Malzahn Question

[Happy Hogger]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

[The_Iceman]

we were undefeated in the SEC with him calling the plays.....

what do you think?


Bring Gus back as OC next year, and we will be a top 10 team by 2009.

[big john]

were no better then  any team its bad coaching for us we go t mr, nutt to thank for all this.

[Houston h]

CUSA is pretty weak but they put up huge numbers against anybody they play including Oklahoma and we all know they have a pretty good team.  His offense will work in any conference, the spread is the way of the future and teams across the country are moving towards it............all but Arkansas of course.

[gcraise1]

GM proved last year it would work in the SEC by not only giving DORK a ring, but by also being named SEC OC of the Year!!!!! And GM did this by tweaking and using an "approved" list of plays from HDN. I say bring him back and you will see even better stats and wins than he currently has at tulsa and we have at arkansas. Last year we took a step towards the future of college football. This year we have gone back 30 years to the 70's style of paw paw football. JMO.

[cpohog]

Offensive prowess.

The Power of Positive Thinking is not to be underestimated in any sports. I believe Coach Malzahn brought that to the table. As the Offensive Coordinator last year, his players were rejuvinated by the Power of Positive thinking and it spread from the offensive side of the team to the defensive side. Coach Malzahn presents an element of surprise that keeps the defenses guessing which in turn keeps them off balance. Even with the QB that we have right now and the receivers that we have Coach Malzahn would fnd a way to be creative and make something happen with the opposing teams stacking 7,8 and 9 in the box.

[gohogs728]

I'm confused.  I thought Gus didn't call the plays last year...

[PolishPigPower]

I believe it is a combination of the two, but offensive prowess is weighted more heavily than defensive shortcomings.  Reference the Tulsa/OU game.  OU clearly had more talent on the field than Tulsa, but the Tulsa passing attack put up good numbers on the Sooners.  The rushing totals were weak, but in watching that game, I believe it could be attributed strictly to a highly noticeable size/speed difference in the trenches.

Also, look at things this way... our offense was at the top of the SEC and the nation last year.  This year, it is woefully pathetic.  What is the difference between the two seasons?  One constant was removed in Gus Malzahn, and one "partial constant" was removed in Mitch Mustain.  I believe Mal-uh-zahn's departure to be of more key importance than MM's, and I do believe that Gus had a better shot at turning Casey Dick into an SEC-caliber QB than the current group of clowns ever will.

[Silver Hog]

Bring Gus back on a one year trial and see how it goes. If he stinks he leaved, if he does well he stays.

[gohogs728]

I personally think he would do great.  I would love a new coach.  I am not ready to name Gus head coach, but I would def. like to see him come back as coordinator.  I just think it is funny how the majority on here said last year that Gus wasn't calling the plays or even running any of his offense, yet now everyone on this thread wants to say how great he was last year.  Quite a contradiction don't ya think???

[gcraise1]

go, why confused? If you watched the hogs play you could tell the difference between this year and last year. I for one knew last year IMO GM played the calls. The problem was that HDN on gave him a certain number of "approved" plays to call. And he still tweaked them to work for 10 wins. So if your still confused give ole HDN a call he can show you the light.

[Jeff "hogfanintx" Anderson]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

well they did more against ou than TX or Miami Ibelieve.

[hawgwilde]

I personally think he would do great.  I would love a new coach.  I am not ready to name Gus head coach, but I would def. like to see him come back as coordinator.  I just think it is funny how the majority on here said last year that Gus wasn't calling the plays or even running any of his offense, yet now everyone on this thread wants to say how great he was last year.  Quite a contradiction don't ya think???

It's not a contradiction.  Gus wasn't calling the plays.  He was calling the plays that the MSM said he would call throughout the course of the game.  He just got creative with the formations, that's why the difference this year.  Ego will not allow them to mix up the formations this year...gotta be different than Gus.

Don't believe this?  Look it up in past news articles.  The offense was run by committee.  This was stated by Nuttjob several times.

