The Yin and Yang of Petrino

by John Expat on Jan 15, 2008 3:52 PM CST in Bobby Petrino Comment 4 comments

Yin & Yang Although we're only a few weeks into the Bobby Petrino era, it's obvious already that it's going to supply plenty of blogworthy material. The interesting thing to me is that the duality that was discussed ad nauseum when he was hired - great excitement about his ability to win (college) football games, tempered with a dash of uneasiness about his "blank shark-eyed" nature - will apparently be the standard reaction to the football program while he's at the helm.

For example, on the day that Petrino lost his entire all-world backfield to the NFL, he pulled off a huge coup by securing superstar-QB-of-the-future Ryan Mallett. No way would that ever have happened under Houston Nutt, who was more known for causing QBs to transfer rather than reeling in ones who were transferring. Meanwhile, though, we're treated to allegations that Petrino and his staff are trying to poach players from Louisville, a definite no-no in the world of college sports.

To be fair, these are only unproven allegations and the columnist reporting them, Rick Bozizh, seems to have the column-writing ability of Wally Hall, so who knows if there's even a trace of fire with that smoke (and Nutt-haters will certainly argue that there was no lack of ethical lapses on his watch, also). My point is that, even as the Hogs improve on the field, the Petrino-haters will still have enough ammo to take their shots.

As a Razorback fan, I'm encouraged by the events of the last few weeks and am very excited about the future of the football team. But at the same time, we should definitely get comfortable with both the light and dark sides of the Petrino era. Seeking an edge in the insanely competitive SEC, that's the deal Jeff Long knowingly signed up for. So, let's buckle our seat belts and enjoy what promises to be an often thrilling (and occasionally dismaying) ride.

0 recs | Comment 4 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I for one look forward to having a Stonewall Jackson of a coach who can suck on lemons on the sideline as his team cooly executes the well crafted battle plan. Competing in the SEC, you need some darkness in your eyes. I am tired of having Houston Dale Nutt over there acting like a monkey watching the all bananna channel as his teams look like Keystone Cops. I can’t claim that monkey description as my own, but I certainly think it describes him. I want a team and a coach that will inspire fear and scattering! Bobby Petrino, I hope you are our Jackson! Haha.

by KevinHog on Jan 15, 2008 5:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think it shows among other things how far behind the times that Frank really was. He masterminded the move to the SEC but then as the ‘Property’ improved in value and cache’ he missed the opportunity to play with the big boys.

In just a few weeks you can see how much better recruiting should have been for a while and how much better than that it can get in the future.

You are wise to warn of the bumps that will come along with being a real SEC program. Petrino understood it. There is no going back now. Thank Goodness.

by BlindHog on Jan 16, 2008 10:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

“To be fair, these are only unproven allegations” Then, why bring it up?

by freethrow on Jan 16, 2008 3:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good question. The point I was trying to make (and I’m not sure that I made it very well) was less about any specific situation and more about the general notion that Petrino, although a great coach, isn’t necessarily the most upstanding person (like most great coaches, frankly). So, as Hog fans, we should get used to the fact that with the on-field excitement we’ll probably get lots of off-the-field controversies, rumors that he’s leaving, etc, etc until he eventually does leave (and probably tries to poach a few players on his way out the door).

All that being said, I’m still really excited about the hire and can’t wait for next season.

John

by Razorback Expats on Jan 16, 2008 4:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs