Prepared To Fail
November 12, 2007 at 6:05am by HogBlogger
Filed under Arkansas Razorbacks, Football
While it was a long way from Fayetteville to Knoxville by car, I was glad I made the trip. I spent the night in Cookeville so I could drive in early on Saturday morning to view the hills and the trees. It really is a beautiful part of the country.
And while I’ve not yet watched the DVR to see how the game seemed on TV, I did get to see what it was like in person…’live and in color.’
We had a very loud bunch of Hog fans until about three minutes into the game. It was apparent from the start that Tennessee’s offense had command of our defense. The ‘no huddle’ — that offense that, of course, won’t work in the SEC — had our guys more than distracted. It was obvious that we weren’t prepared to deal with it at all.
Felix Jones gave us life on the kickoff return following the Vols’ opening touchdown march. But you could see during our first possession that the Tennessee defense had the number on our running game. Our offense had the look of simply trying all of the plays that worked so well last week…finding out that they didn’t work the same…and then immediately appearing lost. To say that there was confusion about what to do next is an understatement.
Going for it on fourth down on our own 45 yard line — after wasting first down on an absolutely no chance, senseless, long throw over a hobbling, very covered Robert Johnson — told me we were scared. You could tell the coaches were struggling. We had no answer to Tennessee’s preparation.
Even after all that, the defense managed to hold Tennessee to field goals rather than giving up touchdowns. So when the offense got the ball with 2:24 left in the half down only 13-3 (and also set to receive the ball to start the second half), you had to feel we still had a chance to turn this thing around.
Until you remember that we have absolutely no clue regarding a two-minute offense. From my perch in the corner of the end zone, you could clearly see that our coaches and team were like lost little boys. DMac stays in bounds when he could have easily run out of bounds. We try what appears to be a new pass play out of the Wildcat…that we executed like scared wildcats. Then we run again and punt. We keep the ball for one minute and fifteen seconds. Tennessee takes the ball at our 49 and, in two plays, they’re on our nine yard line ready to score.
Then we ‘three and out’ to start the second half. They score in three plays. So much for halftime adjustments. “They just ran through us like Phil Fulmer goes through a dozen donuts,” one Hog fan near me said.
At that point in the game, the ‘backs against the wall’ Razorbacks somehow showed up and played on offense for the remainder of the third quarter. Suddenly we had intensity and a few pass plays that actually had a chance of working. But the music died with DMac’s motion penalty, a mistake that nullified a first down picked up on an excellent throw by Casey Dick. After we went for it on fourth down instead of taking points, the next time we saw the Arkansas offense…Casey was on the bench.
At that point, I knew it was over. Not just this game…but this era of Razorback football. Ten years in…after starting a ‘new season’ with your backs against the wall…and you show up for Tennessee flat and unprepared?
We were beaten Saturday as badly as I’ve seen us beaten in a long time. More than the score or the yardage or the time of possession indicated. It was obvious from the first quarter that we wouldn’t win. We weren’t prepared to play…only to fail. Much different from being overwhelmed by a team like Southern Cal.
I didn’t drive to Knoxville thinking I would see this. But I’m glad I went. I’m glad I saw it for myself. I wasn’t looking for it…it was just there. No matter what happens the rest of the year, Houston Nutt’s coaching career at Arkansas took its final blow on the turf of Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
One can only hope what you say is true, that it will be the final nail in HDN coaching coffin. And any clown that says Ark cannot get a good replacement coach should be spanked too! Ark had the same tradition in the 60s/70s as Ohio State, Tennessee, the good old Penn State teams, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas among others, Ark was ALWAYs in the top 20 and in the new news it seemed, ALWAYs. There was such a tradition here, and there was so much respect. There is money around if the University wants to get a good coach to replace this issue and restore the team to national prominance again. Remember LSU was in the dump some years ago, couldn’t buy a game, then a few coaching changes later, they’re hot again. We could be too if the University and the BoT will spend some bucks. I so look forward to those days again.
