From the Bench - Thanks to the West Texas Town of El Paso, We will Learn Lots

[Robert Shields]

Thanks to the West Texas Town of El Paso, We Will Learn Lots as the Season Unfurls

Robert Shields

Many years ago, fans could judge what kind of Razorback team they would have going into the Southwest Conference season by how they performed against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (which on a side note is probably one of the most misplaced mascot names in all of college football).

You knew what kind of Razorback team you had by the way they executed against the Hurricanes. Just like I remember when receiver Tracy Caldwell streaked into the end zone after a pass from Quinn Grovey to stomp the Hurricanes, I knew that Razorback team was going to be good.

This week, your Razorbacks face off against the modern-day version of Tulsa by playing the University of Texas at El Paso Miners (which is actually a mascot that is appropriately named). You will know more about your team after the game Saturday.

So what will be your signs for the potential of a good season coming out of the game?

1) Brandon Allen does not have to play the whole game for all the right reasons. He leaves early and survives any injuries in a game with little or no meaning except to get the win.

2) Brandon Allen has an efficient game with a completion percentage of around 60 percent or better would be good. UTEP has only a few returning defensive players and is having to rebuild its defense.  The Razorback offense should be able to exploit it.

3) Alex Collins goes for more than 100 yards. It would be good if he has one long breakaway run that he takes to the house and does all this without fumbling to show good ball control to come.

4) Jeremy Sprinkle has a reception or two bringing to fruition the belief that the Razorbacks are talented at tight end. Arkansas has one of the best in the nation in Hunter Henry, but he needs someone to arrive that will augment his abilities. It makes the offense all the more dangerous when it has two choices, especially when Bielema goes with double tight ends.

5) One receiver besides Keon Hatcher steps up in the game such as Jo Jo Robinson, Kendrick Edwards, or Dominque Reed. It would be good if one shows up as a big-play threat to give all future opponents more things to worry about when facing the Razorbacks such as keeping the safeties keyed on receivers instead of focusing on stopping the running game.

6) The kicker putting a field goal through the uprights seamlessly at a long distance would be a huge plus. The lack of a reliable kicker early last season cost the Razorbacks at least two games.

7) The defense leads the charge and turns over the UTEP offense on more than one occasion leading to a route. A few three-and-outs would be a nice sign the defense is picking up where it left off last year.

The Razorback linebacking group leads the defense with tackles. It won't be a good sign if the secondary is leading the way in tackles. UTEP had a solid rushing attack last year, and if the secondary has to come up constantly for run support because the linebackers are being blocked or out of position, it will not be a positive sign.

9) The offense avoids pre-snap penalties. The team getting them is a sign of being sloppy and not having the discipline that is supposed to be a Bielema trademark.

10) Kody Walker and Raleigh Williams fill the void of missing Jonathan Williams with both having positive yardage and no turnovers.

11) A solid return game with the coaches hopefully having found a good return man in the offseason. Conversely, the kicking team looks solid in the coverage game.

12) Lastly, not just Brandon Allen, but nobody on the team gets injured. It's a bad way to start the season losing key players, and Jonathan Williams was enough. Sometimes injuries come from a lack of practice and preparation in the offseason before the first game as tackling to the ground is limited. It's a double-edged sword for a coach. Do you hit more and risk injury or do you hedge your bet that the team will be prepared enough without the extra tackling? Bielema took some practices off. Did he choose wisely?



Send your hopes for the first game to fromthebench@yahoo.com.

[The_Iceman]

[The_Iceman]

Just in case you couldn't tell from my last post....

[RollHogTide]

Unfortunately, I read it.  I like the fact that that he uses single syllable words, poor sentence structure, and incoherent thoughts to convey his message.

RS is consistent - he always manages to sneak in a few backhanded comments.  So-and-so should have a great game, if they don't (fill in the blank with a negative comment).

Exhibit A:
Alex Collins goes for more than 100 yards. It would be good if he has one long breakaway run that he takes to the house and does all this without fumbling to show good ball control to come   

[BPsTheMan]

Thanks to the West Texas Town of El Paso, We Will Learn Lots as the Season Unfurls

Robert Shields

Many years ago, fans could judge what kind of Razorback team they would have going into the Southwest Conference season by how they performed against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (which on a side note is probably one of the most misplaced mascot names in all of college football).

