We will play in a significant bowl this year.

[JIHawg]

Definitely News Years Day, possibly BCS.  Before you ask what I'm smoking, check it out.  The 65% of us who want a coaching change just have to figure out a way to put the soap opera aside and enjoy this great team.  To continue to focus on Nutt will rob one of enjoying the following:

Offensive Line-maybe the real secret of this team.  In case you haven't noticed, we have quietly assembled a very athletic quick two deep offensive line.  The sophomore center is already on some watch lists, and Tubbs could be a little Shawn if he stays healthy.  Plenty of depth here, and the best overall talent in years.

The game is won in the trenches you say-you ought to be on cloud nine.  We may not have an Outland Award guy, but we have eight solid performers ready to go in the defensive line, where it all starts.  The backers are thin but there's some tweeners that can move here if needed, and Olajibutu will captain a real Herring team that will play like a pack of starving dogs.  The Grant move will shore up the safety position, and there's plenty of corners to keep fresh guys in there.  Herring has had a year to get his system in.  This group will keep us in every game this year.

Quarterback-I don't care who wins it, the baseline is Mitch, another Joe Montana type talent, and if one of the other guys is good enough to beat out him, so be it, that means they're playing real good.  If it's Mitch, then it can't be soon enough. 

Receivers-tons of talent when you add the backs and new guys to the group.  If you can't find some starters among Monk, Washington, Marquiz, Felix, Hillis, McFadden, London, and did I mention the two Springdale guys, then you need to be selling used cars or something.

Backs-see above.  We have the best backs in America.

Kickers-this team's so good it won't need any kickers.

Gus-finally, an unpredictable balanced take what the defense gives you offense.  We will have all the options we need, and the guy in charge pulling the trigger who knows which one to use.  Finally, we really do have an offensive genius on board.  His perfectionism and work ethic will guarantee that we will maximize our offensive practices and be ready for the games.

Nutt, bless his heart, will be freed up to do a better job at managing the overall game, avoiding the crazy 4th and 1 SCarolina decisions and such.  There should be a lot less bonehead stuff from the sidelines.

The schedule is the best in years.

Tell your boss now you're going to need some vacation time between Jan 1 and Jan 5.  A guy doesn't need to be working when this team reaches it's pinnacle.

Request:  Please don't use this string to bash Nutt, nothing new can be said in that area that hasn't been said before.  This is a holiday feel good string.  If you can't get with that, just wander off to another string.

[ClubChubby]

I hope you're right. If everything falls into place, you may be.

[casken]

I too hope you are right!

[longtimeHogfan]

A lot depends whether dale can stay out of the way...

[musiccityhog]

I agree with everything except the fact that we will need a kicker.

[rzrbaxfan]

Kickers-this team's so good it won't need any kickers.

Not so fast my friend.  Kickers have cost us a few games in the Nutt era and will continue to do so unless he makes recruiting a decent kicker a priority.  In addition, we need a punt returner who does more than just catch the ball.  I love Hillis, but we have to have someone better suited to return punts.

Defense is improving, but still not great.  Who knows about the offense.  If both click this year, I think we are going to find out our weakness is special teams.

[VoR]

I too hope you are right, I don't think so, I think this team is a year away from being very good.

O-line, my question is, how soon will they learn to pass block, no matter who the QB is it is next to impossible to complete passes when in a horizontal position.

Defense, if GM is successful in getting a lot of his playbook installed and we are successful in running it, will the defense be deep enough to survive it - from most I read, GM's offense is predicated on scoring fast and scoring often, if the defense has to spend close to 40 minutes a game on the field will the games be repeats of the Ark/Houston game where it comes down to who has the ball last.

QB - see O-line, also while I think MM will make a fantastic QB, I don't think he has the supporting cast in a team that can overcome some of the freshman mistakes that are sure to come - Manning did a great job his freshman year, but I don't think we can put this years Hogs on the same level as that years Tenn. team.

Receivers - agree, I think they will be the suprise of the year, if O-line can keep whoever the QB is from passing from a horizontal position.

