ESPN.com: Nutt: Mustain has permission to transfer from Arkansas
Arkansas quarterback Mitch Mustain, undefeated as a Razorbacks starter after a stellar high school career, has been given permission to transfer to another university, coach Houston Nutt said Tuesday.
Also:
- Hogwired.com: Houston Nutt Transcript
- AP: Broyles: Running QB key for Malzahn’s offense
- 4029TV.com (Video): Houston Nutt Press Conference
- Alex Abrams: In Another Surprise, Mustain Asks For Release
- Vernon Tarver: Lee, Coker Considered Leading Offensive Coordinator Candidates
- Bob Holt: QB has one foot out door, UA search preceded Malzahn’s departure
- Wally Hall: Integrity of Razorbacks program in question
- Nate Allen: Mustain granted release
- Terry Wood: Departure of Malzahn, Mustain leaves UA fanbase wounded
Updated 1/17/07 7:50 a.m.
Who didn't see this coming? Cleveland will be next. Sit back and watch the recruiting class go down the dumper.
The football program is about to implode under its own arrogance.
Again, when is Houston leaving!
But, JFB and HDN are always right. Just ask them. Miss State, make room for the Hogs on the bottom.
Butch – perhaps you mis-spelled the word? It may still end in "ance"… Just un-believable.
How soon till Cleveland walks? Thanks, Houston.
Last time I checked, Arkansas wasn't winning on the right right of Mustain last year. It was the two head monster in the backfield with Hillis leading the way. With Mustain leaving, it completely gets rid of the QB controversy. Mark why word, both of these moves will help the Razorback next year. Who the needs a soap opera in the locker room, just ask the Dallas Cowboys how that worked out for them.
Check out this link:
Early look at '07
It references Houston Nutt's "soap opera" program!
As long as he is here, there will be distractions!
Anybody know where Houston lives, I'd like to send a moving truck there. Maybe he will take the hint!
I understand Sactown's logic and I certainly appreciate any Razorback not being a fair-weather fan. Optimism is a great thing. This is, without a doubt, though, a dark day in Hog Football. The new recruits aren't going to flock to a place that lets the best QB recruit in a dozen years slip away.
is someone blackmailing HDN to keep us from winning? is he beating us down on purpose???
Sactown Hog
Who else should leave so we can have a fantastic year next year.
Also, since HDN has such a quick trigger on the QB position, what is he going to do next year when Casey messes up?
He sure isn't doing us any favors is he?
what if, god FORBID, something happens to our running game? broken toes have happened before. what then? maybe HDN could just jog on in and call the plays from the line of scrimmage.
this is bad. this is very, very bad.
That sound you just heard was the football program imploding.
I can't wait to call Frank's cell phone again and give him another piece of my mind. Not sure how much I have left anymore.
The ESPN article linked above proves once again that JFB is meddling. Someone (Chip from Springdale) just called in on Chuck's show wondering if JFB can't stand the thought of someone having a better legacy than him while he is still alive.
I'm now wondering if there is validity to that comment.
I agree that JFB needs to resign/retire/or otherwise go away. The SI link about the soap opera on campus is again indicative of the nation's view of the Razorback football program.
I don't care who you are…this is NOT a good day for the Razorback football program. Maybe Nutt can recover in the same way that Tuberville recovered at Auburn…I doubt it as long as Broyles is there.
Everybody needs to get off the when is Houston leaving becasue he not leaving anytime soon. Last time I check, he just got a contract extension. Lets use a little more logic than that. Does this cause a serious problem to the program, yeah. Just because Mustain was rated the #1 QB coming out of HS doesn't mean he is going to be the next protege. Georgia Tech had a Freshman QB that did a whole hell of a lot better than Mustain. Mustain was a product of a system in Springdale. I wouldn't count on seeing Mustain in the NFL the way he handles himself, especially if Gus doesn't become a NFL coach.