You knew what kind of Razorback team you had by the way they executed against the Hurricanes. Just like I remember when receiver Tracy Caldwell streaked into the end zone after a pass from Quinn Grovey to stomp the Hurricanes, I knew that Razorback team was going to be good.

This week, your Razorbacks face off against the modern-day version of Tulsa by playing the University of Texas at El Paso Miners (which is actually a mascot that is appropriately named). You will know more about your team after the game Saturday.

So what will be your signs for the potential of a good season coming out of the game?

1) Brandon Allen does not have to play the whole game for all the right reasons. He leaves early and survives any injuries in a game with little or no meaning except to get the win.

2) Brandon Allen has an efficient game with a completion percentage of around 60 percent or better would be good. UTEP has only a few returning defensive players and is having to rebuild its defense.  The Razorback offense should be able to exploit it.

3) Alex Collins goes for more than 100 yards. It would be good if he has one long breakaway run that he takes to the house and does all this without fumbling to show good ball control to come.

4) Jeremy Sprinkle has a reception or two bringing to fruition the belief that the Razorbacks are talented at tight end. Arkansas has one of the best in the nation in Hunter Henry, but he needs someone to arrive that will augment his abilities. It makes the offense all the more dangerous when it has two choices, especially when Bielema goes with double tight ends.

5) One receiver besides Keon Hatcher steps up in the game such as Jo Jo Robinson, Kendrick Edwards, or Dominque Reed. It would be good if one shows up as a big-play threat to give all future opponents more things to worry about when facing the Razorbacks such as keeping the safeties keyed on receivers instead of focusing on stopping the running game.

6) The kicker putting a field goal through the uprights seamlessly at a long distance would be a huge plus. The lack of a reliable kicker early last season cost the Razorbacks at least two games.

7) The defense leads the charge and turns over the UTEP offense on more than one occasion leading to a route. A few three-and-outs would be a nice sign the defense is picking up where it left off last year.

The Razorback linebacking group leads the defense with tackles. It won't be a good sign if the secondary is leading the way in tackles. UTEP had a solid rushing attack last year, and if the secondary has to come up constantly for run support because the linebackers are being blocked or out of position, it will not be a positive sign.

9) The offense avoids pre-snap penalties. The team getting them is a sign of being sloppy and not having the discipline that is supposed to be a Bielema trademark.

10) Kody Walker and Raleigh Williams fill the void of missing Jonathan Williams with both having positive yardage and no turnovers.

11) A solid return game with the coaches hopefully having found a good return man in the offseason. Conversely, the kicking team looks solid in the coverage game.

12) Lastly, not just Brandon Allen, but nobody on the team gets injured. It's a bad way to start the season losing key players, and Jonathan Williams was enough. Sometimes injuries come from a lack of practice and preparation in the offseason before the first game as tackling to the ground is limited. It's a double-edged sword for a coach. Do you hit more and risk injury or do you hedge your bet that the team will be prepared enough without the extra tackling? Bielema took some practices off. Did he choose wisely?



Send your hopes for the first game to fromthebench@yahoo.com.

[Doug]

Since no one's asked it yet... Who the hell is Robert Shields?

And now, the stuff you're REALLY here to see...







The end result of a typical Robert Shields post poast...


Look at all the people a Robert Shields post hits!

[BorderPatrol]

Great read.

You're right, Doug posts some great things.

bp

[The_Iceman]

You're right, Doug posts some great things.

bp

I did read Doug's post.

[jmb1973]

Great read.

You know you will make Delta Boy jealous. Be careful.

[hog.goblin]

[Overtheroadtruckdriver]

Another Jim Doozy of a thread. Thanks, Robert!

[SA Hog Fan]

Wow.  Whoever is perpetrating this epic troll job, my hat is off to you.  It takes dedication to ones craft and such skill to "write" such articles week in and week out.  Kudos.  Well played. 

[TXArcher]

I read, isn't it "rout" not "route"?

[BorderPatrol]

I read, isn't it "rout" not "route"?

Since I didn't read it, was he referring to 66?

bp

[DeltaBoy]

A little too simple this Week Robert!