Back's - they are definitely in the elite.

Kickers - We need kickers, from a kicker that can punch it deep enough so not to have returns, to PAT's ( if the defense wilts we will need every point), to a punter that can pooch kick it 34 yards down to the 5 instead of 39 yards for a touchback. Kickers will be required for a good year.

GM - taking a wait and see attitude, not that I don't think he can be successful, but more if he will be allowed to be successful.

HDN - he's my biggest worry right now, even though he should have less to concern himself, will he, or will his head explode like Drakehogs avatar from not being being totally in charge.

Schedule - this 1 is the best we've had for a long time.

I say after all the dust clears anywheres from 8-5 to 10-4, but that doesn't mean I don't hope I am wrong and you are right.

[TulsaHawg]

O-line, my question is, how soon will they learn to pass block, no matter who the QB is it is next to impossible to complete passes when in a horizontal position.

You might be interested in Jerry's assessment of this subject. 

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php/topic,58703.0.html

[Chuck Beavers]

If you can't find some starters among Monk, Washington, Marquiz, Felix, Hillis, McFadden, London, and did I mention the two Springdale guys, then you need to be selling used cars or something.

Didn't you ask us not to talk about Nutt?

[TulsaHawg]

O-line, my question is, how soon will they learn to pass block, no matter who the QB is it is next to impossible to complete passes when in a horizontal position.

You might be interested in Jerry's assessment of this subject. 

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php/topic,58703.0.html

Coming from a guy who played for Nutt I would have to take it with a grain of salt. I saw the results from when Jerry played, the QB's were running for their lives.

Thought I read on here that the guys who played for Nutt didn't like him. 

At any rate, I will take Jerry's assessment over yours on this subject.  Think he has more expertise in the area.

Perhaps you should just "skip" it.

[TulsaHawg]

O-line, my question is, how soon will they learn to pass block, no matter who the QB is it is next to impossible to complete passes when in a horizontal position.

You might be interested in Jerry's assessment of this subject. 

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php/topic,58703.0.html

Coming from a guy who played for Nutt I would have to take it with a grain of salt. I saw the results from when Jerry played, the QB's were running for their lives.

Thought I read on here that the guys who played for Nutt didn't like him. 

At any rate, I will take Jerry's assessment over yours on this subject.  Think he has more expertise in the area.

Perhaps you should just "skip" it.

What you need to do is quit trying every way possible to make excuses for your hero Nutt.  He is the worst thing to happen to this program in my lifetime or yours.  Let me ask you something, what are you going to do after this year when he is gone? Are you going to follow Nutt or the Razorbacks?  You know tickets will become much harder to come by once he is gone.  I am sure where ever he lands you could always get a seat to watch him coach.

I won't have any problems getting my tickets, regardless of who the coach may be.  Perhaps you will. 

BTW, you going to any of the games this year, or are you going to wait outside?

[wincrimson]

I've penciled in Arkansas for the Outback.

[TulsaHawg]

O-line, my question is, how soon will they learn to pass block, no matter who the QB is it is next to impossible to complete passes when in a horizontal position.

You might be interested in Jerry's assessment of this subject. 

http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php/topic,58703.0.html

Coming from a guy who played for Nutt I would have to take it with a grain of salt. I saw the results from when Jerry played, the QB's were running for their lives.

Thought I read on here that the guys who played for Nutt didn't like him. 

At any rate, I will take Jerry's assessment over yours on this subject.  Think he has more expertise in the area.

Perhaps you should just "skip" it.

What you need to do is quit trying every way possible to make excuses for your hero Nutt.  He is the worst thing to happen to this program in my lifetime or yours.  Let me ask you something, what are you going to do after this year when he is gone? Are you going to follow Nutt or the Razorbacks?  You know tickets will become much harder to come by once he is gone.  I am sure where ever he lands you could always get a seat to watch him coach.

I won't have any problems getting my tickets, regardless of who the coach may be.  Perhaps you will. 

BTW, you going to any of the games this year, or are you going to wait outside?