As you can tell I think much of Mustain. He is basicly spoiled kid with a soccer mom who seriously needs to be put in her place. The Sprindale crew needs to get the Hell off of N. College St. and walk their Chicken pluckin Ass back to S. Thompson St. where they belong.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID…
My next door neighbor wrote this story, which is one of the only pieces to actually have quotes from Malzahn.
Thank Goodness and Goodbye to the Springdale cry babies. They did nothing for the football program except bring on drama which is what they are used to in Springdale they were not key players in winning any games that would be Mc and Jones and I am pretty sure Nutt called those plays and not Guz. How smart could that man be to leave U of A and go to Tulsa. He would of looked better to go coach at a highschool level again.
And Mitchs mom "Shame on You" my son is a Jr in highschool he would be so ashamed to find out that I went to the Ad or coach crying that he did not get to play enough. Wake up guys this is not High School this is COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEC GO HOGS GO
razorback: I'm pretty sure that Mitch will leave the U with the highest winning percentage every by a starting QB; 8-0. Its up for debate but that winning percentage is pretty good.
But for real word around the U is that it's not just the Springdale players leaving. Wispers of Crawford, Broadway, and Salters and getting louder and louder. That would leave our 06 class as bare as a man at a nude beach.
Casey Dick is probably not too upset. I'd love to know what guys like Hillis, Monk, and McFadden are thinking! A large part of me thinks these guys will be glad to get the Springdale contingent out of here and get this mess over with! Mustain went to Fayetteville thinking he was going to run the show and take the SEC by storm. He probably should have never committed to Arkansas in the first place knowing the history of the way the offense has primarliy been run. I can't wait to hear what Broyles is going to tell us Alumni at the Dallas Gala this Thursday night. I better hit the cash bar early! With QB's in the SEC like Stafford and Tebow next year, the Hogs have a lot of things to figure out. The defense should be solid — I really like Committments like Love and Harris from Garland and Irving coming to Fayetteville – still – I hope. We better be creative offensively next year. I want to go back to a big bowl next year and beat someone from the Big Ten or even a Notre Dame. To bad we didn't get to play ND this year. Things may be a lot different now. Oh well, every thing happens for a reason, and I'm glad to be taking care of this mess now so we can move forward. Let's take Care of DMAC!
Unfortunately, as long as Nutt is there… so is the mess.
There are those who enjoy football and there are those who enjoy soap operas. We need more of the former and less of the latter on our football team and in our fanbase. Let's move on.
The only problem I have with HDN, is the way he brought in these kids from Springdale. But the more I think about it, the more I believe HDN was not totally responsible. HDN does not pay A. coaches. The U of A pays them, and more people had a hand in hiring Malzahn than we will ever know. We should also know that Malzahn wasn't hired just because of his coaching skills. The commitee on the "hill" is probably more responsible for this than anyone. Does anyone really believe Mal Moore was the only one to have a hand in firing Shula at Alabama? HDN is probably caught up in a lot of cross fire that other people helped create. They'll sit back and let HDN take 100% blame too. Boosters have lots of power in the Div. 1 ranks these days. Frank had nothing to lose either. He know sits aloft on his giant perch, gloating with his George Bush smirk, about how "WE" gave Malzahn the opportunity to step into the college coaching ranks. It's true too, but the reasoning behind it was great college recruits, coming to the U of A, when everyone knew they really didn't want to come to this university to begin with. Look who's taking all the blame though. Div. 1 Athletics is a business, just as much as profesional athletics, and Frank is nothing more than a replica of Jerry Jones.
I really have mixed feelings about this on one hand I am happy to get the Springdale bunch out of here because they had superstar egos and we don't need that on the hill but at the same time I can't help but to feel some heads have to roll far this mess. First you don't hire a coach to get a few recruits or you can expect it to play out exactly like its playing out now the coach realizes why he was hired and moves on the first chance he gets the 18 or 19 year old kid who followed him there follows him out because they haven't learned to think for there selves yet and there parents don't know anything except playing time for there kid not team work. I really hate this for the program.