[HogShat]

route
ro͞ot,rout/Submit
noun
1.
a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
"the most direct route is via Los Angeles"
synonyms:   way, course, road, path, direction; More
verb
1.
send or direct along a specified course.
"all lines of communication were routed through Atlanta"
synonyms:   direct, send, convey, dispatch, forward
"inquiries are routed to the relevant desk

rout 1  (rout)
n.
1.
a. A disorderly retreat or flight following defeat.
b. An overwhelming defeat.
2.
a. A disorderly crowd of people; a mob.
b. People of the lowest class; rabble.
3. A public disturbance; a riot.
4. A fashionable gathering.
5. Archaic A group of people, especially knights, or of animals, especially wolves.
tr.v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs
1. To put to disorderly flight or retreat: "the flock of starlings which Jasper had routed with his gun" (Virginia Woolf).
2. To defeat overwhelmingl

rout 2  (rout)
v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs
v.intr.
1. To dig with the snout; root.
2. To poke around; rummage.
v.tr.
1. To expose to view as if by digging; uncover.
2. To hollow, scoop, or gouge out.
3. To drive or force out as if by digging; eject: rout out an informant.
4. Archaic To dig up with the snout.

rout 3  (rout, ro͞ot)
intr.v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs Chiefly British
To bellow. Used of cattle.
[Middle English routen, to roar, from Old Norse rauta.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
rout (raʊt)
n
1. an overwhelming defeat
2. a disorderly retreat
3. a noisy rabble
4. (Law) law a group of three or more people proceeding to commit an illegal act
5. a large party or social gathering
vb
6. (tr) to defeat and cause to flee in confusion
[C13: from Anglo-Norman rute, from Old French: disorderly band, from Latin ruptus broken, from rumpere to burst; see route]
rout (raʊt)
vb
1. to dig over or turn up (something), esp (of an animal) with the snout; root
2. (tr; usually foll by out or up) to get or find by searching
3. (usually foll by: out) to force or drive out: they routed him out of bed at midnight.
4. (often foll by: out) to hollow or gouge out
5. (intr) to search, poke, or rummage
[C16: variant of root²]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
rout1 (raʊt)

n.
1. a defeat attended with disorderly flight: to put an army to rout.
2. any overwhelming defeat.
3. a tumultuous or disorderly crowd of persons.
4. Law. a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a manner that suggests an intention to riot.
5. a large, formal evening party or social gathering.
6. Archaic. a company or band of people.
v.t.
7. to disperse in defeat and disorderly flight.
8. to defeat decisively.
[1200–50; (n.) Middle English < Anglo-French rute, Old French route a fraction, detachment < Vulgar Latin *rupta a break, Latin: n. use of feminine past participle of rumpere to break; (v.) derivative of the n.]
rout2 (raʊt)

v.i.
1. to root, as swine.
2. to poke, search, or rummage.
v.t.
3. to turn over or dig up with the snout.
4. to find or get by searching, rummaging, etc. (usu. fol. by out).
5. to cause to rise from bed.
6. to force or drive out.
7. to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop.
[1540–50; alter. of root2; compare Middle Dutch ruten to root out]
rout4 (raʊt, rut)
v.i., v.t.
Chiefly Brit. Dial. to bellow; roar.
[1250–1300; Middle English rowten < Old Norse rauta to bellow]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rout, Route a troop, throng, company; a clamourous multitude; a rabble; a tumultuous crowd—Johnson, 1755.
Examples: rout or route of Black beasts, 1576; of clerks, 1430; of rural folk, 1616; of gentlemen; of knights, 1486; of lords, 1386; of nightingales, 1366; of ragged rhymers, 1579; of roiters, 1750; of ruffians and robbers, 1568; of worldly and gallant servants, 1491; of sheep, 1821; of snails, 1440; of soldiers; of strangers, 1737; of the wicked, 1561; of wolves, 1275; of words and actions, 1624.
Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.


Can I get my own column now?

