TWO A DAYS

[BigDrDon]

Will they be back this season? It appeared to slow some players down without that extra conditioning.

[flagstaffhog]

Good question.

[ricepig]

Doubtful

[nwahogfan1]

I'm not sure what got them off to a slow start last year.  I hope the Coaches have a finger on it.  If it is conditioning or lack of practice time then I just betcha CBB will address it.

Even though they did not go out on the field for the 2nd practice they were conditioning and going through film study.  Maybe last years group of players were to blame for not being ready?  Maybe we can blame a coach or two but what ever it was they cannot afford to not be ready.  LT and TCU will hand it too you if not ready.  LT plays the exact same game as TT and we all know what they did last year.

Plus we have to beat Tex AM.  Goodness two years in a row we have found a way to lose to a inferior team. 

[Ragnar Hogbrok]

Two-a-days or not, the team is restricted to a certain number of hours to practice.  From what I understood, we were practicing all the hours allotted to do so.

There is no magic that comes from two-uh-days no matter how many of you Uncle Rico's coulda won state if coach had just put you in in the fourth quarter.

[a0ashle]

What we need is the opinion of a veteran coach of a P5 school... so with that said, I'll wait and see if CBB brings it back before I answer.

[Ragnar Hogbrok]

What we need is the opinion of a veteran coach of a P5 school... so with that said, I'll wait and see if CBB brings it back before I answer.

If two-uh-days were good enough for me during 8th grade JV, then, by golly, it's good enough for the Hogs.   

[rricha]

Two a days are not really need in this era the players back in the day went home for the summer. The players now are on campus and working out.

[TUSKtimes]

Two a days are not really need in this era the players back in the day went home for the summer. The players now are on campus and working out.

These kids are in school, taking at minimum 6 hours of classes to receive their scholarship check. Morning workouts with the strength and conditioning program are mandatory. Usually, the players are leading 7 on 7 passing drills in the afternoon. These 4th quarter programs in the heat and humidity are what separate a lot of contenders from pretenders.   

[Deep Shoat]

Will they be back this season? It appeared to slow some players down without that extra conditioning.

[PonderinHog]

I've always wondered why "two a days" has "days" pluralized. It's kind of like "Attorney Generals" as opposed to the correct, "Attorneys General".

Notwithstanding the aforementioned comparison, shouldn't it really just be, simply, "two a day"?

You'd be correct if we were talking about just one two-a-day, but we're talking about plural two-a-days here.  I hope this helps.

[ricepig]

You'd be correct if we were talking about just one two-a-day, but we're talking about plural two-a-days here.  I hope this helps.

At your age, one a week is a miracle.

[PonderinHog]

At your age, one a week is a miracle.

Let's try to not confuse the new guy.   

[Pigsknuckles]

I remember the puking and panting of the majority of us who had simply laid around all summer. Without two a days, there was no way we could be in any kind of condition in the short time we had before the season started. Now, programs try to maintain a basic level of conditioning year round. Whether, or not, that makes two a days unnecessary is a dead horse well beaten last year. All I really want is to get out of August drills without season ending injuries to key players (or any player for that matter).

[Ragnar Hogbrok]

I've always wondered why "two a days" has "days" pluralized. It's kind of like "Attorney Generals" as opposed to the correct, "Attorneys General".

Notwithstanding the aforementioned comparison, shouldn't it really just be, simply, "two a day"?

If you're speaking of "a" two a day, then yes.  However, if you're speaking of more than one day's worth of two a day practices, it would be "two a days."  I think.  Does it really matter, though?  But your question is better than the worry of whether or not we are doing two a days, er....two a day practices.

[ChitownHawg]

Will they be back this season? It appeared to slow some players down without that extra conditioning.

I told CBB he had better run two a days this year as he didn't want me to come down from Chicago to correct the issue. He said he would. Then I woke up. 

[HogPharmer]

You'd be correct if we were talking about just one two-a-day, but we're talking about plural two-a-days here.  I hope this helps.

Are you sure it's not "two's-a-days" //

[PorkRinds]

My god I hate th two a days argument. We practiced every hour allowed by regulation. No more no less.  Them choosing one longer practice instead of two shorter ones didn't lead to a slow start.  An OL that hadn't gotten it together and a new OC are way more likely.