I go to all the games, I hold season tickets and make a donation.  Now what do you do? Do you  try and sneak in with Nutt?  Or do you look for a hole in the fence?

What are you going to bitch about when we have a very successful season this year?

BTW, why don't you go over to Jerry's forum and tell him he doesn't know what he is tlking about on the OL.

[TulsaHawg]

Based on your preception of successful, which must be 4 or 5 wins like your hero had the last two years, I would say I will not like it.  To me 10 wins or more is successful, since Nutt has never won 10 games in a season since he has been here I would don't believe he will start now.

You are wrong about so much.  You should be used to it I guess.

How about Jerry?  Noticed you conveniently ommitted that.

[WilsonHog]

Directions should be simple to follow, shouldn't they?  Looks like JI's plea at the bottom of his original post was ignored by one or two folks.

Anyway, back to serious discussion.

You may well be right, JI. The key, at least as I see it, is how well the coaching staff gels. Better play in the secondary wouldn't hurt either, and I suspect we'll see just that with Louis Campbell coaching our DBs.

Now ya'll (or some of ya'll) may resume your illogical rantings.

Or go mount a statue of a horse, depending on your preference for leisure time activities.   

[WilsonHog]

The personal attacks in this thread will stop right now, or some folks will be placed in time out for a day or two.

Period. 

[HoggusMaximus]

everyone is talking about a new years day bowl and we had one prediction for arkansas going to the Outback bowl, please tell me how this years team will be THAT much different from last. besides DW BC and LC playing at recievers most likly the O-line will not be ready for a pass block after numerious straight years of run block if we put MM in and he isnt ready, we are liable to destroy his confidence. CD is the best bet at QB right now. Running backs will be excellent as usual. I do expect our Defense to play better this year tho.

[ErieHog]

everyone is talking about a new years day bowl and we had one prediction for arkansas going to the Outback bowl, please tell me how this years team will be THAT much different from last. besides DW BC and LC playing at recievers most likly the O-line will not be ready for a pass block after numerious straight years of run block if we put MM in and he isnt ready, we are liable to destroy his confidence. CD is the best bet at QB right now. Running backs will be excellent as usual. I do expect our Defense to play better this year tho.

It'll be a year more experienced, for starters.  The team will also feature more quality depth at the skill positions, and will actually have a full season's worth of the defensive scheme in place.   Last year the Hogs lost 4 conference games by a combined 13 points-- that's a product of experience, maturity, and execution.  Whether or not the offense develops (it could hardly be less than last year's) any sort of second dimension, things should be better.

[hoggystyle78]

There's alot of questions that need to be answered before I'm ready to declare the Hogs place in a BCS bowl, however, it would not be out of the realm of possibility for our boys to kick some SEC butt and play in Florida in January, here's hoping this thread comes true, i for one will be ecstatic if the Hogs do well.

[TulsaHawg]

Directions should be simple to follow, shouldn't they?  Looks like JI's plea at the bottom of his original post was ignored by one or two folks.

Anyway, back to serious discussion.

You may well be right, JI. The key, at least as I see it, is how well the coaching staff gels. Better play in the secondary wouldn't hurt either, and I suspect we'll see just that with Louis Campbell coaching our DBs.

Now ya'll (or some of ya'll) may resume your illogical rantings.

Or go mount a statue of a horse, depending on your preference for leisure time activities.   

Don't forget the OL.  They are being ranked quite highly by some folks. That will be a big key if accurate.  Jerry thinks they will do a good job.


I will take the liberty to share a post by GUVHOG in another thread comparing the talent now to that here in 98:

"QB - Agreed
RB - Agreed (Lindy,s #1 SEC, #3 Nationwide)
WR - Better (Deeper, Add Incoming Talent)
OL - Better ( Deeper, Lindy's #2 SEC, #4 Nationwide)
DL - Much Better ( Deeper/More talented, Lindy,s #1 SEC #4 Nationwide)
LB - Agreed
BD - Better (Lindy,s #5 SEC)
Overall - Much Better, Deeper."

