CBB's Grade: End of Year Two Regular Season

[A_R_K_A_N_S_A_S]

For season #2: he gets a B from me. He showed that he has the ability, he just needs the right tools to work with in all areas.

For season #3: The bar is set higher, just like in school and work, it gets tougher and more is expected.

Future:
Recruiting: he's going to get the players he needs.

Player development: He's shown an ability to develop (not all players have improved the way WE wanted, but some have, so the ability is there).

Coaching staff: He's shown that he will replace coaches if the job is not done. I don't know if he is happy with what he has, but feel confident he will make changes if needed and coaches seem to want to work for him.

Wins and losses: Obviously he has to show us he can win the close games and late quarters. Start winning some of those and season #3 will be a success.

[ChitownHawg]

I gave him an A. The turn around so far has been remarkable. Can't fix it all at once, so he fixed the defense first, all while installing an offense that will only get better, and putting together what looks to be, on paper at least, a pretty darn good class.

That was my vote and thought as well.

[ChitownHawg]

How does a 6-6 record in football equate to a C average in academics? Other than both are able to be quantified in numerical values?

The problem is -- every student is an individual with unique sets of skills. I can sleep through any class and get a C. Some people have to bust their hump to make C's... the problem there is... that doesn't make me smarter than the guy who has to work his butt off. Just different. So, there... my effort isn't equivalent to my grade. It just puts a numerical value on answers I got right vs. answers I got wrong. Which I guess you could say is equivalent to wins/losses in football, but the problem is the answers on the math tests are trying to punch me in the face.

If a football team goes 6-6... saying that's worth a C average in academics is just putting an arbitrary grade on football. When in reality, 6-6 isn't so black and white. If it was black and white, then there would be no argument to say that Arkansas is a better team than half the Big Sky Conference... because they all won more games than us.

Well said.

[ChitownHawg]

C

You have to give him credit for the defensive improvements, but also he deserves responsibility for how awful the offense was against SEC opponents.

Yep because scoring 17 and 30 against weak SEC defenses of LSU and Ole Miss just isn't acceptable.

[ChitownHawg]

I gave him an A, and have no problem with the people who gave a B. But you C guys are simply ridiculous and have lame excuses. Try coming into the real world and view the team from a more realistic standpoint.

People give a score of C or lower = F

[smb]

C because the offense as a whole has a long way to go.

[gawntrail]

Solid B.

The program is moving in a very good direction.  The offense held us back.  Regardless of why, that is the truth of the matter.  As was said by others.... Recruiting, overall perception of the program, recruiting, quality of kids, recruiting.... Etc.

Offensive improvement is the glaring issue.

[Pork Twain]

He hasn't won close games where our talent was on par with our competition (everyone's favorite argument early in the season).  On 4 different occasions we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. 

Which games would those be?

[007 License To Squeal]

I gave him a "B" due to the vast improvement in the D and sparks of brilliance.   Unfortunately, his poor judgement in keeping BA in the game against Mo almost got him a C from me.

[Chief Mac]

Gave him a "C".

Great strides in improvement for the WHOLE team but the inability to finish in close games (regardless of reason) is on him.  That said, I think he is working to correct that through recruiting. 

[Kevin]

A in recruiting
A for defense
A for administration of the program
D for the offense.

Solid B overall

[Hogaholism]

Thanks to the OP, as this has been one of the more objective posts in a while.  I clicked 'B' as the 9th voter yesterday.  Weighing some really good comment has only affirmed my opinion.  That said, win the bowl and he gets and gives an 'A'. 

[chuggs33]

I gave him a B.   :razorback:

[Pig In The City]

B.  Gotta fix the second half offense. Other than that, he's doing a great job.

Yep this sums it up for me.

[Southern Hogspitality]

B+ now, but if we win our bowl game he gets an A from me.  Before the season began my two expectations for this team were to become bowl eligible and end our SEC losing streak.  Both were accomplished so I am happy.  With the way they were accomplished and the recruiting class we are putting together things are looking great. 

Then you look at the hires Nebraska and Florida just made and only time will tell if they were good hires, I think they might be.  But as a fan base you are excited about either one of those hires and you are thinking wow how did we fall this far.  Glad we got CBB when we did.

[d1nonlyhogfan]

Yep because scoring 17 and 30 against weak SEC defenses of LSU and Ole Miss just isn't acceptable.

The offense did NOT put up 30 on Ole Miss. One TD was an INT returned for TD, and another field goal was the result of a drive that started in the redzone.

[d1nonlyhogfan]

Gave him a "C".

Great strides in improvement for the WHOLE team but the inability to finish in close games (regardless of reason) is on him.  That said, I think he is working to correct that through recruiting. 

Well put, and I agree. Now my question is this, does a B or C grade merit a big raise? Because that's what the whole CBB to Nebraska thing was about.

[hogcard1964]

Well put, and I agree. Now my question is this, does a B or C grade merit a big raise? Because that's what the whole CBB to Nebraska thing was about.