[factchecker]

An OL that hadn't gotten it together and a new OC are way more likely.

I agree.

I would also add losing a 1000 yard rusher (J-Will) to injury had an impact.

[TUSKtimes]

Maybe someone can answer me this? Wasn't the slow start because Arkansas came out of the gates wanting to change their offensive identity somewhat?

I did catch some of the Toledo game and the Razorbacks were seriously chunking the football in that one. I believe over 400 yards by Allen.

[Ragnar Hogbrok]

Maybe someone can answer me this? Wasn't the slow start because Arkansas came out of the gates wanting to change their offensive identity somewhat?

I did catch some of the Toledo game and the Razorbacks were seriously chunking the football in that one. I believe over 400 yards by Allen.

That was due to losing JWill, an offensive line that hadn't gelled, and not using a back up to Collins so he could rest.  Not to mention the plethora of injuries causing a change of the game plan.

[Hoggish1]

If two-uh-days were good enough for me during 8th grade JV, then, by golly, it's good enough for the Hogs.   

...and salt pills

[Hoggish1]

My god I hate th two a days argument. We practiced every hour allowed by regulation. No more no less.  Them choosing one longer practice instead of two shorter ones didn't lead to a slow start.  An OL that hadn't gotten it together and a new OC are way more likely.

Yep.

An O-line coach that couldn't buy in to the new O-coordinator's schemes was what it was.

[ricepig]

So, how many of you had three a days?

[MuskogeeHogFan]

So, how many of you had three a days?

I've been through that.

[ricepig]

I've been through that.

Yeah, might as well slept at the gym. We'd go 6:30, 11:30, and 5:30. I always hated the early morning dew....

[Pigasaurus]

Maybe someone can answer me this? Wasn't the slow start because Arkansas came out of the gates wanting to change their offensive identity somewhat?

I did catch some of the Toledo game and the Razorbacks were seriously chunking the football in that one. I believe over 400 yards by Allen.

Our O line got zero push against Toledo for whatever reason.

[Seebs]

Just take these and get back out there son ...

[jkstock04]

What we need is the opinion of a veteran coach of a P5 school... so with that said, I'll wait and see if CBB brings it back before I answer.

One of his biggest fails since being here was what he said last year concerning how we didn't need the extra practice because we were already in such awesome shape and ready to go. So there is that.

Not sure 2 a days are the answer but I hope something is done different so that the players aren't in such poor shape like they were last year late summer.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Yeah, might as well slept at the gym. We'd go 6:30, 11:30, and 5:30. I always hated the early morning dew....

Actually there were 4 but somehow the staff didn't count that fourth one. Go figure. Three team practices and then just the QB's, Receivers, Centers and Specialists at 8 p.m. every night.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Two a days are not really need in this era the players back in the day went home for the summer. The players now are on campus and working out.

I'll have to disagree. While the purpose of two practices in a day is certainly for "practice", I believe it also develops pride as well as physical and mental toughness that helps teach the players to push through miserable conditions and fatigue. Not that a player can't experience the same things in one long practice, but there is just something about having to go through two-a-days that seems to add something extra to the toughness of a player. And, I think that often times it creates a bond between teammates. JMO

[TUSKtimes]

That was due to losing JWill, an offensive line that hadn't gelled, and not using a back up to Collins so he could rest.  Not to mention the plethora of injuries causing a change of the game plan.

It was an amazing interpretation of a schedule. 1-3 and then off to Knoxville and win. Beat the barn and turn into the ultimate road warriors. At Ole miss, check, at LSU, check.

If Razorbacks just take care of OOC games that's 10 wins. Bielema is more than holding his own in the SEC.

[ChitownHawg]

I'll have to disagree. While the purpose of two practices in a day is certainly for "practice", I believe it also develops pride as well as physical and mental toughness that helps teach the players to push through miserable conditions and fatigue. Not that a player can't experience the same things in one long practice, but there is just something about having to go through two-a-days that seems to add something extra to the toughness of a player. And, I think that often times it creates a bond between teammates. JMO

Agree. For me it was a joy to take off the pads and cool off. Then it was a mental challenge to get myself back into pads and get on an extremely hot practice field for the second time of the day. All of us know what 3pm on a hot Arkansas August day can be like.