Lindy's rankings are interesting, don't you think?

JI may be close to right.

[Bacons Rebellion]

A year can make an incredible difference in an offensive line. Look at 1994-95 4-7 to 8-2 (before we imploded). And 97 to 98 4-7 to 9-3. Both sets of teams had basically the same offensive lines but with a year more experience.. The 98 team also had an infusion of energy in a new young coaching staff

I believe we'll end up with a serviceable kicker. Not Steve Little, but serviceable. I'm confident the freshmen will help at wide receiver. I'm still concerned about quarterback.

I do not find convincing the logic that says since the line blocked well for the run last year, they cannot block well for the pass this year.

Predicting a BCS appearance is too much with questions we have, but I won't be surprised if we're still in the race for the west on Thanksgiving day.

[HBTHogs]

Definitely News Years Day, possibly BCS.  Before you ask what I'm smoking, check it out.  The 65% of us who want a coaching change just have to figure out a way to put the soap opera aside and enjoy this great team.  To continue to focus on Nutt will rob one of enjoying the following:

Offensive Line-maybe the real secret of this team.  In case you haven't noticed, we have quietly assembled a very athletic quick two deep offensive line.  The sophomore center is already on some watch lists, and Tubbs could be a little Shawn if he stays healthy.  Plenty of depth here, and the best overall talent in years.

The game is won in the trenches you say-you ought to be on cloud nine.  We may not have an Outland Award guy, but we have eight solid performers ready to go in the defensive line, where it all starts.  The backers are thin but there's some tweeners that can move here if needed, and Olajibutu will captain a real Herring team that will play like a pack of starving dogs.  The Grant move will shore up the safety position, and there's plenty of corners to keep fresh guys in there.  Herring has had a year to get his system in.  This group will keep us in every game this year.

Quarterback-I don't care who wins it, the baseline is Mitch, another Joe Montana type talent, and if one of the other guys is good enough to beat out him, so be it, that means they're playing real good.  If it's Mitch, then it can't be soon enough. 

Receivers-tons of talent when you add the backs and new guys to the group.  If you can't find some starters among Monk, Washington, Marquiz, Felix, Hillis, McFadden, London, and did I mention the two Springdale guys, then you need to be selling used cars or something.

Backs-see above.  We have the best backs in America.

Kickers-this team's so good it won't need any kickers.

Gus-finally, an unpredictable balanced take what the defense gives you offense.  We will have all the options we need, and the guy in charge pulling the trigger who knows which one to use.  Finally, we really do have an offensive genius on board.  His perfectionism and work ethic will guarantee that we will maximize our offensive practices and be ready for the games.

Nutt, bless his heart, will be freed up to do a better job at managing the overall game, avoiding the crazy 4th and 1 SCarolina decisions and such.  There should be a lot less bonehead stuff from the sidelines.

The schedule is the best in years.

Tell your boss now you're going to need some vacation time between Jan 1 and Jan 5.  A guy doesn't need to be working when this team reaches it's pinnacle.

Request:  Please don't use this string to bash Nutt, nothing new can be said in that area that hasn't been said before.  This is a holiday feel good string.  If you can't get with that, just wander off to another string.

I agree, we should win at least nine games and are going to be good enough to be a real Cinderella.  Also, don't forget Michael Smith in the backfield.  Nobody is counting on him and I think he may prove to be as good as Felix.

[LZH]

The first weekend in September won't tell everything...but it will say alot.

[Feralhog]

 We have the personnel to make a serious challenge for the West, especially if the close losses was indeed a sign that last season, we were young and very talented. 

I go along with your assessment that if the QB isn't Mitch, that means the guy who is QB is playing really well. 

I like our line depth on both sides of the ball, and IMO, Anderson may be the best DE we've had since Nutt arrived.

I've been bitching about the LB's for several season's now, still a huge question. Nothing good coaching can't overcome.

Secondary should be decent, but the fact that we are lacking at LB means the SS needs to be damn good.  Grant is physical but being a physical DB where you can take some downs off, is a far cry from playing a position where you are required to be physical, every stinkin down.   