[PolishPigPower]

I personally think he would do great.  I would love a new coach.  I am not ready to name Gus head coach, but I would def. like to see him come back as coordinator.  I just think it is funny how the majority on here said last year that Gus wasn't calling the plays or even running any of his offense, yet now everyone on this thread wants to say how great he was last year.  Quite a contradiction don't ya think???

Early in the year, Gus was given a framework of plays that could be used.  Certain players had to get a certain amount of touches, and only certain plays could be used to get them those touches.  In other words, HDN created the walls to constrain Gus, but he excelled despite them.  When times got tough late in the year, the play selections were reduced and HDN exercised his veto power more and more often.  The playcalling appeared to be different and more tightly called in the Wisconsin game than before, as well as late in the LSU game.  Those looked like how this year's game are being called.

[bphi11ips]

I'm confused.  I thought Gus didn't call the plays last year...

No, you're a disengenuous smart aleck. 

[Hoggish1]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

It's a moot point in my estimation.  Just compare last year to this one and you get your answer.  Gus was good at taking Nutt's offense and making it work.  It wasn't possible to figure out what was coming next because of the sets used.  There was also much better technique being used.  The team's offensive effectiveness is being as much hampered by the sloppy technique and otherwise lack of attention to detail that was there in 06.

The O-linemen don't even know how to take proper line splits.  Consequesntly every dumb right up the middle attempt, is neither disquised or properly executed.  That's a double wammy from our dufus's.

[Hugulus Hog]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

This is a good question to ask.

The 2nd place statistical leader in CUSA is Houston.
Houston is ranked 9th in total offense in the NCAA.
Houston is averaging 514 yards of offense
Houston is scoring 35 points a game.
Houston is only giving up 374 yards a game.
Houston is giving up 33 points a game.

Tulsa is ranked 2nd in the NCAA in total offense.
Tulsa is generating 572 yards of offense
Tulsa is scoring 39 points a game
Tulsa is giving up 490 yards a game
Tulsa is giving up 39.2 points a game

It looks like CUSA teams are doing pretty well offensively and the 2nd ranked team isn't that far behind Tulsa's totals.  Tulsa's big problem is they don't play defense.

[arodobop]

Malzahn is more organized in practice than Nutt. We see the results of how the team is practicing this year with the play on the field.

Gus is a real coach while Houston is in title only.

[cubsfan5150]

Only Mizzou has put up more yards on OU this season than Malzahn's Tulsa offense.  That shows a lot right there.

[NaturalStateReb]

I think Malzahn's like Joe Lee Dunn--it's a gimmick, and there's a reason Dunn's not coaching much around here.

That circus act would make progress for 3 or 4 seasons, at the most, and then people would figure it out and stop it.  After that, that scheme would only trip up the slappies on the schedule.

Gimmicks don't last.  Fundamentals and talent do.  That's what Arkansas really lacks right now.

[bvillepig]

I love the Hogs and have been an involved fan since 1966.  Ever once in a while a coach comes along who has "IT" 

How many have watched Tulsa?   I have, and his offense is not gimmaky.     

The game they lost he got the ball back with 53 seconds.   Called a few pass plays with a QB draw and a couple more running plays mixed in. If a receiver had not dropped a pass they would have had about a 35 yard field goal.

Instead had to kick a 52 yard with 3 seconds to go.   No panic, just did what gave them a chance to win. Organized and cool.  He has that intagible it.   

I dont have any agenda in this.   Stuck in Northeast Arkansas and only know Gus from what I saw last year.  I was at 9 games and there was no doubt in my mind he is a "REAL WINNER"  and not a self proclaimed.

[hawkhog]

CUSA is pretty weak but they put up huge numbers against anybody they play including Oklahoma and we all know they have a pretty good team.  His offense will work in any conference, the spread is the way of the future and teams across the country are moving towards it............all but Arkansas of course.

CUSA is weak by compariosn to the SEC,  Big 12 or Big 10 but from is competitive within the conference.  Kinda what I am getting at is wherever Gus has been he has succeeded...at each level.

[DenverHogFan]

His offense will work in any conference, the spread is the way of the future and teams across the country are moving towards it............all but Arkansas of course.