After hearing a friend tell me last night that he is pulling for LSU for the rest of the year hurt me. However hearing his case I came to relize that his toughts aren’t that bad. SEC is the toughest conference in college football. If you are a fan in the SEC and your team continullay disgust you year after year with getting the fans all wound up after giving us a little hope on a couple of big games. I don’t blame him for wanting to set in front of the TV on Sat. and not getting upset and ruining a weekend. I would take a coaching swap with Tenn. any day. If Tenn want to fire their coach how about Ark and Tenn swap. Ill take a coach that gets his team ready to play any day. Tenn was hiped and well prepared. They had a game plan. Let me say it again ” They had a game plan” BOT do justice and give us something to cheer about again.
That is when you knew that Danny was through. The kids gave up on him. The kids may have recognized the game plan and known they were toast.
I always said that Houston wasn’t ready when they hired him but maybe he would grow into the job. That just wasn’t possible, not in the snake pit that Frank had created, probably not at all. He went backwards each year looking back. He hasn’t had a good offensive assistant in a while.
This is incredible to read, I can’t get over no first downs until the third quarter. How inept of coaching staff do you have to be to not get a first down until the third quarter, forget about scoring just hang on the ball a little while to give your defense time to adjust or something. This Mississippi State game just got huge, lay an egg there he(Nutt) might as stay in Starksville.
As ironic as it may sound, I think it would have been more likely that HDN would leave had he won the game. A gut feeling that I just can’t get over is that this will get ugly – Nolan Richardson ugly or worse.
Razorbillly – I think you could have a great point. With so many jobs coming open this year and the low market value of Houston Dale because of the various ‘issues’, he may just turtle up at the end of the season and put the ‘dare’ on the administration to get rid of him. He does have quite the contract to pay off. If that were to be the scenario, I’d place money on him staying with us.
Unless he gets another job and just quits, odds are he stays. However, either way he is ‘done’ for all practical purposes.
Houston doesn’t have the ammunition that Nolan had. Nolan’s biggest hang up was the racial issues He was convinced Frank was the biggot of all biggots…the Hitler of the U of A. Knowone was trying to sue the U of A over a basketball player claiming he wasn’t treated fairly. Nolan was lashing out a personal grievience at Frank Broyles, plain and simple, and racial issues will raise a stir every time. This, on the other hand was more of a cover-up gone wrong. The policeman investigating his own dirty-work, if you will. The 10 year, used car salesman at his best, and everyone knows it now. There is nothing to fight for, and very few will be on his side. Will he make an issue out of it? Probably. He really is that dumb. It’s dumb, because what little chance he has of continuing a coaching career at a respectable U. will disappear into thin air. He won’t run to OSU this time. This is about money, and he know’s he has knowwhere else to go, except maybe the Boisie St.s, the Idahos, the Murray St.s, or the La. Monroes of the world. Face it Houston, your done mister!
Gonzo, I was on the HIll when Nolan went bonkers. His racial card was like out of left field. I think he was tired and frustrated and wanted a break and did’t know how to go away peacefully. What we have here is more like Darth Vader/Emperor gone mad. I guess things could be worst we could be Notre Damers what the hlll is that about? Their should be laws against Notre Dame being that pathetic, yikes.
Hog blogger.
For what it’s worth we think alike. The two worst calls I saw were the down field pass to Johnson and Hillis up the middle against a stacked defense. When I saw the first play I said what the…
First the Hogs should have been workiing on the short passing game for possession. Second , with a stacked line, the only reciever who was open was covered like a blanket? I have said his before, it seems that Dick is told who to throw to and is not given any option to do otherwise. I feel sorry for Dick. He has shown in the past that he is capable of getting the job done. I attribute this to Nutt’s conservatism who thinks that QBs are more trouble than their worth. One note about the announcers. They kept saying Arkansas should run, run run. But then they would get cross with the Hogs for not passing. What the announcers wanted was to see McFadden (or Jones) break for some big ones. Wasn’t going to happen, especially after Felix went out. Insofar, as the Hillis attempt was concerned, not having McFadden in the game as a decoy with a fake handoff is sheer coaching stupidity. Something was needed to shift the Tennessee middle. And those coaches called Malzahn high School. That play was an insult to high school coaches. South Carolina redux from two years ago.. Personally, and I’m not a coach, but I would have called for McFadden to run wide and not worry about extra yardage just get first the first. down.
Gonzohog:
Did ypu really mean to say that Boise State would be interested in Houston? Boise is ranken and has an Oklahoma scalp on its belt.
