Tom Murphy's article in today's Demozette

[lutherheggs]

Not a hatchet job by any means but definitely one that seems to be saying it's do or die next season for Bielema. Starting to see signs of this from the sportswriters at the Demozette. In the past, this has always been a sign that the end is near.

At the end of the article, BB is quoted saying year 5 is the year and that he has been pointing to year 5 all along to show what he has done. He was also quoted touting the GPA, graduation rate, etc stuff since he cannot tout much of anything else regarding his 4 years at the helm. So, he's made his own bed with that quote. We will be able to look back at that quote and say, whiskey-tango-foxtrot if next year is another disappointing season with 12 returning starters.

[hawgsalot]

I think everyone in college football, including CBB, knows the seat is getting hot next year but don't kid yourself if we get to 8 wins with that schedule it will be an accomplishment and he shouldn't be fired.  6 wins he's gone, 7 wins major staff changes or gone, 8+ wins as much as some don't want to hear it means an extension.

[longtimeHogfan]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable. 

[26.2Hog]

Here is the direct quote from Tom Murphy's article:

"I've always said year five, that next year's season is kind of the defining moment of what you've been doing and what you're trying to get to," he (Bielema) said.

Remember that quote.

[Redhogs]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable.

This.

[Tick Hog]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable. 

I like the way you think and wish we were that type of program. Unfortunately we're not.

[Redhogs]

I think everyone in college football, including CBB, knows the seat is getting hot next year but don't kid yourself if we get to 8 wins with that schedule it will be an accomplishment and he shouldn't be fired.  6 wins he's gone, 7 wins major staff changes or gone, 8+ wins as much as some don't want to hear it means an extension.

If he gets an extension instead of a pink slip with 8 wins, that's the end of Jeff Long.

[ricepig]

If he gets an extension instead of a pink slip with 8 wins, that's the end of Jeff Long.

Wrong

[GuvHog]

I think everyone in college football, including CBB, knows the seat is getting hot next year but don't kid yourself if we get to 8 wins with that schedule it will be an accomplishment and he shouldn't be fired.  6 wins he's gone, 7 wins major staff changes or gone, 8+ wins as much as some don't want to hear it means an extension.

Actually next years schedule is more favorable to the Hogs than this years schedule was so 8 wins shouldn't be any problem and wouldn't really be an accomplishment.

[hogsanity]

I think everyone in college football, including CBB, knows the seat is getting hot next year but don't kid yourself if we get to 8 wins with that schedule it will be an accomplishment and he shouldn't be fired.  6 wins he's gone, 7 wins major staff changes or gone, 8+ wins as much as some don't want to hear it means an extension.

Or BB could go get some good classes committed for 2 or 3 years down the road, apparently that is good insurance.

[Grizzlyfan]

If he gets an extension instead of a pink slip with 8 wins, that's the end of Jeff Long.

You're dreaming.

[Redhogs]

Wrong

Oh I know it's wrong, that's the problem.

[Razorbackers]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable.

lol

[hawgon]

Here is the direct quote from Tom Murphy's article:

"I've always said year five, that next year's season is kind of the defining moment of what you've been doing and what you're trying to get to," he (Bielema) said.

Remember that quote.

He really shouldn't have said that.

[jgphillips3]

If he gets an extension instead of a pink slip with 8 wins, that's the end of Jeff Long.

The sentiment may be wrong, but does anyone believe that the other PTB that have to back an extension are also going to back a buyout extension?  I could see Jeff floating an extension without buyout extension but if he floats a buyout extension I think he will get shot down and that may ultimately lead to him going elsewhere (of his own accord) depending on how well or poorly that conversation behind closed doors goes. 

[NaturalStateReb]

Not a hatchet job by any means but definitely one that seems to be saying it's do or die next season for Bielema. Starting to see signs of this from the sportswriters at the Demozette. In the past, this has always been a sign that the end is near.