I've been bitching about our receiving corp. ever since Fitz Hill left.  Fact of the matter is, our route running is awful, we are inconsistent in our downfield blocking, and the simple truth is, one has to question the toughness of these guys.  The dogging of routes over the middle contributes as much to our "pass to the flat mentality, as Nutt's nail biting play calling.

RB's may be the best since Ben Cowens. 

Of course, all this is predicated on whether or not Nutt will allow his assistants to do their job!

[wacohog]

I really want to be excited, but am too cautious at this point. I know we have some strengths, but so does the entire SEC( with a few exceptions.) We get better, but so do the others.

It seems that we always are around 7 or 8 in the SEC, and until I see otherwise, I'll bet that is where we'll end up.

I really hate to be so pessimistic( or is it realism?)

[rzrbaxfan]

I've penciled in Arkansas for the Outback.

The Outback likes teams from the east.  You have to go back about 10 years to see the last time they didn't.  Auburn & Bama have been, but I just done see Outback picking us.  Bowls pick based on ticket sales and I don't think we sell enough to impress the furthest SEC bowl from us.

I may be wrong, and I hope I am..I'd love to see Tampa.  But if I think the only J1 bowl that will pick us is the Cotton.

[Sao Ming]

Put down the koolaid and walk away.

You do realize that drinking the 'kool-aid' is not a positive statement don't you.  Those who drink the kool-aid consider it as hopeless, and thus suicide ensues.  Rev. Jim Jones...Guyana tragedy?  The premise of the thread was positive.

[forrest city joe]

                             If you mean BCS bowl. NO.

[Feralhog]

Put down the koolaid and walk away.

You do realize that drinking the 'kool-aid' is not a positive statement don't you.  Those who drink the kool-aid consider it as hopeless, and thus suicide ensues.  Rev. Jim Jones...Guyana tradegy?  the premise of the thread was positive.

The concept of drinking  Kool-Aid has nothing to do with the subject's context being positive or negative.  The purpose is to compare the lost sheep, buying into the company line in similar fashion as the  followers of Jim Jones.  Those people willingly drank Kool-Aid spiked with lethal dosages of barbiturates, not because they agreed with Jones that the situation was hopeless.  They drank the Kool-Aid because Jones told them to, and they were convinced the friker was God!  It may be subtle, but there is a difference.

[TulsaHawg]

Put down the koolaid and walk away.

You do realize that drinking the 'kool-aid' is not a positive statement don't you.  Those who drink the kool-aid consider it as hopeless, and thus suicide ensues.  Rev. Jim Jones...Guyana tradegy?  the premise of the thread was positive.

The concept of drinking  Kool-Aid has nothing to do with the subject's context being positive or negative.  The purpose is to compare the lost sheep, buying into the company line in similar fashion as the  followers of Jim Jones.  Those people willingly drank Kool-Aid spiked with lethal dosages of barbiturates, not because they agreed with Jones that the situation was hopeless.  They drank the Kool-Aid because Jones told them to, and they were convinced the friker was God!  It may be subtle, but there is a difference.

For the purpose of accuracy Feral, indeed some did act as you have conveyed, however there were many of Jones' followers who were "forced" to drink the Kool-Aid.   

Nobody in the Hog kingdom is being forced to drink anything, and furthermore, I sincerely doubt that any of the fans believe that HDN is a football deity.  Furthermore, I ain't no "lost sheep".

Houston Nutt is our football coach, and many of us believe that he has accomplished a lot of good things in his 8 years here.  Of course there is room for improvement, but he is the only Head Football Coach we have at the UA at the moment, and as such, he deserves our support.  I want the Hogs to succeed this year.  That means Houston Nutt will have to succeed this year.

Many of  us believe that the stage is set for a very good season before us.  I am excited about the new coaching talent HDN has brought on board the past couple of years.  I am excited about the new offense Gus is implementing.   I am excited about the improvement in the defense that Reggie is leading.  I am excited to see how the players returning from last year have improved from the being that much more experienced.  I am also excited about the new players who are coming into the program this coming season....players who spurned offers from schools such as Texas, Florida, Notre Dame, and on and on, in order to play for our Hogs.