Darellhog
We could be Notre Dame next year! Weiss used up all of Willingham’s recruits and next year will tell us what Charlie’s own boys can do. Next year we will be happy to have the Sun Belt opponentsj, just so we won’t be 1-11 or worse.
Not directly. I only meant that those are the type of smaller (name) D-1 teams that would be left on the plate for Nutt. I hope he goes quietly. There 2 things that a ruckas would produce right now; hurting the UofA now, and Nutt hurting himself in the long run.
I am thinking of emailing the words to the Baylor fight song to Hootie. I don’t know if they would have him, but that kind of job is probably all he could get. SMU has an opening, but could he co-exist with a “Mustang”?
As to what to do with HDN, look at what A-State did with Nelson Catalina. They transferred him to another position in the athletic department until contractual obligations were met. I believe he was something like an assistant golf coach. Never heard from again.
Let Nutt be the ball boy for the girls’ soccer team or some such. Just get him the h— out of the football program.
As to a new head coach, if we are to be competitive in the SEC and we are willing to pay the big bucks for a SEC caliber coach, then we need to get a legit major college level coach who has proved himself at this level. You can’t expect to bring in a person who has not competed in an environment like the SEC and win at that level. It is not the same in Boise as in Fayetteville. I don’t believe HDN was ready for this caliber of football. As good as coaches as Sabin and Darth Visor are, neither was able to compete effectiviely at the NFL level. But, they are successful at the major college level. Let’s find us one of these, too.
Ah, I live to disagree:
NEA Hog Fan:
Putting Nutt somewhere else in the athletic program sounds good on the surface, but would probably cause more problems. Nutt sitll has a lot of friends and he could be a source of uncomplimentary comments agianst the new head coach if he doesn’t initally do well, which looks like the case next year. Best he just quietly rides off into the sunset. However, it could be good negotiating point for a severance agreement if he were told it was that or being the ball and towel boy.
Insofar as going from a smaller program to a larger one and being successful at a larger one, there are numerous excamples of this. Certainly the atmosphere at Utah can’t match that of the :’Swamp” Ara Parsegian is one my earliest memories of this. He went from a MAC program to a succesful run at Northwestern and then parlied that into a national championship at ND.
Comparing coaching in the NFL to NCAA is apples and oraanges. IN the NFL you have little choice as to who your players are. There’s the draft and having an astute player personell person. In fact, the latter may be more important to a pro program than the coach himself. In college, recriuiting is the key to succeess and it’s a wide open, free enterprise, capitalistic system of convincing young men to come to your institution In fact, recruting is probably more important than the coach, although HDN seems to contriaict that. College coaches going to the pros get frustrated by not being able to get the players they want. Pro coaches, like Weiss, are not familiar with the intricacies of good recruiting. Sabin was fustrated at Miami because of the lack of talent, somethng he had little control over. Spurrier wanted to go somewhere where he could be in control and not have to depend upon the draft, so go back to college. The college game is different from the NFL and making a coaching transition is not easy. But, all that being said, given both Saban and Spurrier’s backgrounds they shouid have known this. One item usually overlooked is that haaving had a a head coaching job in the pros is a good selling point for recruits in college. ” You want to be a pro kid, then I can get you there, cause I’ve been there and know what its all about” arguement. Learning to recruit tho is a new ball game to pro coaches. You don’t hve to sell anything, just tell your players what to do.
After one is persecuted again and again and again (like the
Eveready Rabbit) one tends to just give up. Houston is tired of
the persecution. If any of you “agitaters” knew anything about
the history of the UofA program…you would know that Nutt has
done as well as his predecessors and he has been asked to
do it in the SEC. His predecessors did not have to coach in
that “hornet’s nest”. I hope Houston leaves and You folks find
out that it will be business as usual for the new guy. 7 or 8
wins a year..with 9 or 10 every now and then.