In the end, if there was going to continue to be tension on the Hill because of Malzahn and the Springdale players…..then them going now is best for everyone. A house divided will fall. But…Arkansas will suffer for the next 2-3 years from the impact this has on recruiting. We have lost our integrity!!!
What recruit would believe anything Nutt has to say at this point? And who is going to back up Casey Dick now? Cody Burns isn't going to change his mind and sign with the Razorbacks…just put that pipe dream out of your mind.
I really don't understand what HDN was thinking bringing in a co-offensive coordinator? Can anyone figure out what that was supposed to accomplish? A more sophisticated passing scheme? Why not just change the quarterbacks coach instead?
And can you believe Broyles….ohh this is no big deal. Assistant coaches leave all the time. This is a good move for Gus. Honestly….how stupid does he think we are?
Well, Houston has cost us two of the three best things we had going for us…
At least we still have D-mac.
I'm not a hater or a hugger, but I'm wondering one thing, If everything is Nutts fault, then why did Butu body slam Mustain in the locker room and acuse him of not being a team player?
Bluffhawg, just when were you in the locker room to witness such behavior?
I rely on the same sources that you do sir!
Mustain needs to be body slammed right now by Butu!!!!!!!(And everybody Else)
When Butu called a private meeting with only the players (shortly after Williams was released) he told Mustain and eveybody else that you are either on this team or you are not. Mustain then went scampering off to HDN to aplogize and make up! Now he (Mustain) does it all over again — causes this controversy and team discention, potential problems with new recruits, etc., etc! These Springdale High School soccer moms are a real piece of work! We need to put a moritorium on recruiting anyone from Sprindale for a while. These kids are more concerned with personal stats — there is no "Team Concept"
Sorry…. totally disagree with you BullHog… Nutt is the one in charge and he needs to canned!
BullHog,
Does this mean you don't want the kicker from Springdale? Does this mean you don't want Andrew Norman to stay at Arkansas? I don't like a lot of what has happened from the Springdale group (parents, players and coaches). It just seems like we would be digging our hole deeper if we start eliminating from the recruiting and money pool.
Having watched Springdale play for a number of years now I think a team concept is taught more than anything else. It started long before Gus got there and continued with that theme while he was there. Their goal for the championship year was "One Year, One Team, One Goal". I thought they all bought into that. If Mitch or Damian were my son, I'm not sure I wouldn't have done some of the same things those parents did. I don't think HDN has looked out for them. It's hard for me to question the integrity of an 18-19 year old when grow men can't seem to get it right.
Waldron Hog, you are RIGHT ON here with respect to parents and Houston.
Folks can whine about the parents involvement but most parents would be right next to their kids if there were similar situations even outside of football. For example, your kid is in some sort of legal issue or other significant financial type event. Wouldn't most parents get involved? Most of the starting players at any Division I school probably has dreams of the NFL (especially as in-coming freshmen). This is a SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL type event and much of what was said/done with these guys occurred when they were MINORs!
So, I'm not going to hold it against the parents for talking with Frank… heck, I've already called Frank twice on this whole fiasco! Does that make me bad! (don't answer
)
When we can't recruit in-state players (or keep them), we've got a major problem.
Please, somebody help me understand why this isn't a Head Coaching issue!!!
and/or an Athletic Director issue…
I need help understanding this as well.
Well, I think this is a coaching issue. Due to the lack of quality leadership here it has become an Athletic Director issue. And due to the issues also created by the AD. Including his comments about the spread offense needing a running QB. This just goes to show that he was completely out of touch with football in the 21st century. Maybe Frank needs to watch some more Florida football!
Meanwhile, this fiasco has disgraced the entire Razorback program and scared the University of Arkansas school. How many more red neck jokes can we take?
As a result, it has jepordized the Razorback Foundation's future funding too. If they call me, I'm going to laugh at them. It has also raised this up to the Chancellor’s office. Unfortunately, I don't believe he's up to the job at hand either.