If that is "drinking the Kool-Aid" my friend, then give me another glass!  Heck!  Forget the glass!  Give me a whole dadgum BARRELL!!! 

[NEAHAWG]

I see at least 9 regular season wins, losses being USC, LSU and Auburn.  We might get one more from those 3. 

Another poster said he does not believe we will get to Tampa, I agree, it will be Dallas if we are not SEC champions and in the BCS.  The Outback will pick the team from the East that will sell the most Tickets or one of these three LSU, Aubrun or Alabama.  Capital City Bowl(First pick after BCS) will pick one of those as  well. 
That leaves the Peach, Cotton, both January bowls, we have never gotten the Peach and I don't believe we will this year.  So it will be the Cotton, Liberty(If they come into the SEC list this year), Independence or if there is some kind of wierd happening the Music City(If we are the only team available).

[abq]

We've got some great things to look forward to. This coming season will be good, but the following season will be what we've been waiting for. I'm seeing Cotton Bowl this year with a BCS bowl the year after. Things are looking bright.

What I wonder, really wonder, is why every damn thread has to turn into a bash HDN thread. Geez guys, nothing is gonna change over the summer. I understand people like Hogmania have a personal vendetta against the man, but let it go.

What I would love to see is folks doing research on the team, with posts about who and what are our strengths in the secondary, the Dline, the Oline, the QB situation, and what about the kicking game. That's what I want to read about.

[TulsaHawg]

What I would love to see is folks doing research on the team, with posts about who and what are our strengths in the secondary, the Dline, the Oline, the QB situation, and what about the kicking game. That's what I want to read about.

ABQ, speaking if the O Line...did you see that thread where GuvHog was talking about how highly Lindy's had rated our OL? 

Kind of surprised to hear that.  Seems like I've heard so much criticism of them.  Good to hear someone thinks so highly of them.  They could really be the key to a successful offense for us.

[abq]

What I would love to see is folks doing research on the team, with posts about who and what are our strengths in the secondary, the Dline, the Oline, the QB situation, and what about the kicking game. That's what I want to read about.

ABQ, speaking if the O Line...did you see that thread where GuvHog was talking about how highly Lindy's had rated our OL? 

Kind of surprised to hear that.  Seems like I've heard so much criticism of them.  Good to hear someone thinks so highly of them.  They could really be the key to a successful offense for us.

As a matter of fact I was very pleased to read that. I just wish he would have expounded more on that subject. I could talk about that all day.

Sounds like we are finally loading up with quality linemen. They may not be superstars, but they're solid. I like it. That's what I want to read about when I logon. That being said, I don't mind reading honest criticism of the program, but I'm tired of reading the same old crap. Let's talk about the Hogs dammit!

[BlackKnightHogFan]

Put down the koolaid and walk away.

You do realize that drinking the 'kool-aid' is not a positive statement don't you.  Those who drink the kool-aid consider it as hopeless, and thus suicide ensues.  Rev. Jim Jones...Guyana tradegy?  the premise of the thread was positive.

The concept of drinking  Kool-Aid has nothing to do with the subject's context being positive or negative.  The purpose is to compare the lost sheep, buying into the company line in similar fashion as the  followers of Jim Jones.  Those people willingly drank Kool-Aid spiked with lethal dosages of barbiturates, not because they agreed with Jones that the situation was hopeless.  They drank the Kool-Aid because Jones told them to, and they were convinced the friker was God!  It may be subtle, but there is a difference.

For the purpose of accuracy Feral, indeed some did act as you have conveyed, however there were many of Jones' followers who were "forced" to drink the Kool-Aid.   

Nobody in the Hog kingdom is being forced to drink anything, and furthermore, I sincerely doubt that any of the fans believe that HDN is a football deity.  Furthermore, I ain't know "lost sheep".

