Coaches

FTB:Missing the Shenanigans of Houston Nutt

Posted on by Zac Cosner

This week from the bench…

If you were/are one of the people who hated Houston Nutt, this is vindication Saturday.

The Razorbacks face Ole Miss this weekend, and it will be the hardest ticket to get in Fayetteville since Texas came to town in 2004 to hand the Hogs a two-point loss, which is appropriate since Ole Miss will now assume the mantle as Arkansas’ chief rival and the game that the fans circle on the calendar. “Ole Miss Week” can’t be far behind if the coming circus even comes close to living up to its billing.

Hawgsports.com

49-14 Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

I’ve been MIA for about a week so here’s a recap of the week that was…

The Razorbloggers have their wrapup of the ugly loss to Alabama and the Good, Bad, and Ugly. Hog wide receiver Marques Wade will have surgery on his knee and will be out for the rest of the season. WR Lucas Miller suffered a concussion during the Alabama game as well. Michael Smith impressed with a 91 yard on 19 carries day.

The Expats suggest looking ahead to what’s infront of us….and reminds us of the best and worst games against the Horns.

Raycom has picked up the UA-Florida game for another 11:30 am start. Felix Jones scored another TD this past Sunday Night. David Lee brought the Wildhog to Miami and helped the Fins crush the Pats Sunday. The 2009 baseball schedule is out. The NCAA has denied the appeal of the sanctions against the Track and Field program. Finally AD Jeff Long now appreciates what the LR games bring to the University.

FTB:Razorbacks May Not Win Another Game All Season

Posted on by Zac Cosner

This Week From The Bench…

So it starts. On the always entertaining “Fifth Quarter” call-in show on 103.7 on Saturday after the Razorback embarrassment to Alabama, the hosts brought up the topic of play calling. If you have nothing else to talk about after getting beat 49-14, then why not question the coach’s play calling? It is something Arkansas sports fans are very good at. But play calling was not the only problem on the field, by far.

Hawgsports.com

Mid-Week Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

Two-a-Days are over. Point Guard Courtney Fortson was cleared to play by the NCAA. Former Hog & New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo has signed a 1 year $4 Million deal to play with Moscow Dynamo. Former Hog Shawn Andrews has finally showed up at Philadelphia Eagles Camp. Former Track Hog Wallace Spearmon was disqualified after finishing 3rd for running out of his lane. Tyson Gay failed to make the 100m Final in Beijing. In other Olympic news Veronica Campbell-Brown & Alistair Cragg qualified for the finals in their respective events. Is Mustain a bust for the Trojans? The Expats sum up Patrick Beverly’s situation nicely. They’ve also been chosen to participate in the SEC Power Poll (congrats) and have their preseason Coaches Poll up. Arkansas is still 6th as the Fulmer Cup gets close to naming it’s champion. The boys at the Morning News’ Hog Blog have unleashed a redesign. ESPN’s Chris Low is in Fayetteville to cover the Hogs during his tour of the conference.

FTB:Razorback Defense Will Flounder Without Linebackers

Posted on by Zac Cosner

This Week From The Bench…

Like a lot of places on the field, the Arkansas Razorback football team is depleted at linebacker. If you have read anything about the preseason so far, you know that fact. I got worse over the last week with Elston Forte and Ryan Powers both nursing injuries. Freshmen will have to fill part of the void at this position, but we all know that won’t work unless one of them is Hardy Nickerson.

The good news, however, is that linebackers are not as important as they once were unless you’re playing Houston Nutt. In this pass-happy world of score, cornerbacks and safeties now have become equally as important. The Razorback coaches, and I don’t know who half of these people are, have been rather reserved talking about how they’re going to fill this void at linebacker, and for good reason ? they have no idea.

Hawgsports.com

Thursday Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

KATV has sold the Media Rights (ARSN) to the Arkansas Razorbacks to ISP Sports. The deal guarantees the UA Athletics Dept. $73 Million over the next ten years. KATV is the exclusive “Flagship Station” for the next ten years. ISP sports will also be taking over the Website and Gameday Program duties for the University.

