We won the game just like so many others we’ve won under Houston Nutt. And I mean that as a compliment. Sure, there were some differences in what was done offensively, how the players executed it and how the game was called by Gus Malzahn.
And don’t misunderstand…I think we all love and want to be entertained by a new and different, free-flowing spread offense that “whips it around the yard.” But when you can be on the “fun side” of smashing a good team in the mouth with a strong ground game, it’s just as enjoyable.
Can we succesfully run the hurry up-no huddle? Who cares if you can do what you did on Saturday to everyone you play. (We’ve seen over the years, of course, that we can’t every time. But when you can…do it.)
I think we’re finding a few “gamers” that we didn’t know we had…Jeremy Davis and Ernest Mitchell. The first quarter, rock-solid 34 yard field goal by Davis after a 10 play, 60 yard drive (taking 4:41 of that much argued time of possession stat) was critical from a team confidence standpoint. And the 22 yarder with 3:53 left in the game was also a “no doubter.”
But if you saw Davis in the early fall practices, you’d probably wonder who that guy was that was kicking on Saturday. He wasn’t terrible…just not exactly booming them like he has been for the last three games. But he’s doing well now and looks like a guy who becomes even more focused on game day.
As for Mitchell, many may remember he was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2003 and signed with the Hogs over Florida State. In practice, though, the coaches hadn’t seen that talent consistently. But after strong performances against both Alabama and Auburn (with a combined 7 tackles, 2 1/2 for loss and one sack), Mitchell has shown that when the “lights come on,” he’s ready to play.
And so while winning is important, winning legitimately is even more important to fans. As one Alabama writer said, “There were no excuses. There was no single play that made the difference for Arkansas. [...] No awkward penalty calls. No single blown coverage.” From the start, the game was controlled by the Razorbacks and any neutral observer would have been able to easily tell who the better team was on that day.
My point is that, yes, we had won two SEC games before Saturday. But a “gust of wind” and “wide right” just make you feel like the fan of a lucky team. Controlling a game and dominating a good team gives fans the confidence to feel like their team is for real.
Great game Saturday. Congrats on the win. You whipped us. I love the site.
We new signs around the stadium saying… "Welcome To The Pig Pen" Because the Hogs are back… and its going to be hard to beat this team at home….
Jay, thanks for the comment and the props. I just found your site earlier today (when my newsreader software caught your great post over on the AOL Sports Blog) and added a link to it on our blog roll.
Good luck to you guys the rest of the way.
I just do not think we will see the no-huddle in the next couple of weeks. No reason to use it (I hope). But maybe we can practice it and be ready to use it against SC or better yet Tennessee. I do not think we will want to be giving anything away. It would be nice if we can handle SC and the Mississippi teams easily but most likely we will have a let down somewhere. Luckily the schedule works out nicely for us I hope- at least if this was not a one game wonder.
SEMC before a better Ole Miss
LM before a dangerous SC(trap game for us)
THen Tennessee.
Then Miss St before LSU.
If we can keep our wits about us we have some "easier" weeks to get some nics and bruises healed before each big game. My hope is that our Offensive line has gelled with the new blocking schemes. ANd I think Hillis becomes more of a factor since he is playing more fullback.
One last thing lost in all this. Alex Woods. I'll bet he is the stablizing influence between the two schemes of Malzahn and Nutt- not that I think they are that far apart in philosophy.
I will have a recap of my visit to the "Loveliest Village on the Plains" later, but needless to say, 10KHog is batting .500 now. After losing the first 3 road games I ever traveled to I have battled back to win the last three – the last one being the best win since Texas in Austin. Here are my pics from the game.
Auburn Game Photos
I just recently uploaded my "Bama Beatdown" pics as well.
Alabama Game Photos
10K – Great pictures of the AU game. I have to agree with you…Auburn fans have to be right up there as some of the nicest fans, win or lose, in the SEC. Total opposites of Bama, LSU and Kentucky (basketball only).
Since you seem to be the good luck charm this year…any way we can take up a collection to get you over to Columbia, SC in a few weeks???
I will be more than happy to take donations for a flight to Columbia, SC. I'm just not driving all the way over there. 12 hours to Auburn was more than enough.