Bret Bielema talks about what separates SEC, Arkansas defense

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Bielema visits with Ivan Maisel, Chris Lowe and Adam Rittenberg about what he has learned about being able to compete on defense in the SEC.

"After that first year, it became very evident the depth of the defensive line in this league is uncomparable to anything I've ever seen," Bielema said. "The depth, I don't think that could be any more apparent than in the championship game this year with Alabama ... usually you get six, eight, maybe nine defensive linemen rolling through, but they had 12 players that played significant rolls in their defense up front."

More than just the depth, Bielema pointed out that there are also single game-changers on every SEC roster that you have to plan for.

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/arkansas-football/bret-bielema-arkansas-sec-espn-radio/

[Inhogswetrust]

Every interview or article I've seen or read that has coaches familiar with the SEC by having coached in it and other conferences mentions that. The DL is the biggest difference.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Every interview or article I've seen or read that has coaches familiar with the SEC by having coached in it and other conferences mentions that. The DL is the biggest difference.

I think that there may have been certain things that Bielema underestimated about SEC Football when he made the decision to take the job at Arkansas and the strength and talented depth of defensive lines may have been one of those.

With an acknowledgement of how important this is you have to wonder how this might have altered his overall offensive philosophy and O-Line play and for that matter, other aspects of the game?

[DiamondHogFan]

With an acknowledgement of how important this is you have to wonder how this might have altered his overall offensive philosophy and O-Line play and for that matter, other aspects of the game?

Not sure about overall philosphy, but it has probably led to several, if not most, of the early staff changes.  That, in turn, has led to a different look to things.  But his philosophy has been and always will be a big, physical O-line and a strong running game.  Now we just have the passing game to go with it.  The Enos offense has definitely added different dimensions for opposing defensive fronts to worry about.

It's no coincidence that Saban/Kiffin have added some uptempo offense to their arsenal.  It's how you overcome very deep defensive fronts.  Not saying we should go uptempo because that discussion has been beaten to death, but offenses have to be more creative now than ever before.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Not sure about overall philosphy, but it has probably led to several, if not most, of the early staff changes.  That, in turn, has led to a different look to things.  But his philosophy has been and always will be a big, physical O-line and a strong running game.  Now we just have the passing game to go with it.  The Enos offense has definitely added different dimensions for opposing defensive fronts to worry about.

It's no coincidence that Saban/Kiffin have added some uptempo offense to their arsenal.  It's how you overcome very deep defensive fronts.  Not saying we should go uptempo because that discussion has been beaten to death, but offenses have to be more creative now than ever before.

I think that Bielema knew after his first season that he was going to have to add a more effective passing game that provided a viable threat to opposing defenses in the SEC in order to stick with his tendency to embrace a power run game. Having to face bigger, stronger, faster teams with greater talented depth on defense week-in and week-out meant that he needed that passing game to keep those defenses honest. So far, the addition of Enos appears to have been the missing cog on the offense. We will see how that plays out this year with the losses we have experienced at QB, OL, TE and RB.

But you definitely need a very active and talented group up front on defense to pull off what Alabama tends to do, as mentioned by Bielema. I'm not sure that we are at that point yet (three deep) but you can tell that they are making a serious effort to produce that kind of defense.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Bielema visits with Ivan Maisel, Chris Lowe and Adam Rittenberg about what he has learned about being able to compete on defense in the SEC.

"After that first year, it became very evident the depth of the defensive line in this league is uncomparable to anything I've ever seen," Bielema said. "The depth, I don't think that could be any more apparent than in the championship game this year with Alabama ... usually you get six, eight, maybe nine defensive linemen rolling through, but they had 12 players that played significant rolls in their defense up front."

More than just the depth, Bielema pointed out that there are also single game-changers on every SEC roster that you have to plan for.

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/arkansas-football/bret-bielema-arkansas-sec-espn-radio/

Sheesh, the errors in this quote.
I seriously doubt BB says UNcomparable vs INcomparable and "...played significant rolls in their defense up front."
What the heck were they doing? Gymnastics?   Some sort of circus act?