At the end of the article, BB is quoted saying year 5 is the year and that he has been pointing to year 5 all along to show what he has done. He was also quoted touting the GPA, graduation rate, etc stuff since he cannot tout much of anything else regarding his 4 years at the helm. So, he's made his own bed with that quote. We will be able to look back at that quote and say, whiskey-tango-foxtrot if next year is another disappointing season with 12 returning starters.

There was sort of a cautious bit in Wally's article earlier this week.  I can't remember exactly what it said, but it sounded like a trial balloon to me.

[NaturalStateReb]

Actually next years schedule is more favorable to the Hogs than this years schedule was so 8 wins shouldn't be any problem and wouldn't really be an accomplishment.

With road games at Texas A&M, South Carolina, LSU, Ole Miss, and Bama?  How can I subscribe to your newsletter? 

[Atlhogfan1]

The 2017 schedule is going to be difficult.  4 games away from home(3 road and A&M thanks to the dumb SW Classic thing) in 6 weeks.  Bama, LSU, SC, OM on the road.  Damn.  SC was young this season but got much better.  Gus may have a qb(heard that before I know). 

Must go 4-0 in non conference.  Cannot lose to TCU.

No embarrassments.  Must be competitive in every game.

No truly sloppy games or second half meltdowns.

Must see improvement in oline and strong signs we are heading to this consistently being our strength.  Otherwise, this won't work.

The defense has to improve and not just slightly.  Must see signs we can get to a competent defense soon.


Do this, max the win total to what it should be considering our team vs the competition and venues and I don't think there has to be a set win total.  I'll add though he does need to show the ceiling is higher than 8 wins very soon. 


I understand why Bielema is making the comments about academics.  It was a big part of this build.  Being able to count on players to be disciplined and stay in the program. 

Other things I hope to see are more team speed and use of it.  Hammonds in wildcat was a good sign. 

Don't want to see any stupid on top of the stadium weightlifting BS in the offseason.  Speed.  Size and strength are great but you have to be able to move too.

Hope that idiot Bo lets the show die.  Don't do it.  Bad optics.  I don't have an issue with it and if it gets our brand out good.  But it gives the detractors ammunition.  Arkansas can't understand it.  "he isn't concentrating on coaching"  Just stop the damn show. 

[hawgon]

The show is stupid anyway.  It doesn't build a brand, it puts people to sleep. 

[Kevin]

I don't think he ever gets fired from here. if he moves, it will be him making the move.

[Biggus Piggus]

Hope that idiot Bo lets the show die.  Don't do it.  Bad optics.  I don't have an issue with it and if it gets our brand out good.  But it gives the detractors ammunition.  Arkansas can't understand it.  "he isn't concentrating on coaching"  Just stop the damn show. 

Harbaugh spends 10x as much time seeking publicity, yet we have people naively assume that "Being Bret Bielema" actually came out of coaching time.

[Atlhogfan1]

I don't think he ever gets fired from here. if he moves, it will be him making the move.

Agree.  I lean this way too.  When he realizes he isn't going to break a certain plateau of success he originally thought he could and sustain it. 

[Gonzo]

I think everyone in college football, including CBB, knows the seat is getting hot next year but don't kid yourself if we get to 8 wins with that schedule it will be an accomplishment and he shouldn't be fired.  6 wins he's gone, 7 wins major staff changes or gone, 8+ wins as much as some don't want to hear it means an extension.

If he gets an extension instead of a pink slip with 8 wins, that's the end of Jeff Long.

I don't think an extension off an 8 win season would be very surprising, contract extensions are fairly normal, as I understand it a lot of contracts have built in yearly extensions unless they are specifically voided. I wouldn't have a huge problem with that. My hope would be that it wouldn't include another ridiculous and one-sided buyout such as the one hamstringing  the program at the moment. That move is the most damning one JL has made IMO.



Go Hogs!

[ricepig]

With road games at Texas A&M, South Carolina, LSU, Ole Miss, and Bama?  How can I subscribe to your newsletter? 

We don't go to aTm, but I suspect you know that.

[Atlhogfan1]

Harbaugh spends 10x as much time seeking publicity, yet we have people naively assume that "Being Bret Bielema" actually came out of coaching time.

Yep.  Harbaugh is not wrong either.  Calipari did it at stops before Memphis where he had to build a brand.  Harbaugh wanted to make Michigan relevant or at least return it to the news again immediately even if not as a result of on the field.  You have to market something. 

[NaturalStateReb]

We don't go to aTm, but I suspect you know that.

It's not at College Station (for now), but that's not a home game for Arkansas. 

[ricepig]

It's not at College Station (for now), but that's not a home game for Arkansas. 

Correct, it's a neutral site game, have you ever been?

[GuvHog]

With road games at Texas A&M, South Carolina, LSU, Ole Miss, and Bama?  How can I subscribe to your newsletter? 

The Texas A&M game is in Dallas and the Hogs will be the home team.

There are only 2 games on next year's schedule that I would peg as Hog losses. The rest are winnable.

The Hogs get all 4 non conference games inside the state (3 at DWRRS and 1 at WMS) plus they get Miss. State, Missouri, and Auburn (the Hogs will have this one circled on the calendar) at home and they should beat South Carolina in Columbia too. They are also overdue for a win over A&M.

[Atlhogfan1]

We don't go to aTm, but I suspect you know that.

Don't get me started on how that is a road game with the exception of fan support.  How's this?  We have 3 SEC home games but some want 10 wins. 

[Biggus Piggus]

The Texas A&M game is in Dallas and the Hogs will be the home team.

It doesn't matter who's on the scoreboard as the home team. It's in Arlington, and we will have only part of the crowd.

[NaturalStateReb]

Correct, it's a neutral site game, have you ever been?

Yes.  Big crowd, but it's never going to be the same as a home game.  Think Arkansas would lose 5 in a row if they had this game home and home?  I don't.

[Gonzo]

I don't think he ever gets fired from here. if he moves, it will be him making the move.

He's going to need to show a higher ceiling than he has so far IMO. I hope he does.


Go Hogs!

[Atlhogfan1]

The Texas A&M game is in Dallas and the Hogs will be the home team.

There are only 2 games on next year's schedule that I would peg as Hog losses. The rest are winnable.

The Hogs get all 4 non conference games inside the state (3 at DWRRS and 1 at WMS) plus they get Miss. State, Missouri, and Auburn (the Hogs will have this one circled on the calendar) at home and they should beat South Carolina in Columbia too. They are also overdue for a win over A&M.

Home team 300+ miles from campus.  Make the team travel 300 miles to play a team we would be playing in RRS.  That takes it toll.  Maybe not that week but 2 weeks later travel out to SC and then the next week travel to Tuscaloosa and two weeks later travel to Oxford.  You want our players to be mentally and physically at their peak playing these opponents.  Think they will be?  No team is every week of the season.  Then factor in the travel. 

[tusksincolorado]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable. 

You cutting the checks huh? While you are at it cut me one....

[GuvHog]

Home team 300+ miles from campus.  Make the team travel 300 miles to play a team we would be playing in RRS.  That takes it toll.  Maybe not that week but 2 weeks later travel out to SC and then the next week travel to Tuscaloosa and two weeks later travel to Oxford.  You want our players to be mentally and physically at their peak playing these opponents.  Think they will be?  No team is every week of the season.  Then factor in the travel. 

Excuses, excuses. It's CBB's 5th season at Arkansas, the very one that he's been pointing to as being "THE" year ever since his butt first hit the chair in the Head Coach's office. If the Hogs don't do any better than 4-4 in SEC play this year, he should be terminated.

[Biggus Piggus]

Excuses, excuses. It's CBB's 5th season at Arkansas, the very one that he's been pointing to as being "THE" year ever since his butt first hit the chair in the Head Coach's office. If the Hogs don't do any better than 4-4 in SEC play this year, he should be terminated.

As always, drawing static W-L standards is overly simplistic. You know hardly anything about the teams on next season's schedule. You don't know enough to decide whether 4-4 is too high or too low of a bar.

[bkjbearcat]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable.

This. New Years Day Bowl or bust.