The Razorbloggers have their Practice Impressions up. Freshman RB De’Anthony Curtis has a sprained knee and could be out two weeks. Kicker Alex Tejada is looking to come back from a dislocated kneecap he suffered at the beginning of summer workouts.

Whole Hog Sports has launched a podcast…the the WholeHogCast. The Expats point to an article matching SEC coaches to Bond Villains. They also mention so pro hogs…DMac is still blogging, Felix Jones continues to impress, Peyton Hillis looks to make the Broncos, Marcus Monk dropped a pass late for the Bears. Speaking of pros…Steven Hill is working out with the Portland Trail Blazers. Matt Jones plead not guilty Monday to his drug charges. And finally, the Little Rock Touchdown Club has announced their guest lineup.

Saturday Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

I didn’t have time to update the Slobberin’ story to a full Trough so I’ve got some news to share…

Patrick Beverly won’t be playing for the Hogs this season. Reports say it involves to academics.

Brandon Lampkin, a reserve defensive tackle, was taken to a hospital by ambulance after a neck injury during Friday’s practice, the first with pads this season. He was released Friday night and is in good condition. His Football status is unknown at this time. QB Ryan Mallett is profiled by the Memphis Commercial-Appeal. SI has the Hogs ranked 69th out of 119 FBS schools (via Expats). The Hogs are lumped in with “The Dregs” in an AOL Fanhouse preview. AOL Fanhouse also recaps the 07 SEC season and called Houston Nutt the biggest fraud. Auburn and Arkansas are joining the Spread revolution in the SEC. I didn’t link to this earlier this week but here’s the razorblogger wrapup of Media Day.

Veronica Campbell-Brown became the first Razorback in history to be chose to carry their country’s flag at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games (She carried Jamaica’s Flag). Former Hog Mitch Mustain got a break when USC starting QB Mark Sanchez injured his kneecap and will probably miss the season opener at Virginia. Mustain will compete for the starting spot against Aaron Corp for the start.

Darren McFadden had 48 yards on 12 carries during Oakland’s win over San Francisco last night. Marcus Monk had a catch for 14 yards in his debut for the Chicago Bears on Thursday. Vickiel Vaughn signed a deal with the Denver Broncos. Matt Jones was formally charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) Friday. The amount of cocaine he allegedly had with him could have opened him up to a charge of possesion with intent to deliver.

Finally, two fun links for you. I stumbled across this site that has some great Razorback desktop wallpapers…Razorhack.org (for the wallpaper use this link). Most of you have probably see this already but, “Can you pass the Darren McFadden Test?” after the jump…

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The End of June Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

I’ve been slightly lazy in updating recently so there is some stuff to catch up on…

Backup Linebacker Freddy Burton was arrested for DUI this morning. Former Hog Tyson Gay qualified for the US Olympic squad in the 100m. Arkansas Hired Northern Iowa’s Chris Bucknam as the new Track and Field and Cross Country coach replacing legend John McDonnell. Sonny Weems was drafted by Chicago then traded to Denver. Steven Hill has signed a contract to play with Portland’s summer league team.
John Pelphrey auctioned off a round of golf with himself, Bobby Petrino, and LPGAer and former ladyback Stacy Lewis. It went for $5,100. Speaking of Stacy Lewis, she finished tied for 3rd at her first LPGA event as a pro…the US Women’s Open. Petrino’s not a big talker. But The Hog Blogger knows what he’s getting into with Bobby. The Razorbloggers have been counting down the best football games of ’07 (with video)…my fav’s South Carolina and LSU. AOL fanhouse has a story up about if College Football teams were comedians…Arkansas would be Larry the Cable Guy. Which lead me to two other such lists…Rappers-Kool Keith…and Simpsons Characters-Groundskeeper Willie.

Finally two stories unrelated to the Hogs…So Long to Deadspin’s Will Leitch, I echo what the Expats wrote…and RIP to UGA VI.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that today is the last day on Nolan Richardson’s Contract with the UA and it’s also Chancellor John White’s last day on the job.