Lou Holtz quote from this past saturday     "(Defensive) Coaches are afraid of the spread"

[LuckyGiraffe]

It's amazing... the spread is why the Pats are doing so well in the NFL.  Belli-cheater figured out that running the spread in the NFL works.

It is not gimmicky, it's about getting the defense to move laterally and not vertically.

[slopinhogs]

i think gus called the plays last yesar right up to the s. caroloina game, and the reins were taken out of his hands when the job was secure, and we lost the next three games because of it.

[LyonHog]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

well they did more against ou than TX or Miami Ibelieve.

Bu...bu... OU was "ready" to play those teams...

[stevenwayneslane]

I personally think he would do great.  I would love a new coach.  I am not ready to name Gus head coach, but I would def. like to see him come back as coordinator.  I just think it is funny how the majority on here said last year that Gus wasn't calling the plays or even running any of his offense, yet now everyone on this thread wants to say how great he was last year.  Quite a contradiction don't ya think???

It's not a contradiction.  Gus wasn't calling the plays.  He was calling the plays that the MSM said he would call throughout the course of the game.  He just got creative with the formations, that's why the difference this year.  Ego will not allow them to mix up the formations this year...gotta be different than Gus.

Don't believe this?  Look it up in past news articles.  The offense was run by committee.  This was stated by Nuttjob several times.

Right on with your post. This is exactly the way it was. Gus did an awesome job with in the guidelines of what the allowed him to do. He would have done the same this year. It won't matter now though. Gus will be bigtime in a year or two and he will be laughing at the morons here. I affraid we will not get him back and someone else will win Championships becuase of him. Nutt is an ass. Look at what has already happened to our team becuase he ran Gus off.

[PigPusher]

He does have a record after all and a good one.  Give the man a break and stop trying to find fault with him. He is a student of the game and is very good at its complexities.

[Jeff "hogfanintx" Anderson]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

well they did more against ou than TX or Miami Ibelieve.

Bu...bu... OU was "ready" to play those teams...

I see well you would think they would also be ready to play against an in-state team. 

[FWF79]

I would bet he is hired as OC at a big time school by 2009

[Hawg_Heaven]

I'm confused.  I thought Gus didn't call the plays last year...

He worked with what he was given. Even Mike Irwin stated in an article that Nutt took over the reigns completely after the SC East game. That is pretty funny since that is about the time the offense really started to slide. I think Nutt also had his hand in the offense from the SC West game on. It was actually stated on here that Nutt was going to start taking over the offense a little at a time from week to week after the USC game. I don't remember who said it, but it was someone that was in the know and was a moderater. I think it may have been PTD.

[gcraise1]

yeah defensive coaches will figure out a new offense after several years. The thing I liked about Gus when he was here, was he only had a handfull of "approved" plays that he could call. With those select plays he tweaked them and had defenses looking like grasshoppers jumping all over the field trying to figure out what was going on.

Also, What I like about Gus is he continually tweaks plays he has used. He has a great feel for calling the right plays during the game. With his knowledge and plays he will be a very successfull coach for many years in football. He will continue to come up with new plays for the HUNH and he also will tweak the plays he already has. What he wont do is what HDN and crew are doing, calling the same ole plays game after game.

[OKhogfan1959]

I'm confused.  I thought Gus didn't call the plays last year...

Are you confused again this year? Stupid huggers!

[PigPusher]

I think Malzahn's like Joe Lee Dunn--it's a gimmick, and there's a reason Dunn's not coaching much around here.

That circus act would make progress for 3 or 4 seasons, at the most, and then people would figure it out and stop it.  After that, that scheme would only trip up the slappies on the schedule.

Gimmicks don't last.  Fundamentals and talent do.  That's what Arkansas really lacks right now.

This is the best darned post I have seen here in a long, long time.

Gus's offense isn't the wave of the future, it is the wave of the PAST.  How is the University of Houston doing these days?  What did Warren Moon ever WIN in the NFL?  Is Hawaii ever going to actually beat anyone?