Houston Nutt is our football coach, and many of us believe that he has accomplished a lot of good things in his 8 years here.  Of course there is room for improvement, but he is the only Head Football Coach we have at the UA at the moment, and as such, he deserves our support.  I want the Hogs to succeed this year.  That means Houston Nutt will have to succeed this year.

Many of  us believe that the stage is set for a very good season before us.  I am excited about the new coaching talent HDN has brought on board the past couple of years.  I am excited about the new offense Gus is implementing.   I am excited about the improvement in the defense that Reggie is leading.  I am excited to see how the players returning from last year have improved from the being that much more experienced.  I am also excited about the new players who are coming into the program this coming season....players who spurned offers from schools such as Texas, Florida, Notre Dame, and on and on, in order to play for our Hogs.

If that is "drinking the Kool-Aid" my friend, then give me another glass!  Heck!  Forget the glass!  Give me a whole dadgum BARRELL!!! 

Sounds like you've already had enough.

Hogmania,

Not attacking you or your opinion.  However, this year sets up to be a very good year, with the home games.  I am quite dissatisfied with the performance of the team the past two years.  Yet, I am excited with the promise this year holds.  Maybe I won't be so optimistic in October, but until that time gets here I will not prejudge.  We need to have a 8-4 or 9-3 year this year, but until the year starts you should not condemn this team.  Give them a chance before you send them to the bottom of the D-1 ratings.

[Feralhog]

We've got some great things to look forward to. This coming season will be good, but the following season will be what we've been waiting for. I'm seeing Cotton Bowl this year with a BCS bowl the year after. Things are looking bright.

What I wonder, really wonder, is why every damn thread has to turn into a bash HDN thread. Geez guys, nothing is gonna change over the summer. I understand people like Hogmania have a personal vendetta against the man, but let it go.

What I would love to see is folks doing research on the team, with posts about who and what are our strengths in the secondary, the Dline, the Oline, the QB situation, and what about the kicking game. That's what I want to read about.

I hope you weren't directing this towards me?  I wasn't bashing Nutt, as a matter of fact, my post on the subject was rather positive.   

My  response to the definition of drinking Kool-Aid, was not intended to be negative towards, Nutt.  To my credit, I refrained from responding  to the subsequent lecture from Tulsahawg because I didn't want to derail the thread.

I hope fans expectations for this season are very high.    As long as high expectations doesn't equate to qualifying for the weedeating, Cici's pizza bowl in Gnome Alaska.  (I understand, the original post said a good bowl, that's why I responded positively.)  I'll simply add, it's about friken time expectations are elevated among our fans, and I too would like to read more threads breaking down the X's and O'x for the upcoming season.   

[forrest city joe]

                           K.eep  fooling  yourselves folks. what you are looking at this year and next is more of what you have gotten the first six years. none bcs bowl ggames, and bad records against  the  better  sec  teams. my opinion is we are right back where we were 3 years ago. IN SHREVEPORT.

[forrest city joe]

              sorrt for the typos, was in to big of a hurry. but my point is, iy's not going to change as long as nutt is here.

[JIHawg]

                           K.eep  fooling  yourselves folks. what you are looking at this year and next is more of what you have gotten the first six years. none bcs bowl ggames, and bad records against  the  better  sec  teams. my opinion is we are right back where we were 3 years ago. IN SHREVEPORT.

Joe, if Gus' hands are tied, I agree with you.  If his hands aren't tied and he really does run the offense, would you have a better prediction?

[go hogues]

Kickers-this team's so good it won't need any kickers.

I know you were meaning for your topic to be positive, so +1 for you.  However, the kickers statement is ridiculous. 

[JIHawg]

Kickers-this team's so good it won't need any kickers.

I know you were meaning for your topic to be positive, so +1 for you.  However, the kickers statement is ridiculous. 

You're right.  Sometimes my hyperbole ain't so obviously so.

[Feralhog]

There's still a few holes 2 deep, but I believe the potential for us having a great run in the West is very good.  My hope is HDN will embrace the situation, and we finally get this train rolling down the track.   

[Fire Numb Nutts!!!]