I realize this isn't SI or Sporting News, but come on.

To the info of the article, I also think BB underestimated the DL in particular and defense as a whole in the SEC.  You can see, IMO, his adjustments in recruiting and emphasis these last two years.

[ricepig]

Sheesh, the errors in this quote.
I seriously doubt BB says UNcomparable vs INcomparable and "...played significant rolls in their defense up front."
What the heck were they doing? Gymnastics?   Some sort of circus act?

I realize this isn't SI or Sporting News, but come on.

To the info of the article, I also think BB underestimated the DL in particular and defense as a whole in the SEC.  You can see, IMO, his adjustments in recruiting and emphasis these last two years.

Somebody didn't listen to the podcast, he says "uncomparable".

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Sheesh, the errors in this quote.
I seriously doubt BB says UNcomparable vs INcomparable and "...played significant rolls in their defense up front."
What the heck were they doing? Gymnastics?   Some sort of circus act?

I realize this isn't SI or Sporting News, but come on.

To the info of the article, I also think BB underestimated the DL in particular and defense as a whole in the SEC.  You can see, IMO, his adjustments in recruiting and emphasis these last two years.

You might want to listen to the podcast, it was quoted correctly.

Bielema interview begins at about the 25:44 mark.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=15097747

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

You might want to listen to the podcast, it was quoted correctly.

Bielema interview begins at about the 25:44 mark.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=15097747

Ok.
That still doesn't excuse rolls vs roles.

Surprised by uncomparable.  BB is a polished spokesman......Usually.

[Pulled(PP)pork]

I think that there may have been certain things that Bielema underestimated about SEC Football when he made the decision to take the job at Arkansas and the strength and talented depth of defensive lines may have been one of those.

With an acknowledgement of how important this is you have to wonder how this might have altered his overall offensive philosophy and O-Line play and for that matter, other aspects of the game?

what was his record against the SEC while at Wisconsin? 


PP

[factchecker]

what was his record against the SEC while at Wisconsin? 


PP

1 win and 1 loss (1-1)

2006 victory over Arkansas in the Citrus Bowl 17-14

2007 loss to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl 17-21

[Pulled(PP)pork]

1 win and 1 loss (1-1)

2006 victory over Arkansas in the Citrus Bowl 17-14

2007 loss to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl 17-21

I didn't want to really include us in the DL comparison, although I think that was a best DL we had under Nutt.....iirc


PP

[MuskogeeHogFan]

what was his record against the SEC while at Wisconsin? 


PP

Playing a couple of games against a conference, spread out over a few years is one thing. Having to face competition within a conference game after game and year after year, and having to compete for players against those same in-conference teams each year might lead a coach to having a substantially greater epiphany about your competition, especially in the West as it exists today.

[Pulled(PP)pork]

Playing a couple of games against a conference, spread out over a few years is one thing. Having to face competition within a conference game after game and year after year, and having to compete for players against those same in-conference teams each year might lead a coach to having a substantially greater epiphany about your competition, especially in the West as it exists today.

did he think we had a magic potion for all the NC's while he was laboring away in the Big 10?


PP

[MuskogeeHogFan]

did he think we had a magic potion for all the NC's while he was laboring away in the Big 10?


PP

I have no idea. See if you can get press credentials and ask him. That would be a good question. I'm not sure how it would be received, but...

[Pulled(PP)pork]

I have no idea. See if you can get press credentials and ask him. That would be a good question. I'm not sure how it would be received, but...

not that important, lol


PP

[Hardcore Hoggy]

 Hopefully his on the job training included a segment on the necessity of not starting off slow again this year.

[MS_HogFan]

Hopefully his on the job training included a segment on the necessity of not starting off again this year.

You don't think we should start? 

[Hardcore Hoggy]

You don't think we should start? 