Football is cyclical.  In a decade, someone will be using the wishbone to tear up defenses designed to stop attacks akin to Gus's and the cycle will begin again.  The ONLY traits, going back to the 1920's, found to consistently win are great defense and a sound running game.  Here's what our current regime seems to miss: to have a sound running game, you must be able to pass adequately.  (See that?  You don't have to even be able to do it WELL.  Mediocre is fine.  Of course, we can't even pass to the tune of mediocre...)

Oh really? So when did, "Taking what the defense gives you" become old fashioned. Isn't that what any good coach should do?  Why do you think it is old fashioned?

[Hoot72]

     I may be wrong, but I don't believe that he will leave Tulsa until he is offered a head coaching job.  He will find it difficult to find a situation where the head coach will give him the freedom to run his offense the way that he wants, anywhere else.  He knows what it is like to have an interfering head coach, and will be gun-shy about doing that again.  I could see the scenario, where in a couple of years -- Todd Graham leaves for another job, and Gus is offered the head coaching job at Tulsa.

[hogtheball]

     I may be wrong, but I don't believe that he will leave Tulsa until he is offered a head coaching job.  He will find it difficult to find a situation where the head coach will give him the freedom to run his offense the way that he wants, anywhere else.  He knows what it is like to have an interfering head coach, and will be gun-shy about doing that again.  I could see the scenario, where in a couple of years -- Todd Graham leaves for another job, and Gus is offered the head coaching job at Tulsa.

Maybe. However, I would imagine he's already high-up on the wish list of several CUSA and Sunbelt type teams as head coach.  Gus isn't afraid to start at the bottom as a head coach - just look at his high school career.  I would expect him to take a mid-major head coaching gig in a year or two. 

[bigbrotha]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

Gus proved last year he has the ability to work with someone else.  Nutt's greatest downfall is that he doesn't realize to take the knowledge/ideas of others and apply it to what you already know.  The old two minds are better than one.  So he hire's his long lost siamese twin David Lee who calls the exact play Nutt would've called every down.  That being said, the spread offenses biggest hurdle is a disciplined, fast defense.  I'm sure C-USA doesn't have the fastest defenses.  Gus is smart enough to test their discipline early and often with misdirection.  Nutt/Misdirection?  Nutt takes the two fastest guys on the field EVERY WEEKEND and tries to shove them up our center and guards a$$e$ every play.  I don't know how well Gus's offense would work here but it would work a he11 of lot better than the one we have now.  Fire Nutt.   

GM proved last year it would work in the SEC by not only giving DORK a ring, but by also being named SEC OC of the Year!!!!! And GM did this by tweaking and using an "approved" list of plays from HDN. I say bring him back and you will see even better stats and wins than he currently has at tulsa and we have at arkansas. Last year we took a step towards the future of college football. This year we have gone back 30 years to the 70's style of paw paw football. JMO.

[Little Billy Jr.]

I'm confused.  I thought Gus didn't call the plays last year...

Unconfuse yourself Hugger.
Gus called the plays.
Nutt gave him a list.
That list contained some of Gus's plays until the South Carolina game.
From South Carolina on the offense was pretty much the 2005 offense with the exception of the Wildcat.

[hogtheball]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

Gus proved last year he has the ability to work with someone else.  Nutt's greatest downfall is that he doesn't realize to take the knowledge/ideas of others and apply it to what you already know.  The old two minds are better than one.  So he hire's his long lost siamese twin David Lee who calls the exact play Nutt would've called every down.  That being said, the spread offenses biggest hurdle is a disciplined, fast defense.  I'm sure C-USA doesn't have the fastest defenses.  Gus is smart enough to test their discipline early and often with misdirection.  Nutt/Misdirection?  Nutt takes the two fastest guys on the field EVERY WEEKEND and tries to shove them up our center and guards a$$e$ every play.  I don't know how well Gus's offense would work here but it would work a he11 of lot better than the one we have now.  Fire Nutt.  

GM proved last year it would work in the SEC by not only giving DORK a ring, but by also being named SEC OC of the Year!!!!! And GM did this by tweaking and using an "approved" list of plays from HDN. I say bring him back and you will see even better stats and wins than he currently has at tulsa and we have at arkansas. Last year we took a step towards the future of college football. This year we have gone back 30 years to the 70's style of paw paw football. JMO.

