Bold Words

by Stephen Expat on Nov 19, 2007 2:59 PM CST in Arkansas Razorback Football

image courtesy of Paul Abell/US-PRESSWIRE Nutt slipped from No. 1 to No. 6 in this week's coacheshotseat.com's ranking of the coaches feeling the most heat (one place behind Nick Saban - ha). Check out what the site's blog page has to say about our fearless leader:

"There is so much more to the Houston Nutt story than a win/loss record, and people that have not followed what has happened to Arkansas football since the end of last season, have not paid attention enough to comment on these matters (ESPN talking heads) ... He recruited a ton of talent to Fayetteville and if Malzahn had been given free reign to run the Arkansas offense last season (which would have led to Mustain staying at UA) we have doubt that the Razorbacks would be undefeated and No. 1 in the country right now heading to play LSU. How sad, but also a good lesson for coaches and managers everywhere. When you hire someone to do a job, get the hell out of their way and let them do that job."

I'm assuming they meant to say they have "no doubt" or "little doubt" that the Hogs would be undefeated and No. 1 in the country. I think the Razorbacks would definitely have enjoyed a better season if Malzahn and Mustain were still here ... but undefeated!?! Even if Mustain were around and began living up to the hype, the Hogs would still have that shaky defense, for starters.

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fun facts
2006 Arkansas Razorbacks: 28.9 points per game
2007 Arkansas Razorbacks: 38.9 points per game

2006 Arkansas Razorbacks: 149.5 passing yards per game
2007 Arkansas Razorbacks: 163.6 passing yards per game

and we’re averaging 60 yards more per game rushing too.

I know we have an easier schedule this year, with Southern Cal replaced by another Sunbelt team. But still, our offense has not been our big problem this year for the most part (the Auburn game maybe).

Our defense and special teams (especially kickoff coverage…ugh) have been our biggest problems this year.

by CharlieHog on Nov 19, 2007 3:45 PM CST reply actions

Hi Charlie,

Interesting stuff. Thanks for posting.

—Stephen

by Stephen on Nov 19, 2007 4:29 PM CST reply actions

It is true the stats show a better offensive team, but at times in the season the offense has been as stagnant as a stinking sewer pond. We can’t forget the first half against Alabama, the second half against Kentucky, the first 58 minutes against Auburn, and the first 45 minutes against Tennessee. Also, when the defense needed the offense the most, such as final drives against Alabama and Kentucky, no first downs could be generated. And, finally, the offensive stats are a bit skewed to the high side in all of college football this year due to the greater number of plays each team is enjoying per game.

All that said, the defense has been really bad for much of the year, and one only wonders where we would be if we still had Chris Houston and Jamaal Anderson.

If LSU is Nutt’s adios to the SEC, let’s all hope that the team puts together an effort to remember and achieves what would be Nutt’s greatest win as an Arkansas coach, un upset of the undisputed number one team in the country, in Baton Rouge.

Even the most ardent darksider would have to give Nutt some support were he to stick the Boot up a Cajun’s ass for once.

by Tab Prewett on Nov 19, 2007 8:24 PM CST reply actions

We’re 3rd in the SEC in scoring offense, too. So even if the stats are skewed, we’re scoring more points per game than all but 2 SEC teams (Florida and LSU).

I’m not saying our offense needs to be worshiped, just that it’s not problem A.

by CharlieHog on Nov 19, 2007 9:22 PM CST reply actions