[BorderPatrol]

route
ro͞ot,rout/Submit
noun
1.
a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
"the most direct route is via Los Angeles"
synonyms:   way, course, road, path, direction; More
verb
1.
send or direct along a specified course.
"all lines of communication were routed through Atlanta"
synonyms:   direct, send, convey, dispatch, forward
"inquiries are routed to the relevant desk

rout 1  (rout)
n.
1.
a. A disorderly retreat or flight following defeat.
b. An overwhelming defeat.
2.
a. A disorderly crowd of people; a mob.
b. People of the lowest class; rabble.
3. A public disturbance; a riot.
4. A fashionable gathering.
5. Archaic A group of people, especially knights, or of animals, especially wolves.
tr.v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs
1. To put to disorderly flight or retreat: "the flock of starlings which Jasper had routed with his gun" (Virginia Woolf).
2. To defeat overwhelmingl

rout 2  (rout)
v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs
v.intr.
1. To dig with the snout; root.
2. To poke around; rummage.
v.tr.
1. To expose to view as if by digging; uncover.
2. To hollow, scoop, or gouge out.
3. To drive or force out as if by digging; eject: rout out an informant.
4. Archaic To dig up with the snout.

rout 3  (rout, ro͞ot)
intr.v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs Chiefly British
To bellow. Used of cattle.
[Middle English routen, to roar, from Old Norse rauta.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
rout (raʊt)
n
1. an overwhelming defeat
2. a disorderly retreat
3. a noisy rabble
4. (Law) law a group of three or more people proceeding to commit an illegal act
5. a large party or social gathering
vb
6. (tr) to defeat and cause to flee in confusion
[C13: from Anglo-Norman rute, from Old French: disorderly band, from Latin ruptus broken, from rumpere to burst; see route]
rout (raʊt)
vb
1. to dig over or turn up (something), esp (of an animal) with the snout; root
2. (tr; usually foll by out or up) to get or find by searching
3. (usually foll by: out) to force or drive out: they routed him out of bed at midnight.
4. (often foll by: out) to hollow or gouge out
5. (intr) to search, poke, or rummage
[C16: variant of root²]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
rout1 (raʊt)

n.
1. a defeat attended with disorderly flight: to put an army to rout.
2. any overwhelming defeat.
3. a tumultuous or disorderly crowd of persons.
4. Law. a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a manner that suggests an intention to riot.
5. a large, formal evening party or social gathering.
6. Archaic. a company or band of people.
v.t.
7. to disperse in defeat and disorderly flight.
8. to defeat decisively.
[1200–50; (n.) Middle English < Anglo-French rute, Old French route a fraction, detachment < Vulgar Latin *rupta a break, Latin: n. use of feminine past participle of rumpere to break; (v.) derivative of the n.]
rout2 (raʊt)

v.i.
1. to root, as swine.
2. to poke, search, or rummage.
v.t.
3. to turn over or dig up with the snout.
4. to find or get by searching, rummaging, etc. (usu. fol. by out).
5. to cause to rise from bed.
6. to force or drive out.
7. to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop.
[1540–50; alter. of root2; compare Middle Dutch ruten to root out]
rout4 (raʊt, rut)
v.i., v.t.
Chiefly Brit. Dial. to bellow; roar.
[1250–1300; Middle English rowten < Old Norse rauta to bellow]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rout, Route a troop, throng, company; a clamourous multitude; a rabble; a tumultuous crowd—Johnson, 1755.
Examples: rout or route of Black beasts, 1576; of clerks, 1430; of rural folk, 1616; of gentlemen; of knights, 1486; of lords, 1386; of nightingales, 1366; of ragged rhymers, 1579; of roiters, 1750; of ruffians and robbers, 1568; of worldly and gallant servants, 1491; of sheep, 1821; of snails, 1440; of soldiers; of strangers, 1737; of the wicked, 1561; of wolves, 1275; of words and actions, 1624.
Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.


Can I get my own column now?

DNR.

bp

[BadHog]

[Hakuna Matata]

This is Robert with each "column" he attempts to write.

[BadHog]

[The_Iceman]

[wacohogbill]

Good read.  Thank you.

[Dr. Starcs]

Thanks to Robert Shields, we will learn absolutely nothing.

[duckman]

Did not read, did read this though....

[Mike Irwin]

Awesome. Totally worth the headache of trying to read this thread. Nothing like taking a boat ride with a moron.

[MissippHog]

[nchogg]

Quote: "This week, Your Razorbacks face off against the modern-day version of Tulsa by playing the University of Texas at El Paso Miners (which is actually a mascot that is appropriately named)". I guess Robert is not a Hog fan. This one is not as boring as some of the other ones. Must have taken the hard stuff home from the liquor store.

[Biggus Piggus]

Dammit Robert, now that song is running around in my head.

[Sed76]

A little too simple this Week Robert!