Bob, give me a break. Stop drinking the Kool-Aid, I don’t think anyone successfull in life accepts this loser mentality that he has been shuffling for all these years. Are you suggesstion this program is never capable of winning a Bowl Game, SEC Title or National Championship? Your Beloved Houston Nutt has won 10 games,9 or 8 how many times? What his Bowl Game record? So as Arkansas alumni we should be happy to go to the Independence, Music City and if everyone else has a down year in the SEC West Capitol One Bowl Game only to lose them. Only nuts I want are the ones we buy in Fulton, Arkansas. I hope he does goes away into the sunset and coach the B team at Second Best High School, in Bunko,, USA.
Most of you fans have an unrealistic outlook. Bob is correct. However, I do know that he is necessarily saying that the Razorbacks can never challenge for the championship. In fact, they were a whisker away from possibly doing that very thing last year. Big Mo was all the way on Arkansas’ side last year until the unfortunate decision to field a punt inside the 10 yard line.
Nolan is a completely different situation. Anyone who was reading and listening could see that he was spoiling for a fight for a number of years before he really lost all reason. (I told my wife years prior to the blow up that Nolan was going to try to tear the program down as he went out the door. Unfortunately, he tried to do that very thing. It did not work because anyone could see that Broyles is the one who hired him.) He made it very easy to fire him and make it stick because of horrible behavior.. You will never convince me that what fired Nolan off is he realized with his temper that he could not be a big time AD.. Could you imagine anyone being AD with a chip on their shoulder going to the big contributors for money? I do not believe he would have asked because I am afraid that he would see that as “being submissive” when in fact it is just playing the game to get money. Broyles was a pro at it and he did not think it beyond his dignity to beg for money. Anyway the graduation rate was the worse that I have ever seen at the Uof A with him as B-coach. Last time I saw stats, Houston had brought the graduation rate up with the football players from where it was before he arrived. That is why they are there and is the most important stat…bar none.
Hopefully, Houston is not ready to give up, nor for the new AD to give up. Houston is just now coming out from under the Broyles-connected problems that were strung out for years by the NCAA. You have to factor that into the mix. If he stays, much better talent (not talking about the top ones such as Felix, Hillis, and D-Mac and hopefully at least Felix stays for another year). And if the young man keeps his word, they have a top running back coming from Florida.
I think If Nutt stays Nolen becomes a prophet. Which I would hate to admit. He said their were two standards. One for him and one for Nutt. If we fire Nolen then Heath and Nutt stays then Nolan was right and if Nolan was right the Uof A is in worse shape than I would have ever thought.
Nolen fired himself. Witness his conduct out of control and not graduating any players to speak of Besides you cannot compare a job that has responsibility for over 100 players versus 15. And Nolan had no NCAA to worry about as Nutt did for years and it was not his fault that it happened.
Hey, I am all for graduating players and getting them in good positions for their future after college but most of this stuff is ego and power. That Springdale incident has just left me jaded and now this year the Cleveland incident is just validating the point. Did you hear what Hillis said after the loss? I bet you can count how many times he touches the ball in these last two games. Nutt had a good run, but I think he should definitely consider walking away.
There is no way that anyone, DWC included, can say that HDN has not made his own soiled bed with his textual relationships, shabby treatment of 18 year-old kids and their coach (aka High School), his incredible (means not believable) denial of the email exchange involving the woman he shares his life with and his failure to recognize that any competent SEC defense can stop a one-dimensional offense when and where it puts its mind to.
Good riddance!
This is where I have to agree with DWC, to a point. Nolan got exactly what he ask for when he said, “they can have this job today, if they pay me my money!” As far as Stan was concerned, Nolan was probably right about him being brought in as a “token” coach. Frank knew what he was doing when he hired another black coach after Nolan blasted him in public, and in court, about being a racist. In Frank’s mind, if Stan worked out, it made Nolan look like a fool. If he didn’t, then he just couldn’t coach, Game over! now for the disagreement part: Houston isn’t being paid 2.4 mil. for graduation rates alone. If he is going to coach football, then he should have stuck with the direction Gus was trying to take the offense last year. All he had to do was continue to be the master motivater, and everything else would have fallen into place. Too much to ask for? Not really, concidering Nutt would have been the guy to reap more reward than anyone else involved, since he’s the head coach. But, you reap what you sow, and we all see what that is now. Nolan seen it about 5 1/2 years ago.
Nolan? Nolan? yeah poor Nolan is another sad Frank tale. It has plenty of its own wonderful details and downfalls. I would love to hear some of the behind the scenes stuff that sent Nolan off the deep end. Sure alot of it was his own ego and unrealistic expectations.