Owasso, not as a point of contention but in the interest of better understanding "What teams are running the spread without a QB who can run"? It is documented that Meyer had to scale down his offense because Leak isn't a runner? That offense was never that prolific this year. It was the defense that made the difference. If I recall, Fla. had in the ballpark of 300 yards against OSU which is nothing special. In many ways, the spread is the modern incarnation of the triple option and it does seem to run better with someone like Vince Young running the show. As a point of contention not better understanding, Are we supposed to think you're important because you keep calling Frank's cell phone because you keep telling us about it every chance you get.
I believe in the near furture we will get what some are asking for with the "retirement" of FB and in another year the "resignation" of HD not in that specific order but I know the people over them have taken notice and have realized now more than ever if we are going to save the Razorback nation something has to be done starting at the top and working its way down.
Dieinghog…I'll believe the JFB "retirement" when I see it…I certainly believe that he needs to step down, but I don't see it happening unless it is on JFB's terms.
You guys thst are bashing Houston for this are the same ones that would have called for his head if he didn't get those Springdale kids. Congratulations you got your wish and it blew up in your face.
Waldron Hog, where in the h-e-double hockey sticks have you been. Springdale is not about team. [edit] Their fans are the same way. They are nothing but puufed up ass_____.
The problem with these kids is they have always been the stars. When they aren't the stars they were in Pee-Wee then something must be wrong with the coaches. Surely if they are good in Pee-Wee the should shoud rule the SEC. You Springdale Kool-Aid drinkers need to wake up!
If you cut the problem at the neck, the problem will go away. Frank has connections in many ways, and has helped funding for this athletic dept. to a great degree. This is what has kept him in power for so many years. This is also why we will never "cut" our problem. The meddling will continue with the football program. It's a terrible thing, when such a great mind is wasted by such an ego of this degree. If Saddam had been as smart as 'ol Frank, he'd still be alive.
Carolina Hog, I'm mad that Houston and Frank has put us in this position… it’s not the Springdale gang in my equation at all. Houston has shown that he can't recruit the "right" players and the “best” players are leaving the state. Without in-state support of your best folks, you have NOTHING!
Obviously, I'm only one voice (aka nothing "important" but there are a whole lot of folks like me out there that aren’t happy right now). However, I'm a graduate of UofA and supporter of the university. Therefore, I've earned my "right" to voice my opinion – which I have done in many ways!
Call it what you want… Florida worked it to a National Championship based upon offense and defense. Having a QB like Young is NOT typical. Therefore, you are using an extreme case here. Heck, we racked 350+ yards of offense against Wisconsin (who had barely 200) but still lost and we should have won.
Since you are so willing to want to "move on", one must assume that you are "happy" where we are. Hey, if you are, I have NO problem with this. In fact, if you are, I hope you call to lend your support.
However, for those of us that are not happy that we can’t keep quality folks (and because of better opportunities), can’t quality recruits (including in-state ones), can’t win consistently (including even ONE SEC championship AND bowl games), can’t keep a "positive" spin around the program, etc, etc, etc – I hope you make the time to call those responsible and hold their feet to the fire. This is the ONLY way that we will “move on”.
I can't wait to hear Broyles tomorrow night tip toe around all this — he should probably be standing on some hot coals.
Waldron Hog — Of course I want the kicker from Springdale and Norman to stay — I'm venting on Springdale for just the moment!
Carolina Hog — I have been so impressed over the last couple of years with the Hawaii Warriors who finished this year ranked around 21st in the BCS. Colt Brennan set the NCAA record this year with 58 td passes. Hawaii averaged 44 pts. per game against some decent WAC competition. June Jones and Glanville have run the spread beautifully with Brennan lining up in the shot gun the majority of the time! They beat ASU in the Hula Bowl in a very exciting game and offense to watch. They have a fullback, Iloa who runs the ball with a lot of power also. I don't know if Brennan has declared himself eligible or not, but ESPN said if he stays in school that he will also be a frontrunner for the Heisman! I would love to see us play Hawaii because it's as opposite of offensive attacks as it gets. I don't think our db's could play man for an entire two halfs!
