winning so why make major changes now. I am a big fan of Mitch Mustain I admit it. DC is a good QB also but hey he had his time and a chance against Utah in the beginning just like RJ with USC. Neither one of those guys put up great numbers either. Ok a guy comes out and plays one good quarter does that make him a starter? Come on guys we been waiting yrs for this moment in the spot light. For whatever reason it is we are winning I say just leave well enough alone. If anything at all should happen move hillis to LB. He would be great at LB plus he could still return punts which i like. He would contribute here. I don't have an answer to the defensive back field but this is a very weak area. If we ever go up against a major passing offense were going to have a time with it.
HJHog – sorry, but beating Auburn is not 'nuff said', as we still have a few games to go. I'm not for pulling Mitch right now, but he does need to get better quickly. Casey can play if he is healthy, probably as well or better than Mitch right now.
As to defense – a good passing team will probably hurt us unless our pass rush is effective. Also, we will be much better on defense playing with a lead than from behind. South Carolina and Tennesee will both be significant challenges for us because of their passing games. I think all of you are right to be worried. That said, I do think we've improved a lot so far, but we are short of resources.
No1HogFan – Casey played more than a quarter, and has a pretty good track record to date as the stats indicate. My point is we have a good option behind Mitch that we shouldn't hesitate to use if Mitch falters. As someone told me today, Mitch is the 'golden child, with emphasis on the word child.' He has some growing up to do as a quarterback. Casey, while still not that experienced, has a few more miles on him than Mitch.
Very well said HogBlogger and so true. We are so lucky in many ways.
No1hogfan I understand you being a Mustain fan but what about the team.We have been able to wiggle out of some games with wins but none of those were the result of great play by M16. I think Rojo played better against a stiffer competetion than M16 has played against cupcakes and the play of CD in the past and Saturdays games just futher more proves someone else should be captain of this ship right now but again I say not completely. I just think I would feel better with a rotation atleast that way we could have a chance to see who is playing better and adjust by either leaving them in the game or letting the other get a chance not just lettting the guy keep throwing interceptions putting the game in the hands of the kicker.
I know its not the prettiest game in the world as for passing. Nothing suprises me anymore with this team. If stats decide games we would be next to last.. We have changed the general rule of winning in every aspect. But, we are winning and winning big games. Leave well enough alone and see how it shapes up is my thinking. I mean hey look were half way through the season now. Were going to get a bowl game every one knows this. So what are we going to do take M16 out now so he can't start in the big game that he was somewhat part of getting us to that point? DC is great player and true to the end razorback. Its nice to know he is there and if he went in to play against any team I would feel comfortable.
I have been waiting since 1969 to get to this place we are in hog heaven. Call it crazy or whatever but I knew the day Mitch signed on we would be going big. He was the peice to a very difficult puzzle we been looking for. Can you imagine the next 2 yrs? McFadden for Heismen!