The Football Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

In Fayetteville…
Bobby Petrino has been being reminded of the tough schedule he has in front of his Hogs (the second toughest in the nation). Alex Tejada hurt his knee during a morning run this week, he shouldn’t miss any preseason practice. Petrino opposes an early signing period for football. Petrino’s decision was one of the hardest of his life…Atlantans don’t buy it. The Expats have a wrapup of quotes from Petrino at the SEC spring meetings. The Texas game has been picked up by ABC sports. Houston Nutt thought he was going to be Arkansas’ AD…here’s a story with video from his recent trip to LR for their LR Rebel Club meeting. Here’s some fun SEC stats from last season. The Razorbloggers look at QB experience in the SEC. Some think the SEC should form a MEGA conference and rewrite the rulebook (this is a great article)…it all begins with the possibility on the table of an “SEC TV” channel.

In Pro Ball…
D-Mac went to the hall of fame and is coming close to signing with the Raiders. A SF Chronicle reporter was in town to do a piece on Darren. WR Matt Jones continues to be a lighting rod for the Jags. Jason Peters has been missing voluntary workouts hoping for a new contract. DE Jamaal Anderson, who has a deaf father, has been spending time at Atlanta’s school for the deaf. The Expats check in on Bear WR Marcus Monk.

Big Weekend Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

I’ve got some catching up to do since I was on a business trip to NWA this week. Although that trip did allow me to catch the first of the two game set against N. Colorado at Baum Tuesday. I have some mediocre pictures from my point and shoot I’ll be posting at my flickr account that I’ll link to in a post this weekend. On to the news…

Don’t forget that EAS Razorfest and the Spring Red-White game are tomorrow. The NFL Draft is also this weekend. Here is a look at all the hogs most likely to be drafted…I’ll get back to McFadden in a moment.

Hog LB Freddie Fairchild pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of third degree battery and second degree false imprisonment stemming from an arrest earlier this month. Here’s the final practice wrapups from the Razorbloggers…4/17, 4/18, 4/19, 4/22, 4/24. Here’s a good article on Defensive Coordinator Willy Robinson and outtakes from the article touching on his major off-season knee surgery.

Since I last did a trough the Diamond Hogs have been on somewhat of a hot streak, winning 5 out of their last 6. First they bounced back over the loss to ORU with a 9-1 win over Alcorn St.. They then won their second consecutive SEC series against then #30 Tennessee…UA 5-UT 4, UA 5- UT 4, UT 7-UA 6. They then took both games of a two game set midweek against Northern Colorado…UA 9- UNCo 2, and UA 7-UNCo 1. I Just want to take a sec and say that the daily spring practice and the post game wrap ups that the Razorbloggers do are fantastic. Those posts are a somewhat thankless job and I just wanted to point out the great work they do. Thanks again.

While I was gone I also missed the Patrick Beverley “I’m Leaving” mania. Beverley apparently updated the status on his facebook.com page to “I’m Leaving”. During last weekend’s Real Deal on the Hill Beverley also told reporters that he had “No Comment” on the reports. Rumors started swirling that he was headed to USF, reuniting with former Head Hog Stan Heath. Finally, during an interview with a Tampa Bay paper, Beverley’s Mom stated he was staying at Arkansas (She apparently talked him out of it).

Speaking of Mothers…Darren McFadden’s Mom had some choice comments regarding her son playing in either New York, for the Jets, or Oakland. In the article in the LA Times an Arkansas Coach is quoted as saying D-Mac will be bringing the whole family to where ever he’s drafted. One thing he won’t be bringing to NYC is a Dress for the Draft. He’s also been in talks with the Patriots and talks about his most recent ESPN the Magazine photo shoot. The expats also mention his honest and open policy about his family and past.

And Finally…

Sophomores Michelle Stout and Casey Jo Magee became the first Lady Razorbacks gymnasts to earn All-America honors Thursday, leading 11th-ranked Arkansas to a fifth-place finish in Session 1 of the NCAA Championships

Weekend Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

I don’t have much time so I’ll hit the high points (like I don’t already do that)….