That is about where these two part ways. If the teen drama queen thinks he can talk his way out of this mess with cute little arguments like DWC is making his ego and unrealistic expectations had better be attached to some real influence.
No matter how good the excuses or how innocent the poor teen drama queen this mess is too deep and too smelly for Dale to be the guy to clean it up. You think a new crop of freshman is going to keep next year from being another 5-7? Who do you think the QB and recievers will be next year? When do you see the Queen’s next 10 win season taking place with Texas and Florida and Georgia back on the Schedule? The queen doesn’t have the credit with the fans to live through that again without doing permanent damage to the program. The only thing that would allow that outcome is to follow it with a championship. Does any really want to take that chance with Dale and David Lee and Reggie Herring?
Sure they do. Just another season or two like the last one and Dale will be beloved again. He will have installed the pro passing game and lead the nation in rushing while winning the SEC with sophomores and juniors. Me too. Sign me up.
Please note: Texas, Florida,and Georgia have three of the best sophomore QBs in the nation.
Even if we don’t get a pelphry we will be better off with a Heath than letting Nolan have his job back.
Nolan won a National Championship and came in second as well. That was the reason he was here.
You won’t find 3000 to fill that stadium if your requirement of graduation is the top priority.
I personally think you are either TP or DN or retarded.
I did not say they could never win a championship. I simply
meant that if you “topwater” fans knew the history of the
program…you would know that Arkansas cannot and never has been able to recruit on the level of the SEC powers. A
season like last year will come every so often.
Following the Cotton Bowl win over Nebraska after the 1964
perfect season Frank Broyles walked into his boss’ office (John Barnill) and Barnhill let the wind out of Frank’s sails by
saying, “Congratulations, Frank, you have just screwed up the best coaching job in America. Now they’re going to expect you to win ‘em all every year.”
It’s been that way every sense. Fans who really aren’t deep into knowledge about the program want a perfect season every year. I realize Broyles, Holtz, and Hatfield did outstanding jobs at Arkansas…but I repeat…none of the three was asked to do it in the SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE. Remember, The Southwest was a minor league compared to the SEC and the Hogs only won a league title there every so often. Houston deserves better than you folks. He’s a good christian man who is being persecuted just as the scriptures predict.
And what a fine Christian wife as well, laughing at attacking emails to players and writing emails about attacking a players mother. How about the way Dale lies and treated Gus and Mitch not to mention the fans.
Please don’t bring religion into this. That boat sailed for Frank and Dale long ago.
Christianity is not “religion”. You obviously know as much about that as you do football. I rest my case. As I said, Houston needs to leave and go where he will be appreciated.
In five year you unschooled fans will be calling for the new guy’s head.
I know that Dale rejoices in his persecution because his reward is great in heaven. I know that. I know that he would never give up or become discouraged. He is too wise, and faithful and steadfast for that.
What would Christianity be Bob?
I think that it is great for all of the defenders to come out at the eleventh hour for the poor drama queen. I do believe at some level he is innocent of understanding what really got him into this mess. To defend him as a man of great character and wisdom is a bit of a stretch. His best defense to me seems to be more in the line of ignorance of the consequences of his actions. He was Franked on like all of those before him but without enough class to leave town on his own. Whatever you want to say about Kenny and the flexbone he was a fine christian man who left just in time for most folks.
No, Arkansas will never likely be Florida or Georgia or Tenn.. With a really lucky break in finding a good up and coming coach we might improve enough on what Houston managed at his peak to actually win an SEC title and make a BCS game from time to time. But Arkansas can be a high second tier SEC team. Alabama is not rebuilt yet. LSU is about to have its second coaching change in 5 years. Auburn is historically up and down. The west is a good place for us. And, a good 8-4 coach can make the title game every 4 years or so.
It ain’t just about wins and losses. This is really a man who has worn out his welcome. The longer he stays the worse is gets. So sorry. It’s just college football. Dale is done. He thought that he could last with Frank where no one else had and found out different. There is only one rooster in Frank’s hen house.