We've got some great things to look forward to. This coming season will be good, but the following season will be what we've been waiting for. I'm seeing Cotton Bowl this year with a BCS bowl the year after. Things are looking bright.

What I wonder, really wonder, is why every damn thread has to turn into a bash HDN thread. Geez guys, nothing is gonna change over the summer. I understand people like Hogmania have a personal vendetta against the man, but let it go.

What I would love to see is folks doing research on the team, with posts about who and what are our strengths in the secondary, the Dline, the Oline, the QB situation, and what about the kicking game. That's what I want to read about.

Never happen. Have you forgotten who the head coach is?

It doesn't matter if we have a team of All Americans, if the head is rotten, the body will fail. Remember 2003, Numb Nutts' "year of destiny"?

The only "Outback" this team is going to see under Numb Nutts is the steak dinner at the end of the year -- and no meaningful bowl game. I'm sure there'll be plenty of Kool Ade on tap, though.

[WilsonHog]

We've got some great things to look forward to. This coming season will be good, but the following season will be what we've been waiting for. I'm seeing Cotton Bowl this year with a BCS bowl the year after. Things are looking bright.

What I wonder, really wonder, is why every damn thread has to turn into a bash HDN thread. Geez guys, nothing is gonna change over the summer. I understand people like Hogmania have a personal vendetta against the man, but let it go.

What I would love to see is folks doing research on the team, with posts about who and what are our strengths in the secondary, the Dline, the Oline, the QB situation, and what about the kicking game. That's what I want to read about.

I would love to see those kind of posts too, but I'm not holding my breath. Those posts generally contain more substance than most are capable of posting. Takes much less thought just to scream, "Fire HDN!" over and over. 

[Hawgon]

If we couldn't do it with that team in 03, we won't be able to do it here.  Eight wins tops and Shreveport here we come.  That should get Nutt fired, but I expect that the same old characters will be on here talking about how 07 will be 'our year' with everything we have coming back. Yawn....

[ClubChubby]

I am concerned about the oline too. I know we've got talent returning as well as depth, and that is a big plus. My concern is with passblocking. I read Jerry's take on it, and he makes sense. Only problem is that we can't pass the ball effectively using zone blocking and only 1 or 2 receivers. Just isn't going to happen. I'll go so far as to say that it isn't even possible.

Which means we'll be forced to use the man blocking scheme on passing plays. Jerry says the line will have to communicate with each other at the los. Does that mean the D will immediately know we are about to throw it? That would take some of the element of surprise out of our offense wouldn't it?

I'm trying not to bash here, but I truthfully cannot remember very many plays since stoerner where our qb was not running for his life before he even made his first read. And that was using zone blocking, since we've never had more than two receivers in the pattern.

I think there are some serious questions regarding our coaches ability to teach successful passblocking.

Also, I think we will have a hard time ever getting past the cotton bowl. Those eastern bowls will pick auburn or bama, even if we finish ahead of them. The only way to get better than cotton is to go bcs.

[JIHawg]

Club-lets hope that Gus shoves correct blocking schemes up Markuson's tight end.  Also, with our skill players being nationally prominent, and if Mitch stars early, with a story like Gus and a character like Herring, the bowls will be fighting over us. 

[GuvHog]

In 1999 arkansas played Michigan in the  CAPITAL ONE BOWL.
They've taken western division teams a few times since.
Divisions don't matter, they will take the higest non - BCS team
in the SEC.

[rzrbaxfan]

In 1999 arkansas played Michigan in the  CAPITAL ONE BOWL.
They've taken western division teams a few times since.
Divisions don't matter, they will take the higest non - BCS team
in the SEC.

And we haven't been back since because teams like Tenn, Aub, & LSU sell more tickets in Florida than we do.

If they take the highest non-bcs team, why did we fall to one of the lowest bowls in 2002 after "winning" the west?

Bowls pick based on predicted ticket sales, not rankings.

[T-Bag Hawg]

8-4=Cotton Bowl  all fans will be happy! Not me, i want to go to Fla, or New Orleans.