Here’s this week’s Practice Wrapups 4/5, 4/6, 4/8, 4/10. They’ll Scrimmage today. The Sporting News ranks Petrino 10th best coach in the SEC. The Razorbloggers Recap what they’ve seen so far. DMac has some videos about the Wildhog and last year’s Hog Backfield up on his blog. Speaking of Darren, He’s on the cover of ESPN the magazine’s Draft Special.

Nolan Richardson was elected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame, along w/Billy Packer. Which leads to another sign the relationship between Richardson and the UA is on the mend. Guard Ben Hansbrough, UNC Tarheel Tyler Hansbrough’s little brother, has been granted his release from Mississippi St. and is interested in the Hogs. Former Lady’back Lauren Ervin was selected in the 3rd round of the WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. The Diamond Hogs Continue to struggle. After winning Last Saturday, 5-4, to tie the series with Auburn, they lost it in heartbreaking fashion 12-10 in 10 innings. Then Oral Roberts came in and thumped the hogs 9-4 at Baum. They head to Florida this weekend.

Monday Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

The Diamond Hogs dodged raindrops at Vanderbilt but couldn’t escape with a win. Friday’s Game was Canceled, Saturday’s Game was finished Sunday morning Ark-5 Vandy-6 (in 12), and in the 2nd game of the double header Sunday Ark-2 Vandy-6. Here’s the Razorbloggers Round Up of the Vandy Series. Here’s a look at this falls’ incoming Hoop Hogs. And the Men’s Tennins team fell to South Carolina 4-3.

In Ladyback News…
The Gym’backs finished 6th at the SEC Championships, and Arkansas’ Co-Coaches Mark and Rene Cook tied with Auburn’s Jeff Thompson and Georgia’s Suzanne Yoculan for Co-Coach of the Year honors. The 13th ranked Ladyback Tennis Squad clinched a share of the Western Division Title with a win over South Carolina 5-2. Stacy Lewis won her 11th collegiate golf tournament Sunday as the Ladyback Golfers finished 4th overall at the Bryan National. Finally the Lady’Back Softball Squad got Swept this weekend by Georgia Fri. UA-1 UGA-3, Sat. UA-1 UGA-13, Sun. UA-1 UGA-3.

The Hoops and Diamond Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

Hoops…

Rick Schaeffer looks back at the season. John Pelphrey has his End of the Season press conference. During which he mentions that some of the departing seniors have the chance to play overseas or in the NBA D-League. Finally everybody loves John.

Baseball…

I forgot to mention in an earlier trough that the win last Saturday over LSU was Dave Van Horns 800th as a head coach. The achievement was recognized when he was named to the College Baseball Foundation’s Week 4 National All-Star Lineup. The Diamond Hogs beat Centenary 9-0 on Tuesday. They then fell 5-1 on Wednesday. That ended a 25 game winning streak against Centenary dating back to 1965.

The Football Trough

Posted on by Zac Cosner

I’ve missed a lot the last few days and I’ll try to catch up in multiple little posts…

Bobby Petrino said Thursday during a speech in Bentonville that Spring Practice will be open tho the public. CFN discusses the 2008 SEC Schedule team by team and week by week. Which bring me to the annual announcement that the Battle for the Golden Boot has been moved to Friday again. Fairchild’s Arrest helped the Hogs gain points in EDSBS’s Fulmer Cup. Hogs Illustrated checks in with one of my all time favorite hogs Tony Bua. Arkansas held it’s annual Pro Day for it’s Seniors/Departing Juniors Tuesday. Here’s audio from the event. McFadden and Jones didn’t have to work out, but to help their teammates get more exposure they did. The next two are via the Expats…Marcus Monk improved his stock. And Finally, I’m a huge Chicago Bears fan (I lived there for a decade). The idea that the only Head Coach at the pro day, and the only coach to have lunch with DMac and Felix, was the Bears’ Lovie Smith makes my day. Go Bears! and Go Hogs!