Wow, when Delta doesn't slobber all over it you know it's worse than usual.

[AUSTXHOG]

[jmb1973]

Wow, when Delta doesn't slobber all over it you know it's worse than usual.

My thoughts exactly. We may have just witnessed a Hogville romance ending.

[DLUXHOG]

Not sure, but this seems like sodomy.............

[umpqua]

They aren't serving alcohol in the General Admission section. Not going to happen.

[LSUFan]

See below, Wobble.

[zane]

Bobby Petrino's new girlfriend did not read

[zane]

[HoggusMaximus]

.

[elviscat]

Good job, Robert. I like your observation.

[Ex-Trumpet]

route
ro͞ot,rout/Submit
noun
1.
a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
"the most direct route is via Los Angeles"
synonyms:   way, course, road, path, direction; More
verb
1.
send or direct along a specified course.
"all lines of communication were routed through Atlanta"
synonyms:   direct, send, convey, dispatch, forward
"inquiries are routed to the relevant desk

rout 1  (rout)
n.
1.
a. A disorderly retreat or flight following defeat.
b. An overwhelming defeat.
2.
a. A disorderly crowd of people; a mob.
b. People of the lowest class; rabble.
3. A public disturbance; a riot.
4. A fashionable gathering.
5. Archaic A group of people, especially knights, or of animals, especially wolves.
tr.v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs
1. To put to disorderly flight or retreat: "the flock of starlings which Jasper had routed with his gun" (Virginia Woolf).
2. To defeat overwhelmingl

rout 2  (rout)
v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs
v.intr.
1. To dig with the snout; root.
2. To poke around; rummage.
v.tr.
1. To expose to view as if by digging; uncover.
2. To hollow, scoop, or gouge out.
3. To drive or force out as if by digging; eject: rout out an informant.
4. Archaic To dig up with the snout.

rout 3  (rout, ro͞ot)
intr.v. rout·ed, rout·ing, routs Chiefly British
To bellow. Used of cattle.
[Middle English routen, to roar, from Old Norse rauta.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
rout (raʊt)
n
1. an overwhelming defeat
2. a disorderly retreat
3. a noisy rabble
4. (Law) law a group of three or more people proceeding to commit an illegal act
5. a large party or social gathering
vb
6. (tr) to defeat and cause to flee in confusion
[C13: from Anglo-Norman rute, from Old French: disorderly band, from Latin ruptus broken, from rumpere to burst; see route]
rout (raʊt)
vb
1. to dig over or turn up (something), esp (of an animal) with the snout; root
2. (tr; usually foll by out or up) to get or find by searching
3. (usually foll by: out) to force or drive out: they routed him out of bed at midnight.
4. (often foll by: out) to hollow or gouge out
5. (intr) to search, poke, or rummage
[C16: variant of root²]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
rout1 (raʊt)

n.
1. a defeat attended with disorderly flight: to put an army to rout.
2. any overwhelming defeat.
3. a tumultuous or disorderly crowd of persons.
4. Law. a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a manner that suggests an intention to riot.
5. a large, formal evening party or social gathering.
6. Archaic. a company or band of people.
v.t.
7. to disperse in defeat and disorderly flight.
8. to defeat decisively.
[1200–50; (n.) Middle English < Anglo-French rute, Old French route a fraction, detachment < Vulgar Latin *rupta a break, Latin: n. use of feminine past participle of rumpere to break; (v.) derivative of the n.]
rout2 (raʊt)

v.i.
1. to root, as swine.
2. to poke, search, or rummage.
v.t.
3. to turn over or dig up with the snout.
4. to find or get by searching, rummaging, etc. (usu. fol. by out).
5. to cause to rise from bed.
6. to force or drive out.
7. to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop.
[1540–50; alter. of root2; compare Middle Dutch ruten to root out]
rout4 (raʊt, rut)
v.i., v.t.
Chiefly Brit. Dial. to bellow; roar.
[1250–1300; Middle English rowten < Old Norse rauta to bellow]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rout, Route a troop, throng, company; a clamourous multitude; a rabble; a tumultuous crowd—Johnson, 1755.
Examples: rout or route of Black beasts, 1576; of clerks, 1430; of rural folk, 1616; of gentlemen; of knights, 1486; of lords, 1386; of nightingales, 1366; of ragged rhymers, 1579; of roiters, 1750; of ruffians and robbers, 1568; of worldly and gallant servants, 1491; of sheep, 1821; of snails, 1440; of soldiers; of strangers, 1737; of the wicked, 1561; of wolves, 1275; of words and actions, 1624.
Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.