Dude - that nuttcracker avatar is awesome.  That is a t-shirt I would buy!!!

[Little Billy Jr.]

I think Malzahn's like Joe Lee Dunn--it's a gimmick, and there's a reason Dunn's not coaching much around here.

That circus act would make progress for 3 or 4 seasons, at the most, and then people would figure it out and stop it.  After that, that scheme would only trip up the slappies on the schedule.

Gimmicks don't last.  Fundamentals and talent do.  That's what Arkansas really lacks right now.

This is the best darned post I have seen here in a long, long time.

Gus's offense isn't the wave of the future, it is the wave of the PAST.  How is the University of Houston doing these days?  What did Warren Moon ever WIN in the NFL?  Is Hawaii ever going to actually beat anyone?

Football is cyclical.  In a decade, someone will be using the wishbone to tear up defenses designed to stop attacks akin to Gus's and the cycle will begin again.  The ONLY traits, going back to the 1920's, found to consistently win are great defense and a sound running game.  Here's what our current regime seems to miss: to have a sound running game, you must be able to pass adequately.  (See that?  You don't have to even be able to do it WELL.  Mediocre is fine.  Of course, we can't even pass to the tune of mediocre...)

You don't know a damn thing about Gus or his philosophy. His offense is designed to spread the defense but there is no mandate to run or throw. He takes what the defense gives him. If the defense changes Gus changes. Mainly what he is is a no nonsense coach who works his butt off. He will be an outstanding head coach at the college level very shortly.

[bigbrotha]

This is not intended to be a slam for or against anyone, but rather a sincere question about the strong feelings that many have on the coaching abilities of Coach Malzahn.  I have seen fairly regular postings on the offensive numbers of Tulsa this fall and they are impressive, but my question is--since it appears that huge offensive totals seem to be pretty frequent in CUSA games (especially conference games) do we assume it is offensive prowess or defensive shortcomings? 

Gus proved last year he has the ability to work with someone else.  Nutt's greatest downfall is that he doesn't realize to take the knowledge/ideas of others and apply it to what you already know.  The old two minds are better than one.  So he hire's his long lost siamese twin David Lee who calls the exact play Nutt would've called every down.  That being said, the spread offenses biggest hurdle is a disciplined, fast defense.  I'm sure C-USA doesn't have the fastest defenses.  Gus is smart enough to test their discipline early and often with misdirection.  Nutt/Misdirection?  Nutt takes the two fastest guys on the field EVERY WEEKEND and tries to shove them up our center and guards a$$e$ every play.  I don't know how well Gus's offense would work here but it would work a he11 of lot better than the one we have now.  Fire Nutt.  

GM proved last year it would work in the SEC by not only giving DORK a ring, but by also being named SEC OC of the Year!!!!! And GM did this by tweaking and using an "approved" list of plays from HDN. I say bring him back and you will see even better stats and wins than he currently has at tulsa and we have at arkansas. Last year we took a step towards the future of college football. This year we have gone back 30 years to the 70's style of paw paw football. JMO.

Dude - that nuttcracker avatar is awesome.  That is a t-shirt I would buy!!!

thanks.  I bet it would sell. Just for fun, go to Google images and type in "custom nut shop".  There's a pic (you'll know which one) i wanted to use but couldn't upload on here.  Talk about summing up the Arkansas offense and another nice shirt.

[gcraise1]

Gus wont come back for a one year deal. Get real, we have had HDN here for 10 long years. Also our top talent is gone next year, would be unfair for gus to come in and take over a team that is bare of talent.. Give him 5 years to do what he wants and give him full control of the program. I believe in Gus alot more than I ever will in HDN and his regime. Lets get back the focus of winning, responsibility, accountability, and ethics of our HOGS!!!!! I feel that Gus can achieve everything I just mentioned we are missing. Players in state will see that turn around and parents will once again TRUST a coach from Arkansas...