LULZ, stupid laptop. I corrected

[Cure]

I think that Bielema knew after his first season that he was going to have to add a more effective passing game that provided a viable threat to opposing defenses in the SEC in order to stick with his tendency to embrace a power run game.

Yeah, he figured that out once Alabama stacked the box, dared him to use a Cover 2 beater and his receivers could not get any separation. It's not like he was opposed to passing, he just knew he needed a better situation for his QB.

[Exit Pursued by a Boar]

"Taken aback" doesn't mean what he thinks it means.

EFBAB

[Iwastherein1969]

This is odd. Razorback fans questioning the quality of the head football coach's ability to speak the King's English. Sickening is more like it. If this is all we have to biotch about (and yes I do know that the b word is incorrectly spelled), well the times are changing and quite likely for the better as far as success on the field is concerned.

[Atlhogfan1]

I didn't want to really include us in the DL comparison, although I think that was a best DL we had under Nutt.....iirc


PP

1 win and 1 loss (1-1)

2006 victory over Arkansas in the Citrus Bowl 17-14

2007 loss to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl 17-21

Our def front dominated that bowl game.  Herring went to a 5 man front at times and embarrassed the Wisconsin oline including Joe Thomas.  Frustrating loss.  Bielema must have forgotten the sacks or his RB being shut down. 

[HamSammich]

Playing a couple of games against a conference, spread out over a few years is one thing. Having to face competition within a conference game after game and year after year, and having to compete for players against those same in-conference teams each year might lead a coach to having a substantially greater epiphany about your competition, especially in the West as it exists today.

This....


its easy to take a month off and prepare for a bowl game.

Its tougher to play every Sat. getting ground down by SEC defenses.

[swineology]

Bielema visits with Ivan Maisel, Chris Lowe and Adam Rittenberg about what he has learned about being able to compete on defense in the SEC.

"After that first year, it became very evident the depth of the defensive line in this league is uncomparable to anything I've ever seen," Bielema said. "The depth, I don't think that could be any more apparent than in the championship game this year with Alabama ... usually you get six, eight, maybe nine defensive linemen rolling through, but they had 12 players that played significant rolls in their defense up front."

More than just the depth, Bielema pointed out that there are also single game-changers on every SEC roster that you have to plan for.

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/arkansas-football/bret-bielema-arkansas-sec-espn-radio/

On the job training, Coach B had no clue what the SEC West was made of.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

On the job training, Coach B had no clue what the SEC West was made of.

I don't know about that, but he probably didn't understand prior to coming into the Conference, just how deep the talent was among the better teams in the conference at a variety of positions. I think saying that he had no clue at all is a tad over the top. I do think that he might have been surprised to some extent.

[swineology]

I don't know about that, but he probably didn't understand prior to coming into the Conference, just how deep the talent was among the better teams in the conference at a variety of positions. I think saying that he had no clue at all is a tad over the top. I do think that he might have been surprised to some extent.

Big jump from the Big 10 to the SEC West..
I think he realizes it now thus, Enos, Paul Rhoades etc...

[Acehawg]

His plan was to have a balanced offensive attack from day 1 in the SEC.  He just hired the wrong OC to begin with (Chaney).  The theory of him planning to run a BIG 10 power based, run only offense with a limited passing game has never been proven to be true.  I'm not even sure where this theory started.  Maybe a preconceived notion by fans.

[HamSammich]

His plan was to have a balanced offensive attack from day 1 in the SEC.  He just hired the wrong OC to begin with (Chaney).  The theory of him planning to run a BIG 10 power based, run only offense with a limited passing game has never been proven to be true.  I'm not even sure where this theory started.  Maybe a preconceived notion by fans.

Im a big10 fan... a big one. I went to Northwestern and Iowa after arkansas. So I have always watched a ton of big ten. I don't think it was a 50 / 50 balanced offense at wisconsin. And I could be wrong.

But I think CBB is great in some areas. one is that he knows how to adapt.

I believe its definitely a balanced offense now.