[woodhog14]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable. 

Good luck with that. Have you looked at our schedule next year?

[GuvHog]

Good luck with that. Have you looked at our schedule next year?

It's more favorable than this year's schedule was.

[hawgon]

Here is the direct quote from Tom Murphy's article:

"I've always said year five, that next year's season is kind of the defining moment of what you've been doing and what you're trying to get to," he (Bielema) said.

Remember that quote.

I don't recall him always saying year five, but if he wants to say it now, so be it.  No excuses.  In his own words next year will be the "defining moment" of his coaching tenure.

[jgphillips3]

I don't recall him always saying year five, but if he wants to say it now, so be it.  No excuses.  In his own words next year will be the "defining moment" of his coaching tenure.

That was his quote from the story today.  I think he's calling his shot.  Hopefully for all of us, it works out.

http://m.arkansasonline.com/news/2017/jan/05/wrong-direction-20170105/

[The Boar War]

Harbaugh spends 10x as much time seeking publicity, yet we have people naively assume that "Being Bret Bielema" actually came out of coaching time.

It's results driven (just like everything else in his career).  If he had won 9 games everything from this to his choice of cereal would have been widely hailed as a genius "move".

[hogsanity]

It's more favorable than this year's schedule was.

Ok you've made that claim twice, care to explain how having to make trips to SC, LSU, BAMA, and old misses, plus having to play a neutral site game in Arlington is more favorable than this years schedule was?

[woodhog14]

It's more favorable than this year's schedule was.

HAHAHAHA! Ok...No it's not. Back to back road games @SC and @Bama along with playing @LSU and @Ole Miss. Having a BYE week on week 3 means playing 10 games in a row including all 8 SEC games without a BYE. Only 3 SEC Home games.

This years road schedule was @TCU, @Auburn, @State and @Mizzou. Tell me how that is a harder road schedule than in 2017. ARE YOU SERIOUS?? I guess Guv is gonna Guv.

[GuvHog]

Ok you've made that claim twice, care to explain how having to make trips to SC, LSU, BAMA, and old misses, plus having to play a neutral site game in Arlington is more favorable than this years schedule was?

Arkansas just beat Florida for the first time and South Carolina is no Florida so trading Florida for SC is very favorable for the Hogs even though it means going to SC. Ole Miss is in shambles and under NCAA investigation so that's a very winnable game. Arkansas is way overdue for a win in Arlington.

BAMA and LSU are the only 2 games on the schedule that I have the Hogs losing

[hogcard1964]

10 'W's in 2017.  Nothing less is acceptable.

I agree, no doubt, but you realize that if he wins as low as even 8, he's coming back?

[hogcard1964]

Good luck with that. Have you looked at our schedule next year?

Yes,

He should start out 6-0 at worse 5-1, but we all know he won't.

[GuvHog]

HAHAHAHA! Ok...No it's not. Back to back road games @SC and @Bama along with playing @LSU and @Ole Miss. Having a BYE week on week 3 means playing 10 games in a row including all 8 SEC games without a BYE. Only 3 SEC Home games.

This years road schedule was @TCU, @Auburn, @State and @Mizzou. Tell me how that is a harder road schedule than in 2017. ARE YOU SERIOUS?? I guess Guv is gonna Guv.

9 games in a row, not 10. That's one more than this last year.

Though the road schedule is a bit more difficult (I don't consider the game @South Carolina to be difficult and Ole Miss is in shambles under an NCAA investigation), the overall schedule is more favorable to the Hogs.

[DeltaBoy]

It time to fish or cut bait on the Hill. Funny Thing about the TAMU game Bobby P had no issues winning at Jerry World.z

[buldozer]

Quote from: 26.2Hog on Today at 10:25:53 am
Here is the direct quote from Tom Murphy's article:

"I've always said year five, that next year's season is kind of the defining moment of what you've been doing and what you're trying to get to," he (Bielema) said.

Remember that quote.

He really shouldn't have said that.

Yea, that's what big mouth CBB is prolly thinking about now.....