OwassoHog — I agree at this point that the two in charge are the root of this mess. It's in combination also with so many contributing factors! Mustain wavered commmited and recommitted, was a distraction to the team and should have asked for his release after the Olajabutu team meeting.
I think we should be happy to have had Mitch and his Mom play for the Hogs. LOL He went 8-0 and lost his starting job as a freshman. How many freshman can say that they got to play as a freshman. He wants to be in a passing offense then he should inprove his skills. I hope he finds some success where ever he plays next. That if his MOM will let him come out and play. I wish them luck out side of the state of AR. DON'THAWGTHEBALL
Whoa now everyone!! Since when is it ok to refer to college freshmen as a holes in the name of talking about football?This is NOT a Springdale issue.This is a failure of leadership and frankly,truthfulness, in a grown man,our head coach,HDN and his overblown ego.The rug was pulled out from under Gus,Mitch,and the fans.I wish them all the success in the world-who can blame them from getting out of this Nutt house we call Razorback football???
I blame them mamahawg. You must be from Springdale!!!
Mamahawg,
Anybody that thinks the parents handled themselves appropriately by walking into the A.D.'s office (unannounced) during the actual season when we are actually contending for some pretty big stuff, is nutts! Anybody that thinks the players didn't know what there parents were up to — think again!
Wether or not you were promised certain things or not — the cry babies and the parents should have kept there mouths shut until the end of the season and then departed in somewhat of a classier fashion for whoever wants em, USC, Tulsa, or whoever. The Anville really hit HDN after the Badgers shell shocked everyone on the coaching staff as far as realizing how much attention and work the passing game needs and how simple our routes were this season! It's pretty damn hard to open up our passing game with two QB'S that really didn't perform well at all! Mustain can't hold a candle to a Tebow or a Stafford. We got a lot out of what we had this year!
I, for one always thought Mitch handled himself pretty well. He always seemed more mature than most 18 year old kids. I also believe the parents of the Springdale trio, jumped the gun also. No matter what the situation was, with the direction of the hogs offense, it could have waited until after the Capital One bowl game. This took focus off of the preparations for this game. This, undoubtedlbly effected the team as a whole, and was a very selfish thing to do. I am a parent also, and have a teenager who is almost out of school, but I would never pull a stunt like this, for the betterment of my own child, while sacrificing the betterment of so many others that play on the same team. The same thing goes for Damien Williams. The transfer could have waited three more weeks. Doing this would have changed nothing. I am a firm believer of taking care of " #1", so to speak, but I will not do it, knowing full well that I am disrespecting others buy fooling around with thier own special interests. I think a lot of people owe this team an apology. No matter whose side you are on, is irrelavent . Everyone involved with the breakdown of this team, should be ashamed of themselves. Start thinking about the kids that are still here. They matter to 'ya know.
In 1974 I saw my first Razorback game against USC.We won that night in a shocking upset 22-7.I was nine years-old at the time and then I understood the game really well.
I remember the chants outside War Memorial that night" LOOK OUT TEXAS". The next week we dropped a dud in Stillwater : OSU 26 ARK 7.
my point is simple.IF THINGS SEEM TO GOOD TO BE TRUE THEY USUALLY ARE.AND, THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS BAD AS THEY SEEM.
I close with this .To all that are true hog fans .We will support our university in good times and bad.I for one believe the players in question will not be missed at all.
Remember Grovey,Calcagni,Scanlon and Bull.
What about Shibest,Teddy Barnes, and Anthony Lucas. GREAT NFL PLAYERS? I think not.
GREAT STUDENT ATHLETE AND TEAM PLAYERS IN THE SYSTEM THEY PLAYED IN. ABSOLUTELY!!!
I do believe one thing is certain though.
It is time for FRANK BROYLES to retire.
Thank you ,
Kenyon Bell
A TRUE HOG FAN!!!!!!
For the #$@% Hogs. Got Tigers!!!!!!