Can I get my own column now?

You can keep your English lessons...I've always been more of a math guy!

[LSUFan]

You can keep your English lessons...I've always been more of a math guy!

Sand on bewbs, WNB

[Hognspace]

Nice read. Robert

[Hog Fan from Camden]

LOL!

[Boardon Hamsay]

Obligatory From the Bench Gif of the Week

[mhsbc59]

BANG

[Mulberry Squeezins]

Not only is Tulsa's nickname misplaced, it's also misspelled.  It's not Hurricanes it's Hurricane.  NO "S"

[Pigliophile]

Do you even read what you write? 

[Virgil]

IM RICK JAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zane]

Do you even read what you write? 

Even Bob Shields DID NOT READ!!!

[Biggus Piggus]

The ceremonial first rewrite of the season.

Thanks to the West Texas Town of El Paso, We Will Learn Lots as the Season Unfurls

Biggus F. Piggus, CFA

Arkansas once had a habit of playing the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Compiled an alltime record of 53-15-2. Falling in the "15" or "2" constituted a monumentally bad season.

Arkansas did not always open against Tulsa, but the Razorbacks played the Golden Hurricane almost every season from 1933 until 1990 -- usually in September, often as the opener.

Casey Dick's best game, 385 yards passing, was in 2008 when a bad Arkansas team was still able to beat 11-win Tulsa. And Gus Malzahn. Even under John L. Smith, the Hogs had enough to defeat an 11-win Tulsa team in 2012. That was the last game vs. TU. Might be the last ever. Losing to John L. Smith ought to be grounds for shutting down football.

This week Arkansas plays UTEP, which has nothing to do with Tulsa. UTEP is in Conference USA. Mascot = Miners. As in gold miners. But mining of non-precious metals was THE industry in El Paso for a long time. El Paso was the site of the primary smelter for Asarco, which built the Guggenheim fortune. After 20 years of complaints from citizens, the city and state sued Asarco in 1972 over lead contamination from the smelter, which in general was polluting the city and was a major eyesore. About 80% of the pollution fell on Juarez, Mexico, which didn't matter to Americans for most of the plant's history.

Lead poisoning studies of El Paso children by the CDC were so influential, the federal government banned lead as a gasoline additive.

Asarco eventually installed exhaust scrubbers and shut down its lead, cadmium and zinc plants. The copper smelter operated until 1999. Asarco filed bankruptcy to dodge its environmental cleanup obligations. Later, it was revealed that Asarco illegally incinerated hazardous waste in the El Paso smelter.

Apparently, Texas-El Paso still has college-caliber students despite lead contamination.

Across the river from El Paso is Juarez, site of not just Asarco poisons. It was the home of X-Rock 80, the super-power AM radio station that topped Arbitron radio ratings in the 1970s. AM 800.

UTEP football is coached by Sean Kugler, 49. Played at UTEP, was an assistant coach from 1993-2000. Then coached tight ends and Oline for the Detroit Lions. Then spent a year at Boise. And coached Oline for the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. Finally got the UTEP job. Career record 9-13 -- progression, 2-10, 7-6. Not bad.

UTEP should be a good measuring stick for the Razorbacks. The Miners return a 1,300-yard rusher and a defense with a solid pass rush. They understand power football. Any sign of the Razorbacks not taking the opponent seriously should be instantly visible.

If Arkansas is destined to have a great 2015 football season, the following should happen:

1) Brandon Allen should complete a high percentage of his passes, for well over 8 yards per attempt. Arkansas has been working hard to improve the efficiency of the passing game, the ability of receivers to gain yards after the catch, and the frequency of big plays. If they do not happen against UTEP, they probably won't happen much this season. Not that UTEP is a pushover, but the schedule is that difficult.

2) Alex Collins and another running back should gain more than 100 yards, without losing fumbles. The Hogs need to establish more than the run. They need big plays, and they need to kill the turnovers that plagued runners the past two seasons. Without J-Will, Arkansas has to re-establish its rushing rotation.

