I watched that game on the edge of my seat, and just like last year - it was a defensive slugfest...for about 40 minutes. That's when the Hogs' defense gave a big play and the momentum was lost. Of course, there will be a ton of criticism of the call to go for the fake punt, but I can appreciate Coach B wanting to be aggressive and make a big play to recapture the momentum. We all know that the fake didn't work, and that the Tide scored on the ensuing possession due in large part to a tiring Razorback D and a short field.
I came away with a feeling of disappointment for the players and coaches that fought so hard all week and all game long. Sometimes the other team is just better, and two things were pretty obvious after watching last night's game: 'Bama is still 'Bama, and Arkansas is no 'Bama..
However, I'm very encouraged by what I've seen over the past 3 weeks against some VERY tough competition in away game atmospheres (yes I know the A&M game was technically a home game, but c'mon). The timing of a bye week is perfect to give the guys time to heal up - physically and emotionally - and I expect them to come out and put a BEAT DOWN on Auburn. They'll definitely be ready to get that losing taste out of their mouth in front of the home crowd after two weeks. Follow that up with another home game against Tennessee-Martin, and a road game against Ole Miss (their 10th game in a row) - the Hogs could very well be a 5-4 team.
The final three games aren't easy by any stretch. A road game - most likely a night game - against LSU in Death Valley is never easy, and really shouldn't be considered a win by anyone with any sense at all. Then a tough test at home against MS State, before finishing out with Mizzou. The Hogs could go 1-2 in those final three games, but they could also go 2-1 or even 3-0 with a good showing in the Battle of the Boot. That's life in the SEC. I'm not an expert by any means, but I think we finish 7-5 and would be overjoyed with an 8-4 record. That's still positive growth for a team playing one of the toughest schedules in America, against the toughest league in America (that doesn't have NFL in it), in the toughest division in America.
I'll close with this: I'm not making excuses for the Razorbacks, but there are only about 8-10 teams in America that could lose their starting RB and 3 of their 4 top WR's and still even consider having a winning record. What I'm most proud of in this team though is even though they may be undermanned, outmanned, or down - they've NEVER given up and ALWAYS fought to the final whistle.
Razorback for LIFE!!! GHG!!! WPS!!!
Ket STAT of the game: Arkansas was held to 44 yards rushing with 0 TD's and a 1.8 yd/carry average. THAT is why the Hogs lost.
I came away with a feeling of disappointment for the players and coaches that fought so hard all week and all game long. Sometimes the other team is just better, and two things were pretty obvious after watching last night's game: 'Bama is still 'Bama, and Arkansas is no 'Bama..
However, I'm very encouraged by what I've seen over the past 3 weeks against some VERY tough competition in away game atmospheres (yes I know the A&M game was technically a home game, but c'mon). The timing of a bye week is perfect to give the guys time to heal up - physically and emotionally - and I expect them to come out and put a BEAT DOWN on Auburn. They'll definitely be ready to get that losing taste out of their mouth in front of the home crowd after two weeks. Follow that up with another home game against Tennessee-Martin, and a road game against Ole Miss (their 10th game in a row) - the Hogs could very well be a 5-4 team.
The final three games aren't easy by any stretch. A road game - most likely a night game - against LSU in Death Valley is never easy, and really shouldn't be considered a win by anyone with any sense at all. Then a tough test at home against MS State, before finishing out with Mizzou. The Hogs could go 1-2 in those final three games, but they could also go 2-1 or even 3-0 with a good showing in the Battle of the Boot. That's life in the SEC. I'm not an expert by any means, but I think we finish 7-5 and would be overjoyed with an 8-4 record. That's still positive growth for a team playing one of the toughest schedules in America, against the toughest league in America (that doesn't have NFL in it), in the toughest division in America.
I'll close with this: I'm not making excuses for the Razorbacks, but there are only about 8-10 teams in America that could lose their starting RB and 3 of their 4 top WR's and still even consider having a winning record. What I'm most proud of in this team though is even though they may be undermanned, outmanned, or down - they've NEVER given up and ALWAYS fought to the final whistle.
Razorback for LIFE!!! GHG!!! WPS!!!
Ket STAT of the game: Arkansas was held to 44 yards rushing with 0 TD's and a 1.8 yd/carry average. THAT is why the Hogs lost.