Bob, if that is the culture at the Hill, then what is wrong with changing it. I don’t think you are looking at the entire situation trufthfully, no one is attacking Houston personally, we just expect more out of the coach of our university.
Bob,
Please don’t misuse scripture. The persecution that the Bible talks about is being killed for the cause of Christ. Jesus did say that the world would hate us because they hated him but I don’t think Jesus was talking about Football he was talking about christian that live out their faith for His cause. Let’s not take the scripture out of complete context.
IN the Book of Acts Paul didn’t like the way Mark was working out so Paul sent Mark packing. That is scripture! So for every scripture you use to try to justify poor HDN! I could find one to say goodbye to him.
The Bible says “by their fruits we shall no them” I rest my case.
And my last comment: Although I am very passionate about the Hogs I don;t believe God is….God gets blame for a lot of things He doesn’t have a part in. Let’s just keep it about football and I won’t preach anymore.
Persecution today is non-christians persecuting christians.
Those who have persecuted the Nutt family need to check themselves.
Also, one of you uninformed asked the question, “What is
religion?” Religion is man seeking God…Christianity is
God seeking man.”
But, back to Houston. He loves Arkansas more than any of
you top waters out there.
Mike in Magnolia is saying the same thing I am…the history of
the program proves that we will always be second tier.
People need to learn to expect that.
Go ahead…dig up Vince Lombardi, Bear Bryant, Amos
Alonzo Staff..or whomever you choose. They will have the
same results at Arkansas that those coaches before them
had. And, please stop comparing Houston’s record to
Broyles, Holtz, and Hatfield. They never competed in the
SEC.
And, why is everyone of you down on Coach Broyles. Have
you looked at that campus and the athletic facilities that
adorn it. I say thanks, Frank. Thanks for the memories.
I get a laugh out of it every time folks talk about “Gus’ no-huddle, spread offense. All Gus did was write a book about it.
Barry ran it at Southside for a state title long before Gus came on the coaching scene.
Gus is a nice guy. I know his family. But, Houston’s downfall turns out to be the hiring of Gus to get those undisciplined and troublesome Springdale kids.
Mustain was a fluke in high school. He showed that in the
Army all star game after his senior season. I can’t see him
ever being a factor at USC.
Bob, Frank has built some very nice facilities but that’s all the credit that I’ll give Frank since I believe that almost all of the other characteristics are negative. Since about 1982, I’ve lost confidence in Frank as a leader (again, outside of the facilities).
As for Mitch and the others, maybe he is a fluke… or just maybe the Army game was the fluke. We will all know the details of this in the next 3 years. However, we’ve had 10 years of Houston and it appears that last year was his fluke.
It’s time to move on without Frank and Houston!
Hey, I like the exchange! You guys are passionate! Houston is passionate! I just hope he enjoys being passionate elsewhere next year. And, if anyone has looked at my posts on this subject, I never once mentioned the record. I am just as upset with his personal behavior, which does not do him or anyone associated with him credit, as I am about his inability to utilize the resources he had last year and this year to better result. I have defended Houston as an overacheiver until the past two years. In my opinion, he has underacheived and cannot seem to get his arms around any sort of multi-dimensional attack.
You make some very good points Bob. I don’t disagree with you at all about Broyles, Holtz, and Hatfield not coaching in the SEC, but let’s not over-rate it ok? In those days, Texas, Arkansas, Houston, and Texas A&M were in the top 15 almost every year between 1977 and 1989. Baylor was #1 in 1980, and SMU was #1 in ‘81. TT, TCU, and Rice were generally beat up on most of the time. Also, the SEC was not what it is today. Florida was weak to fair on most years, and the UofA and SC were not a part of the conference yet. Alabama ruled the SEC, with Georgia, Auburn, LSU, and Tennessee making good showings on most years. Vandy, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Miss. St. were the seller-dwellers, and since Ole Miss pretty much sucked since the mid ’70s, and LSU was nothing more than a “fair to middlin” team between the mid ’80s and the early ’90s, I really don’t see much difference in the 2 conferences in that time frame. The SEC had name programs in those years because of it’s history. That doesn’t automatically mean they were good in those years.
Now let’s take it a little farther. D-Mac no doubt would have been a Hiesman Trophy winner back in those days, under any of those coaches, so why isn’t he as good under Nutt? Because Nutt refuses to open up the offense to unleash D-Mac’s potential in games such as Tennessee, in which the Vols were determined to stop the run. You have to have a plan B, and you only have a plan B when the offense is diversified (balanced). Georgia, Florida, SC, Kentucky, Tenn., LSU, ‘Bama, Auburn, and yes, even Ole Miss has more offensive balance than the Hogs. Anyone who knows anything about how the game of football is played, knows a boneheaded call when they see one. Every coach makes them, but not as consistant as ‘ol Houston does. The coaching change need’s to happen as soon as this season come’s to an end. The sooner, the better.
Bob you don’t display your Faith well in your posts, or maybe you do. Would you agree those that wear their Faith publicly like Houston should be held to a higher standard? I do. Should they be meek, humble, contrite, or arrogant and blame others for problems. You brought it up, so you finish it. This is a sports board.
Those are all fairly clever answers Bob. Except that for the last 2000 years, since baptism of the Holy Spirit christians have been in relationship with God. I know Houston cares nothing for the things of this world as I know you do not. He does not build up treasures on earth but in heaven. He has long ago left the care of this in God’s hand and is at peace with his future knowing that God will provide for him and he can be just as effective for God and his kingdom at Baylor as at Arkansas. So none of that is even in question.
I noticed that you sidestepped the questions about the wife. Certainly none of us want to look too closely at the old home life.
You may talk me into switching sides and giving Houston another 2 year pass based on all the trouble that Gus and Mitch and Mitch’s Mom have caused. But, I think that you are right. It is time for Dale to move on to where he will be truly appreciated. I think Baylor is perfect.
Actually for me, I just want to see someone recruit some QBs and recievers to go along with these other players. I know that is not possible at Arkansas in the SEC in the 21st Century the way it was in the SWC 40 years ago, but that is what I want.
After that, if we can find a coach who will talk straight instead of passing off shit as shineola, that would be good.
A lot to ask, I know, without a degree from seminary.
Sounds pretty good to me Blind. We should never take our eyes off the big picture. If we are going to escalate this football program to the point of competing year in and year out, it will start with replacing the leadership. We are half way there with the replacement of Frank Broyles already in place. Now all that Jeff Long has to do is get this ball rolling, by looking for the right man to help bring us out of this mess. Here’s to the future Hog fans!! GO HOGS GO BABY!!!!!
BlindHog, what is so ironic about this guy is he played Quarterback in high school and college and hasn’t sent one to the pros? Maybe Arena Football? That alone speaks volumes to me. We always seem to have offensive lineman but can’t develop a descent passing game. If there is no announcement on Monday November 26th then just forget about it for 2008.
the dominos won’t start to drop until Jan 2. I agree the announcement should come in November, but , you never know.
I went looking at how many home grown high school quarterbacks from the state of Arkansas this clown had actually recruited and the numbers are shocking. I see kids signing to go to Iowa State, Rice, Miami Fla, and Texas Tech. Now why do you suppose that is, oh becaue being from Arkansas they knew this guy wasn’t trying to develop a passing game. That it is all the information AD Long needs. Frank Broyles and Houston Nutt seem to think it is 1940 or 50 and the Wing T offense is a bit of a stretch. Let’s stop pretending everyone.
Blindhog,
Maybe Houston does not care for things of the world or maybe he just tells his agent to make sure he gets a piece with his annuity and annual 1 million plus. You can’t know another mans heart, only by his back stabbing self first ways. Oh, did I say that out loud. Is this a sports board? Or just some place for old men to chat?
Bob – Thanks for hanging out and participating in the dialog. We’ve not had someone all seeing and all knowing in the comment section before.
As to “Houston’s downfall” – you and he seem to be of like mind – finding something else to blame.
I personally think we can compete in the SEC at the top level. I really don’t buy the idea that we can only be mid-tier. Look at the top 25 teams of the past few years. If teams are limited by their history then how did Bosie State, Louisville, and Virginia Tech ever get any good? How is it that Miami can alternate between really good and terrible? There’s got to be more to it than what hindsight tells. I’ve been following Razorback football since the mid-60’s. I’m realistic, but I’m not going to rationalize expectations just to make Houston Dale appear a better coach.