Good coaches and even military leaders know the mind gives up long before the body does. Two a days and boot camp teach you to push through the mental block.

[ricepig]

One of his biggest fails since being here was what he said last year concerning how we didn't need the extra practice because we were already in such awesome shape and ready to go. So there is that.

Not sure 2 a days are the answer but I hope something is done different so that the players aren't in such poor shape like they were last year late summer.

Who was in poor shape?

[HamSammich]

I don't care how they practice this year and how they did it last year.

But go back and watch our first three games last year. Every lineman on offense and defense except for about 4 were not cardiovascularly ready. A LOT  of walking around and hands on knees.


I don't care whether it's two a days, three a days, or zero a days.... I just want to see a team that's not only strong and has size but can run.

[HamSammich]

Who was in poor shape?

You lose all credibility if you really think this team was ready physically in weeks 1-3.

[ricepig]

You lose all credibility if you really think this team was ready physically in weeks 1-3.

Oh, ok, since you say so. So did we miraculously improve our fitness from week three to week 4, if so, how? We were in school with more limitations on practice time, plus we had to game plan for opponents.

[a0ashle]

One of his biggest fails since being here was what he said last year concerning how we didn't need the extra practice because we were already in such awesome shape and ready to go. So there is that.

Not sure 2 a days are the answer but I hope something is done different so that the players aren't in such poor shape like they were last year late summer.

I am not following, his biggest failure was him saying we were in awesome shape and didn't need 2-a-days? (You said extra practice, pretty sure we are limited in practice time, so am assuming you meant 2-a-days) At the same time you don't know if 2-a-days is the answer to the your perception of our players being out of shape?

[jkstock04]

I am not following, his biggest failure was him saying we were in awesome shape and didn't need 2-a-days? (You said extra practice, pretty sure we are limited in practice time, so am assuming you meant 2-a-days) At the same time you don't know if 2-a-days is the answer to the your perception of our players being out of shape?

I actually don't think he was referring to two a days (not 100% sure). I took it as referring to any serious conditioning to get in BETTER shape. The coaches thought we were 100% tip top and only needed a little fine tuning. That's (paraphrasing) what Bielema said right before start of season.

Im on the side of viewing 2 a days in the middle of the heat as not extremely necessary. It's more of a mental thing than physical thing in my mind. So yes I don't think you absolutely have to have 2 a days to get in playing shape. However I do think serious conditioning is a must.

The O-line in particular last year were slow and weak to start the year. All the hype and bling was great until reality set in. I for some reason doubt that's the case this year.

[The NewEra]

Maybe someone can answer me this? Wasn't the slow start because Arkansas came out of the gates wanting to change their offensive identity somewhat?

I did catch some of the Toledo game and the Razorbacks were seriously chunking the football in that one. I believe over 400 yards by Allen.

I heard coach B and Tretola say something that makes me believe they got a little full of themselves with all the attention they received last year prior to the season.  That won't happen again this year.  I also think Pittman was in more of a relaxed state last year as well as the new offense that was being implemented which had much more pass blocking than they previously had.  But I think the big problem with the slow offensive start was a mind set and not a conditioning thing.

[ricepig]

I heard coach B and Tretola say something that makes me believe they got a little full of themselves with all the attention they received last year prior to the season.  That won't happen again this year.  I also think Pittman was in more of a relaxed state last year as well as the new offense that was being implemented which had much more pass blocking than they previously had.  But I think the big problem with the slow offensive start was a mind set and not a conditioning thing.

I'd say there's a whole lot of truth in this. ^^^^^

[woodhog14]

It was an amazing interpretation of a schedule. 1-3 and then off to Knoxville and win. Beat the barn and turn into the ultimate road warriors. At Ole miss, check, at LSU, check.

If Razorbacks just take care of OOC games that's 10 wins. Bielema is more than holding his own in the SEC.

