10 Bold predictions for the SEC this fall

[WizardofhOgZ]

Some of them Hog fans will like . . . others . . . not-so-much . . .

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/bold-predictions-2015/

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

I hope that guy is dead wrong.

I couldn't handle another coaching change and another rebuild.

[phadedhawg]

srsly...

another coaching change would probably do me in...

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

srsly...

another coaching change would probably do me in...

I really want to believe that Bielema wants to do something here that's never been done before he leaves. He and his wife seem to really love it at UA and the fans seem to love him as well.

I just can't see him bolting after year 3. Too early.

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

Author admits it's just pie in the sky type speculation.  He also says Bielema would not leave for a college job and loves it in Arkansas.  While Bielema may indeed leave one day for the NFL I don't think it's any time in the next few years. 

[Locutus_of_Boar]

I really want to believe that Bielema wants to do something here that's never been done before he leaves. He and his wife seem to really love it at UA and the fans seem to love him as well.

I just can't see him bolting after year 3. Too early.

Bielema picked Arkansas specifically because the Hogs had never won an SEC championship but were potentially a good enough program to win with some consistency given the right coaching.  Essentially, he is here because when he wins it will be solely his own legacy against the toughest possible competition in the college football world, filling the NFL with players he developed.

That sort of ego trip really isn't available in the NFL.  And the reality is it's proving harder than he thought but now he's got some momentum.  AFTER he wins big in the SEC only then does he become a real risk to jump and only if he thinks it harder to sustain a successful program than to take a shot at a Super Bowl ring.

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

Bielema picked Arkansas specifically because the Hogs had never won an SEC championship but were potentially a good enough program to win with some consistency given the right coaching.  Essentially, he is here because when he wins it will be solely his own legacy against the toughest possible competition in the college football world, filling the NFL with players he developed.

That sort of ego trip really isn't available in the NFL.  And the reality is it's proving harder than he thought but now he's got some momentum.  AFTER he wins big in the SEC only then does he become a real risk to jump and only if he thinks it harder to sustain a successful program than to take a shot at a Super Bowl ring.

I agree. I hope AFTER he wins big here he feels the love so much that he will want to retire here.

[Biggus Piggus]

Why on earth would he guess Bielema is ready to jump to the NFL? Nothing left in his ass after pulling that out.

[Vantage 8 dude]

Why on earth would he guess Bielema is ready to jump to the NFL? Nothing left in his ass after pulling that out.

Totally agree! This is absolutely one of the most ludicrous predictions I've seen in years. So we're to believe that CBB is "itching" to jump to the NFL where he has little, if any, control over the players and he has to contend with prima donnas out the "wazzooo". Yep, THAT really fits in with his #uncommon man theme of how to build and coach a team!!!

[bennyl08]

Totally agree! This is absolutely one of the most ludicrous predictions I've seen in years. So we're to believe that CBB is "itching" to jump to the NFL where he has little, if any, control over the players and he has to contend with prima donnas out the "wazzooo". Yep, THAT really fits in with his #uncommon man theme of how to build and coach a team!!!

If the dolphins would have been convinced to draft Russell Wilson instead of Tannehill, CBB probably would be in the NFL right now (and the dolphins would probably have a few more wins over the past seasons too). However, that was before he ever came here and he strikes me as somebody who won't leave til he accomplishes what he sets out to do. So, yeah, CBB definitely does have interest in the NFL, but he isn't jumping ship after this season.

[bphi11ips]

Why on earth would he guess Bielema is ready to jump to the NFL? Nothing left in his ass after pulling that out.

But otherwise pretty salty article.

[Mike_e]

Add to all that CBB seems to like his boss, which is kind of a big deal.

[Biggus Piggus]

Some Athlon reporter said a similar thing on Nashville talk radio, that he believed Bielema would end up coaching in the NFL before too long. He has zero experience with pro football, unless you include his minute stint in the Arena League. Do people get this from personal conversation with Bielema? Or is it some kind of bias? Can't believe Arkansas could keep a good coach?

[WizardofhOgZ]

FWIW . . . which I'll admit, is not much . . . I worry about CBB leaving for the NFL at some point.  It's clearly not because of any conversation I've had with him, nor direct knowledge.  He just seems like the type that likes to accept a challenge, conquer it, then move on to another.  Not unlike what he did in coming to Arkansas . . . leaving a perennial Big 10 power for a chance to win in the SEC, the acknowledged King of conferences, at a school that had never won a SEC championship (in Football) before.

Of course, assuming he keeps the trajectory he's on, I'd like to keep him longer.  But if he at least stays here until he's reached that goal, I'd understand if he felt like he had to move to the next level at that point.  Not that I'd WANT that - but I'd understand.

So, I don't so much worry about him leaving in the next year or two.  But once he's taken us to the throne room . . . we'll see.

[bennyl08]

Some Athlon reporter said a similar thing on Nashville talk radio, that he believed Bielema would end up coaching in the NFL before too long. He has zero experience with pro football, unless you include his minute stint in the Arena League. Do people get this from personal conversation with Bielema? Or is it some kind of bias? Can't believe Arkansas could keep a good coach?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/25012806/disagreement-over-drafting-russell-wilson-kept-bret-bielema-from-the-nfl

They get the Bielema to the NFL because he actually was very close to becoming an NFL head coach. There is no denying he has interest in the NFL. Moreover, he gets mentioned with coaches possibly going to the NFL because his style of play is very similar to what they do in the NFL.

[MJ2]

I can certainly see CBB headed to the NFL.   No use in us coming up with a short list of replacements since the ones we always name are never interested and we end up with surprises, i.e. Petrino and CBB.

[Biggus Piggus]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/25012806/disagreement-over-drafting-russell-wilson-kept-bret-bielema-from-the-nfl

They get the Bielema to the NFL because he actually was very close to becoming an NFL head coach. There is no denying he has interest in the NFL. Moreover, he gets mentioned with coaches possibly going to the NFL because his style of play is very similar to what they do in the NFL.

Well, there it is. Thanks.

[hogcard1964]

If the dolphins would have been convinced to draft Russell Wilson instead of Tannehill, CBB probably would be in the NFL right now (and the dolphins would probably have a few more wins over the past seasons too). However, that was before he ever came here and he strikes me as somebody who won't leave til he accomplishes what he sets out to do. So, yeah, CBB definitely does have interest in the NFL, but he isn't jumping ship after this season.

How does anyone honestly know that he currently has an interest in the NFL?

[TM Hog]

It's funny that this was mentioned.  It was always in the back of my mind that coming to Arkansas allows Bielema to develop a relationship with Jerry Jones.  This could give him the opportunity for dare I say....the Cowboys? They may be looking for a new coach soon. From what I've seen so far I hope he retires from Arkansas.

[bennyl08]

How does anyone honestly know that he currently has an interest in the NFL?

They don't, unless they know him personally. That wasn't the question. The question was how does anybody know he is even interested in the NFL at all.