I am along way from being ‘all knowing’ as Hogblogger
decided to get personal with me and start the name calling.
I am one who will admit when he has made a mistake in
judgement about someone. And last night, after a long visit and talk with a lilfelong friend I haven’t visited with in some
five or six years….my eyes were opened concerning one
HDN. This friend, who is in the coaching profession and knows HDN and his brothers, said that the Nutts are self
serving, self consumed people who will do anything and
cut any throat to accomplish their agenda. He went on
to give me some examples of things (small as individual
occurences) that have added up over the years and have
really caused problems in the lives and careers of others.
I place enought confidence and faith in this person who shared this with me that I have to take a different and new
approach to the way I view and defend HDN
I will not back off my statement that Arkansas has never been able to recruit with the upper level teams in the SEC and that Gus needed to start in college ball where he is now…at a minor conference school. Gus was cast into the fire and used when he wasn’t ready…and also was not allowed to coordinate the offense…was that not his so called job they gave him?
Anyway…sorry you guys got down to the name calling against me… I do, however, have to step back and admit some wrong in my assessment of HDN.
Here’s a question of a related subject? When Coach Broyles (whom I respect) is gone and the new guy( who I understand will be a pawn for chacellor) takes over…How much grief will be caused when the “school” tries to control the Razorback Foundation. Granted, the Foundation has to do with the University of Arkansas but not a penny of state
money has been spent in years. Will the Jerry Jones’, JIm Lindseys and others balk at U of A control?
Regarding link
King: Call on Nutt belongs to White
Most Hog fans are wondering; will Chancellor White have the courage and insight to own up to where the buck stops or will he back out like a “doodle bug” and choose to retreat to less controversial decisions? White is no longer held hostage by threats from Broyles to pull his vast numbers of school benefactors away if Frank couldnt call the shots on just about everything. The faithful are urging Chancellor White to do the right thing and clean up the mess that years of looking the other way have caused.
On another note: RE: “Bob”
I can’t know which limb of the Nutt family tree you are swinging from but look around and notice that it is Fall and the Nutts are falling from the trees. thank you
Don’t take it personally Bob. We all take our lumps here from time to time. You came in a little strong, perhaps a bit self righteous. We all love the hogs here. That doesn’t mean we see eye to eye. DWC is an apologist too. Influence swings week to week. Some of us have been done with Dale for a while now.
I will be SHOCKED if he drama queen is given another year. A coaching slot in the SEC at a school as good as Arkansas is a coveted job. How could you leave the queen here another year to twist in the wind? Maybe he will have to delay his resignation until his turn comes in the line of falling dominos but someone will have to explain the logic of letting the bleeding continue.
White shows all signs of being a weasel. I fear we are only tradeing one devil for another.
As far as Broyles is concerned. He will still swing that big
stick if what I have been told is correct. I understand Chuck
Dicus has hired him (after Janurary first) to work for the
Razorback Foundation. If that’s the case, Frank will still
control alot of the benefactors. I can not help but believe that its going to get real ugly up there before the dust settles. The
University can not tell the Razorback Foundation what to do.
It is a private entity separated from the school.
Bob, you mean to tell he(Frank) has a job at the Razorback Foundation? Why can’t this guy go somewhere and be a grand pa and relax. They might have to call in the National Guard to get Nutt removed. I have a sneak suspicion he is coming back next year. All to do now is just wait out the season.
I am not telling you its a positive that Broyles will be on board with the foundation. But I have heard that Dicus wants him on board for the fund raising benefits and Broyles has reportedly agreed. I’m kinda like Will Rogers, though. All I know is what I read in the papers, read on this thing here, and what rumors I can pick up. Ha ! Now, that’s vast knowledge isn’t it.
Well as long as Broyles is just there for fund raising then fine, but please people don’t have him on any search committees. He would either keep Nutt or bring us the next Nutt.
Nutt and Heath really both belong to White and the search committees. Now we know why Orville was so upset.
Frank has been on the Foundation board since it began. He is Dicus’ boss. A power struggle between the foundation and the athletic department would be unheard of. ONly at Arkansas. Can you believe that guy was able to sell himself as the savior while building this disfunctional smelly mess? Quite an accomplishment. I can’t wait to see the next act.