We easily should have won 10 games last year. Really should have won 12. Choked against aTm and lost in OT...had a fg blocked with :18 seconds left to lose to State 51-50.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I heard coach B and Tretola say something that makes me believe they got a little full of themselves with all the attention they received last year prior to the season.  That won't happen again this year.  I also think Pittman was in more of a relaxed state last year as well as the new offense that was being implemented which had much more pass blocking than they previously had.  But I think the big problem with the slow offensive start was a mind set and not a conditioning thing.

Having not been a part of work outs, practices and staff meetings all we can do is speculate but I suspect that there was some overconfidence (that should have been taken out of the players by their coach prior to the season beginning) and I also think that there might have been some "mailing it in" by their coach.

Pittman wasn't happy that Bielema hadn't made more of an effort to keep his good friend, Chaney as the OC. Keep in mind that Chaney (as I recall) didn't get a raise when others did. Did that effect his attitude? You would hope that a professional wouldn't allow things like staff changes to have an effect on his performance, but that is possibly, at least partially responsible.

I do think that there was a lack, at least to some degree, of not really making an effort to "cross the t's and dot the i's". Our offensive line was stymied in the run game (in early games) by defensive lines that were smaller, but quicker and ran games, stunted a lot and shot gaps.

They might have been prepared for assignment blocking, but with a lot of slanting and movement of the defensive lines at the snap, somewhere along the way, our O-Line somehow forgot how to adjust and block "area" as opposed to dedicated assignment blocking. It confused them and jammed the LOS. But you have to fault the OC as well because he has to make sure that when this change in blocking schemes occurs, that the QB and the RB's are aware, because the RB's then have to be more patient in looking for a crease to develop, as opposed to running to a designated hole.

So can you blame Pittman? yeah, probably and at least to a certain extent. Can you blame the OC for not having made certain that the O-Line was fully prepared? Again, probably to a certain extent. And probably you can blame the fact that we were once again, changing offensive schemes which required a lot of learning and adjustment for everyone involved.

But I still maintain that having two-a-days is a good and somewhat essential thing not only for the pure practice, but for the physical conditioning and mental toughness aspects of the game. But, that's JMO.

[hawginbigd1]

I heard coach B and Tretola say something that makes me believe they got a little full of themselves with all the attention they received last year prior to the season.  That won't happen again this year.  I also think Pittman was in more of a relaxed state last year as well as the new offense that was being implemented which had much more pass blocking than they previously had.  But I think the big problem with the slow offensive start was a mind set and not a conditioning thing.

This is what I saw, forget about JWill and conditioning/two a days, I saw an OL unit that either was expecting the defense to block themselves knowing they were not worthy of competing against such studs, or they were not comfortable with the new offense. I really think it was the first point, and honestly the LT play was not better than average at any point last year. In fact I think you can make a case we were better at LT 2 years ago, and I wouldn't have believed that to be possible.

[TUSKtimes]

I heard coach B and Tretola say something that makes me believe they got a little full of themselves with all the attention they received last year prior to the season.  That won't happen again this year.  I also think Pittman was in more of a relaxed state last year as well as the new offense that was being implemented which had much more pass blocking than they previously had.  But I think the big problem with the slow offensive start was a mind set and not a conditioning thing.

Arkansas was extremely effective pass blocking with mammoth linemen. Play action and getting the ball down the field made a big difference in the attack last season. I see more coming. Bielema is getting away from the Wisconsin running approach. I think he believes it's going to take more balance and explosion to get ahead of these speedy, deep, defensive teams. Why else go to Enos?

Arkansas didn't just out muscle the backend of the schedule playing smashmouth football. They had LSU, the barn, Ole Miss, even Tenn on their heels throughout. Defenses were struggling to match up. That's when the scoreboard starts singing. Being willing to change up and strive for a more explosive balance, is why Arkansas will be more dangerous than what folks are predicting.     

[The NewEra]

Arkansas was extremely effective pass blocking with mammoth linemen. Play action and getting the ball down the field made a big difference in the attack last season. I see more coming. Bielema is getting away from the Wisconsin running approach. I think he believes it's going to take more balance and explosion to get ahead of these speedy, deep, defensive teams. Why else go to Enos?