No, he shouldn't get a raise.  He has a contract.  Make improvements over the next five years, and then we'll talk.

Who thinks of this stuff?

[DLUXHOG]

A- from me!  This gives him the goal of shooting for an A++ next year...

[Pork Twain]

Well put, and I agree. Now my question is this, does a B or C grade merit a big raise? Because that's what the whole CBB to Nebraska thing was about.

Was it?

[smb]

Well put, and I agree. Now my question is this, does a B or C grade merit a big raise? Because that's what the whole CBB to Nebraska thing was about.

I think its up to the athletic director to decide if he deserves a raise?

[PolishPigPower]

B

The defense is an A by itself, but considering where it was, that makes it an A+ all around.  The offense is a C, with the RB's and TE's being the only A's in the bunch.

I believe the O-line regressed, the WRs (other than Keon Hatcher) showed no consistent ability to separate, and the QB play was sufficient but nowhere near brilliant.  However, I also believe that our overall team trajectory and our recruiting are trending in the correct direction.

[Chief Mac]

Well put, and I agree. Now my question is this, does a B or C grade merit a big raise? Because that's what the whole CBB to Nebraska thing was about.

No raise for him but the defensive staff deserve some significant bumps in salary

[Redhogs]

Which games would those be?

The last one for starters.

[Redhogs]

Gave him a "C".

Great strides in improvement for the WHOLE team but the inability to finish in close games (regardless of reason) is on him.  That said, I think he is working to correct that through recruiting.

Agree 100%

[Pork Twain]

The last one for starters.

Games is plural.

[TheRazorbackGuy]

Thanks to the OP, as this has been one of the more objective posts in a while.  I clicked 'B' as the 9th voter yesterday.  Weighing some really good comment has only affirmed my opinion.  That said, win the bowl and he gets and gives an 'A'. 

Hogaholism, thanks for the compliment. I also went with a score of B

[KMB90]

The last one for starters.

Mizzou and Rutgers are the only games that this argument could even remotely be made.

The Rutgers loss was with a TE playing QB and BA could barely walk in the Mizzou game. Any other losses that we had the same level of talent that we should of won?

[HF#1]

No, he shouldn't get a raise.  He has a contract.  Make improvements over the next five years, and then we'll talk.

Who thinks of this stuff?

Well I wouldn't wait five years....  If we can manage something around 8-4 or better next season, I say lock him up long term.

[HogMantheIntruder]

I gave him a B, but would have been an A if not for the offensive play calling late in a few games.  However, I think most of that is on Chaney, and CBB's commitment to trusting his assistants to do their jobs (to a fault). He should have overridden Chaney when he decided to get pass happy at the end of the Mizery game, among other times.  As I have previously posted, though; I think that freedom which bit us in the arse will pay dividends once we have the right OC in place, and it will help us keep our assistants (ie Robb Smith, Sam Pittman, Randy Shannon, etc.) on staff. 

[Pork Twain]

I gave him a B, but would have been an A if not for the offensive play calling late in a few games.  However, I think most of that is on Chaney, and CBB's commitment to trusting his assistants to do their jobs (to a fault). He should have overridden Chaney when he decided to get pass happy at the end of the Mizery game, among other times.  As I have previously posted, though; I think that freedom which bit us in the arse will pay dividends once we have the right OC in place, and it will help us keep our assistants (ie Robb Smith, Sam Pittman, Randy Shannon, etc.) on staff. 

You think we should have run when our qb was injured and Mizzou was waiting on us to attempt to run?  I honestly think it was lose/lose after BA tightened up over half.  Not the time to bring in AA to face that defense and not the time to try and force the ball down the throats of a very good defense.  Perfect storm

[Sir Oinksalot]

...good solid B ... without the Mo. Game when everyone even the great grandmas and the 10 year olds were screaming put someone
else in at QB. he would have gotten a B+....The DC gets an A++ ... Best turnaround I've ever seen.....

Coach B. Would get an A+ but not trying AA was so painful I can't even watch a reply, something seriously wrong in the guys head
going that far with a sitting duck at QB. He could have been killed, on the other hand it seemed to make the O-line improve
on pass protection, haha...

Play calling in the second half and leaving BA out there too long against Mo. were his only flaws, A+ on everything else....

No way I get rid of this guy, he is going to dominate the SEC in a few years if he keeps Rob and tweeks a bit, jmo...

[TheRazorbackGuy]

I gave him a B, but would have been an A if not for the offensive play calling late in a few games.  However, I think most of that is on Chaney, and CBB's commitment to trusting his assistants to do their jobs (to a fault). He should have overridden Chaney when he decided to get pass happy at the end of the Mizery game, among other times.  As I have previously posted, though; I think that freedom which bit us in the arse will pay dividends once we have the right OC in place, and it will help us keep our assistants (ie Robb Smith, Sam Pittman, Randy Shannon, etc.) on staff. 