[Acehawg]

Im a big10 fan... a big one. I went to Northwestern and Iowa after arkansas. So I have always watched a ton of big ten. I don't think it was a 50 / 50 balanced offense at wisconsin. And I could be wrong.

But I think CBB is great in some areas. one is that he knows how to adapt.

I believe its definitely a balanced offense now.

It wasn't balanced at Wisconsin, it has been here for the most part.  The passing game just hasn't always been successful.  He knew he had to be more balanced when he moved to the SEC.

[HamSammich]

I agree

[hawg IQ]

His plan was to have a balanced offensive attack from day 1 in the SEC.  He just hired the wrong OC to begin with (Chaney).  The theory of him planning to run a BIG 10 power based, run only offense with a limited passing game has never been proven to be true.  I'm not even sure where this theory started.  Maybe a preconceived notion by fans.

It Is obvious BB is starting to get the SEC mindset. even with BP there was a process. Its not for the faint of heart. Its like no, this ant fun so much, businesslike, But once you get there. There is cheat, crooked recruiting and so forth. Its a war, stuff happens, unpleasant things come more often. But you grow, you see.  BB is arriving and has the ability to take it on, to coach, to grow and get to a place where we can compete.  These are the things that makes him coach, not just a coach But an SEC coach !  I for one appreciate where he is busting his butt to take us.

[DeltaBoy]

It great to see Coach learn and grow.  I expect better things every year with this Staff.

[Jim Harris]

Ok.
That still doesn't excuse rolls vs roles.

Surprised by uncomparable.  BB is a polished spokesman......Usually.

When and if he says "I get so flustrated," I'll do the eye roll. Until then ....

[Hardcore Hoggy]

I don't know about that, but he probably didn't understand prior to coming into the Conference, just how deep the talent was among the better teams in the conference at a variety of positions. I think saying that he had no clue at all is a tad over the top. I do think that he might have been surprised to some extent.

I think the depth is what surprised him. I mean the truth is, the SEC doesn't really have better starters than other leagues (we're talking top programs here) but what they do have more of is quality depth. At Wisconsin he could build a big powerful team and lean on teams for 3 quarters until their starters were wore out, then win in the 4th quarter. In the  SEC , that doesn't work. Alabama, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Auburn, TAMU all programs that consistently have enough talent to weather that sort of storm. I believe we see Arkansas becoming one of those programs as well.

[RT1941]

Im a big10 fan... a big one. I went to Northwestern and Iowa after arkansas. So I have always watched a ton of big ten. I don't think it was a 50 / 50 balanced offense at wisconsin. And I could be wrong.

But I think CBB is great in some areas. one is that he knows how to adapt.

I believe its definitely a balanced offense now.

Knowing how to adapt in this conference is paramount IMHO.

Some coaches in this conference has proven that they can be stubborn, pig headed and they will stick to their philosophy even if it jeopardizes their job.....i.e. Les Miles & Gus Malzhan.

A head coach that will adapt his philosophy and make changes within his program to gain an advantage or put his team in a better position to win will be the most successful in the long run. i.e. Nick Saban

[Vantage 8 dude]

I would think that another factor that may have surprised CBB to some degree is the overall speed found on both sides of the ball. Nothing like this particular factor to separate the truly elite from the more run-of-the-mill programs and conferences.

[Biggus Piggus]

How many teams besides Alabama have that much depth on the defensive line? LSU is usually good but not that deep. Florida usually is similar to LSU. Everybody else has much less depth.

[hoghevn]

Knowing how to adapt in this conference is paramount IMHO.

Some coaches in this conference has proven that they can be stubborn, pig headed and they will stick to their philosophy even if it jeopardizes their job.....i.e. Les Miles & Gus Malzhan.

A head coach that will adapt his philosophy and make changes within his program to gain an advantage or put his team in a better position to win will be the most successful in the long run. i.e. Nick Saban

Totally agree!  Great point!!

  Our coach has shown he knows how to adapt.

[Paul]

I learned the difference when I went to the 81 Sugar Bowl.  I couldn't believe how much bigger & faster Bama was.