Arkansas didn't just out muscle the backend of the schedule playing smashmouth football. They had LSU, the barn, Ole Miss, even Tenn on their heels throughout. Defenses were struggling to match up. That's when the scoreboard starts singing. Being willing to change up and strive for a more explosive balance, is why Arkansas will be more dangerous than what folks are predicting.     

I tend to agree with you.

[FANONTHEHILL]

Having not been a part of work outs, practices and staff meetings all we can do is speculate but I suspect that there was some overconfidence (that should have been taken out of the players by their coach prior to the season beginning) and I also think that there might have been some "mailing it in" by their coach.

Pittman wasn't happy that Bielema hadn't made more of an effort to keep his good friend, Chaney as the OC. Keep in mind that Chaney (as I recall) didn't get a raise when others did. Did that effect his attitude? You would hope that a professional wouldn't allow things like staff changes to have an effect on his performance, but that is possibly, at least partially responsible.

I do think that there was a lack, at least to some degree, of not really making an effort to "cross the t's and dot the i's". Our offensive line was stymied in the run game (in early games) by defensive lines that were smaller, but quicker and ran games, stunted a lot and shot gaps.

They might have been prepared for assignment blocking, but with a lot of slanting and movement of the defensive lines at the snap, somewhere along the way, our O-Line somehow forgot how to adjust and block "area" as opposed to dedicated assignment blocking. It confused them and jammed the LOS. But you have to fault the OC as well because he has to make sure that when this change in blocking schemes occurs, that the QB and the RB's are aware, because the RB's then have to be more patient in looking for a crease to develop, as opposed to running to a designated hole.

So can you blame Pittman? yeah, probably and at least to a certain extent. Can you blame the OC for not having made certain that the O-Line was fully prepared? Again, probably to a certain extent. And probably you can blame the fact that we were once again, changing offensive schemes which required a lot of learning and adjustment for everyone involved.

But I still maintain that having two-a-days is a good and somewhat essential thing not only for the pure practice, but for the physical conditioning and mental toughness aspects of the game. But, that's JMO.

Excellent points Muskogee.  The oline was perhaps overly confident going into last year. They also were using a newer scheme that Enos favored.  A zone step then up into your man power blocking scheme.  Not just the straight down hill we saw in 2014. At times they weren't able to get to the second level and sometimes outsized defenses would backside slant.  They didn't perform well against back side slants the first three games.  It's my understanding that Pittman pushed for and then and then they chose to revert back. The scheme was changed by game 4.  Back to the down hill power.  The technique they are learning from Anderson has different assignments and they are spending countless hours as an OLine group working on footwork and film study.  If you can, go find some Buffalo Bills video from last year.  That's our new scheme.

As far as two-a-days this fall, the players don't know whether or not they will have them this fall.  I asked my son at dinner tonight. He's not sure.  FYI, he came home for dinner and brought Paul Ramirez with him.  Paul is a great young man.  I'm so impressed with all of these Hog olinemen.  A great group of kids.

[12247]

We were pitiful for the first 3 games last year on the O-line.  Outsmarted, outplayed, out toughed, outed, by lessor manpower.  I blame the head coach.  He assisted in putting the O-line on a level they did not deserve, overlooked the fact they were not as good as he believed, and allowed us to lose 2 or 3 we should have won.  I don't believe BB likes the two a day heat much either.

If he has learned his lesson, which I doubt he has, we will not be caught up in losing to lessors at home.  It is so difficult to win anything in the SEC west and then we lose to decent but not really good OOC teams.  Its a shame.

[ricepig]

We were pitiful for the first 3 games last year on the O-line.  Outsmarted, outplayed, out toughed, outed, by lessor manpower.  I blame the head coach.  He assisted in putting the O-line on a level they did not deserve, overlooked the fact they were not as good as he believed, and allowed us to lose 2 or 3 we should have won.  I don't believe BB likes the two a day heat much either.

If he has learned his lesson, which I doubt he has, we will not be caught up in losing to lessors at home.  It is so difficult to win anything in the SEC west and then we lose to decent but not really good OOC teams.  Its a shame.

Lol......

[The NewEra]

Lol......

My sentiments exactly.