We have had 10 years of corrupt and unethical coaching. To me enough is enough. We need to send the whole coaching staff packing today. We need a coach that will make the boys become men. They need to be more than a coach, they need to be a parent to these kids. Make them accountable for bad decisions just like if he was at home. And I would make each player put in his or her room a poster that is bold and easy to read saying, IF you  do the crime you will do the time!!!! enough is enough..... Lets get back to making our men and women who are athletes positive role models in their communities. Sorry for getting on my soap box but I am so tired of seeing this crap happen to young men and women who are athletes because the coach doesnt care enough to teach life lessons as well as sports lessons....

[razorbackred]

It's as simple as looking at the facts!

Over our last 12 SEC games, we are 7-2 with Gus and 0-3 without Gus!

Whether you love him or not, he's a proven winner!!!

[hodgehog]

Facts speak volumes.  Good info

[Scott E.]

I think Malzahn's like Joe Lee Dunn--it's a gimmick, and there's a reason Dunn's not coaching much around here.

That circus act would make progress for 3 or 4 seasons, at the most, and then people would figure it out and stop it.  After that, that scheme would only trip up the slappies on the schedule.

Gimmicks don't last.  Fundamentals and talent do.  That's what Arkansas really lacks right now.

This is the best darned post I have seen here in a long, long time.

Gus's offense isn't the wave of the future, it is the wave of the PAST.  How is the University of Houston doing these days?  What did Warren Moon ever WIN in the NFL?  Is Hawaii ever going to actually beat anyone?

Football is cyclical.  In a decade, someone will be using the wishbone to tear up defenses designed to stop attacks akin to Gus's and the cycle will begin again.  The ONLY traits, going back to the 1920's, found to consistently win are great defense and a sound running game.  Here's what our current regime seems to miss: to have a sound running game, you must be able to pass adequately.  (See that?  You don't have to even be able to do it WELL.  Mediocre is fine.  Of course, we can't even pass to the tune of mediocre...)

You don't know a damn thing about Gus or his philosophy. His offense is designed to spread the defense but there is no mandate to run or throw. He takes what the defense gives him. If the defense changes Gus changes. Mainly what he is is a no nonsense coach who works his butt off. He will be an outstanding head coach at the college level very shortly.

Don't sweat it... Zeke has been banging the same tired drum for a long time.  Malzahn must have put Icy Hot in his jock strap in jr. high.

[Semperhog]

Malzahns offense is very very fluid. It has a basic scheme but it will change based on level of competition and what the defense seems to key on. It does use things from the past but is also innovative and fresh. His rushers are in the top 25 in the country too so it is really a keep the defense back on it's heals scheme. He is a talent that does not know how to do anything but succeed whereever he is.

[razorbacker231]

I'm confused.  I thought Gus didn't call the plays last year...

his hands were deffinatly tied, but you cant deny that he did have influence.  if nothing more he designed some plays.  one of those is being used everywhere now.

[Dr Carl aka Shorthog]

Gus did make a difference last year, but I think it is somewhat overblown on here as to how much. IMO the biggest difference between this year and last is the defense, namely the pass rush and secondary. The defense has really hurt us in most of our losses this year, the exception being the Auburn game where the offense was horrible. Gus brought with him the potential of passes down the field. We had Monk and Damian last year also. That helped. Gus brought some spread formations and did some nice things that kept defense guessing rather than predicting like they do this year. Honestly, I think bringing in any OC that would do the same thing would have had the same success. We will never truly know if Gus' system would have worked here because he never had a chance to run it. So, who knows how successful he could have been. There is also the possiblity that he could have actually been less successful running his system rather than what he did do last year. We will never know. I am not convinced Gus would make a good HC or OC here at Arkansas next year, but I also would not be unhappy with him as OC. I would be unhappy with him as our HC though.

[Bill CHILL]

CUSA is pretty weak but they put up huge numbers against anybody they play including Oklahoma and we all know they have a pretty good team.  His offense will work in any conference, the spread is the way of the future and teams across the country are moving towards it............all but Arkansas of course.

CUSA is weak by compariosn to the SEC,  Big 12 or Big 10 but from is competitive within the conference.  Kinda what I am getting at is wherever Gus has been he has succeeded...at each level.

Exactly. Coaching is coaching no matter what level. You see GUS actually coach to win. He doesn't coach to feed an ego.

[razorbackred]

Bump!