Agreed especially on the OC

[d1nonlyhogfan]

You think we should have run when our qb was injured and Mizzou was waiting on us to attempt to run?  I honestly think it was lose/lose after BA tightened up over half.  Not the time to bring in AA to face that defense and not the time to try and force the ball down the throats of a very good defense.  Perfect storm

AA looked just fine against Ole Miss, who had the number 1 defense in the conference this season.

[TheRazorbackGuy]

AA looked just fine against Ole Miss, who had the number 1 defense in the conference this season.

What does AA have to do with CBB's grade? I guess the backup QB is some fans favorite player

[Kenny Buzzhog]

I give him a C. This is simply for leaving BA in after he was clearly hurt. I should give him a D after he made this decision.. He should have gotten him outta the game. Theres no doubt about that.I would have given him a B before that.

[Theolesnort]

Anyone in this thread that thinks he is competent to even give a grade is fooling himself and is being silly. To do it right you would have to have a complete knowledge of where he started from when he took over and how far he has brought the whole program forward to where it is now and his plans to make the next steps up. In other words you don't grade by Saban standards. You have to grade on a curve. Think you can do that fairly and accurately without all the facts?

[Chief Mac]

Anyone in this thread that thinks he is competent to even give a grade is fooling himself and is being silly. To do it right you would have to have a complete knowledge of where he started from when he took over and how far he has brought the whole program forward to where it is now and his plans to make the next steps up. In other words you don't grade by Saban standards. You have to grade on a curve. Think you can do that fairly and accurately without all the facts?

Of course we can make a decision without facts, it's Hogville!!

[Theolesnort]

Of course we can make a decision without facts, it's Hogville!!

Now that there is funny and males absolute sense.

[Hog Fan from Camden]

B

[TheRazorbackGuy]

Of course we can make a decision without facts, it's Hogville!!

ChrisMcWilliams knows the answer yes..... without facts.... seems like B is the attitude of most of the fanbase

[TheRazorbackGuy]

Go Hogs 

[redeye]

I'm mostly happy.  My only major concern is that we often seem to do some really stupid things and that greatly worries me.  The best example of this may be playing a hurt QB against Missouri and then relying so heavily on the passing game for offense.  I just don't understand how you can make mistakes like this, but I've noticed several of them.  It's always angered me when anyone compared Bielema to Nutt, but this is one similarity they both do share.

On the positive side, he runs the program respectably and he's a good recruiter.  It also helps that the media loves him, which means they love us by association, and that's something we sorely need right now.  I actually love almost everything about him, except for a few mind-numbing things he does that may keep us from ever winning a SEC title.

[TheRazorbackGuy]

I'm mostly happy.  My only major concern is that we often seem to do some really stupid things and that greatly worries me.  The best example of this may be playing a hurt QB against Missouri and then relying so heavily on the passing game for offense.  I just don't understand how you can make mistakes like this, but I've noticed several of them.  It's always angered me when anyone compared Bielema to Nutt, but this is one similarity they both do share.

On the positive side, he runs the program respectably and he's a good recruiter.  It also helps that the media loves him, which means they love us by association, and that's something we sorely need right now.  I actually love almost everything about him, except for a few mind-numbing things he does that may keep us from ever winning a SEC title.

We got a bowl than we thought and if he beats Texas he may improve his score.

[pigbacon]

I give him a B- based on these:
Defense- A  (remarkable improvement)
Offense- C (needs work; 2nd half woes)
Special teams- C (kick/punt returns, FG's; I anticipate much improvement here)
Team Discipline/Penalties- C (fumbles, penalties at TAM & Mizzou; these were tough)
Leadership- A (couldn't be prouder of CBB and our coaching staff, these guys held a team together that could have just as easily given up and went winless in conference another season. Great Job!)

[TheRazorbackGuy]

I give him a B- based on these:
Defense- A  (remarkable improvement)
Offense- C (needs work; 2nd half woes)
Special teams- C (kick/punt returns, FG's; I anticipate much improvement here)
Team Discipline/Penalties- C (fumbles, penalties at TAM & Mizzou; these were tough)
Leadership- A (couldn't be prouder of CBB and our coaching staff, these guys held a team together that could have just as easily given up and went winless in conference another season. Great Job!)

Good assesment solid post +1 my friend.... Glad we can do that again.

[ifghog]

Solid B from me...I said 6-6 to start the year with a bowl win. We are right on track. Had we beaten Mizzou it would have been an A. Recruiting is solid and the team had no quit in them. Much more physical this year too. I agree with many Robb Smith was the hire of the year and Jennings was great too. I like the future we have ahead. Good year so far..we beat Texas and it will be a real good year.

[Capt. Hamm]

A-. Going in the right direction. Just a quarterback away.

[hogsanity]

A-. Going in the right direction. Just a quarterback away.

you guys just can't resist it, can you.

[elksnort]

Gave him a B.