3) Tight ends should be more than a fleeting threat in the passing game. Arkansas did not score much with its tight ends in the past two seasons, despite the offense's obvious featuring of them. Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle should be scoring threats.

4) Keon Hatcher must show the ability to be a No.1 receiver. He should be at the top of his game now. Hatcher is Arkansas's best hope of having a featured wide receiver on par with the rest of the SEC. Hatcher has to make the big plays he bobbled before.

5) Some kind of separation needs to begin appearing among the other receivers. This offense won't provide meaningful chances for more than four wideouts. Will anybody earn A-list status alongside Hatcher? Will Jared Cornelius show any big-play threat after averaging less than 12 yards per catch in 2014? Is Drew Morgan a real playmaker? Can Dominique Reed handle a few hits and be a deep threat? Anyone else?

6) Arkansas must demonstrate that it takes special teams more seriously than it appeared in the past two seasons. Last year, the Hogs excelled at punt return defense. Kickoff return defense was horrible, ranking toward the bottom of the NCAA. Punt and kickoff returns were decent. Placekicking was poor. Great teams don't mess up any aspect of special teams.

7) The coaches have boasted all summer about the depth building on defense, especially the front four and secondary. The Hogs must demonstrate the ability to use that depth while maintaining effective communication and avoiding busts. If the depth is usable, Arkansas should wear down an opponent like UTEP.

Arkansas reshuffled its starting linebackers on the eve of game week. Last year, starting linebackers made one-quarter of the team's unassisted tackles. UTEP's solid running game should test the starting unit. If Ellis-Williams-Hackett are productive, it would answer a lot of questions about the state of the run defense.

9) The offensive line must prove it can deal with a gap-shooting defense that will try to use the linemen's bulk against them. In particular, left tackle Denver Kirkland will be tested right away. If Kirkland shows any issues, he will be under attack for the entire season.

10) Arkansas has settled on what appears to be a well-balanced rotation in the secondary. Everybody has added strength and improved speed and quickness. The group seems to have improved its mastery of press man coverage techniques. Biggest question is whether the secondary will display any bias in its skills -- whether it loses anything, say, in run support. Again, UTEP will test that right away.

11) This is as much for opponents as it is for fans, but Arkansas supporters want to see something change for the better in the first game for Dan Enos as offensive coordinator. Any change might be hard to pin down, but one would like to see more consistency and fewer oddball moments. If the Hogs simply do what they do with more success, that would be better than a bunch of "Reggie Fish hiding behind a big fat butt" plays, right?

12) Lastly, Sebastian Tretola must throw a touchdown pass, if he has a prayer of keeping his Heisman campaign alive.

[BadHog]

The ceremonial first rewrite of the season.

Thanks to the West Texas Town of El Paso, We Will Learn Lots as the Season Unfurls

Biggus F. Piggus, CFA

Arkansas once had a habit of playing the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Compiled an alltime record of 53-15-2. Falling in the "15" or "2" constituted a monumentally bad season.

Arkansas did not always open against Tulsa, but the Razorbacks played the Golden Hurricane almost every season from 1933 until 1990 -- usually in September, often as the opener.

Casey Dick's best game, 385 yards passing, was in 2008 when a bad Arkansas team was still able to beat 11-win Tulsa. And Gus Malzahn. Even under John L. Smith, the Hogs had enough to defeat an 11-win Tulsa team in 2012. That was the last game vs. TU. Might be the last ever. Losing to John L. Smith ought to be grounds for shutting down football.

This week Arkansas plays UTEP, which has nothing to do with Tulsa. UTEP is in Conference USA. Mascot = Miners. As in gold miners. But mining of non-precious metals was THE industry in El Paso for a long time. El Paso was the site of the primary smelter for Asarco, which built the Guggenheim fortune. After 20 years of complaints from citizens, the city and state sued Asarco in 1972 over lead contamination from the smelter, which in general was polluting the city and was a major eyesore. About 80% of the pollution fell on Juarez, Mexico, which didn't matter to Americans for most of the plant's history.

Lead poisoning studies of El Paso children by the CDC were so influential, the federal government banned lead as a gasoline additive.

Asarco eventually installed exhaust scrubbers and shut down its lead, cadmium and zinc plants. The copper smelter operated until 1999. Asarco filed bankruptcy to dodge its environmental cleanup obligations. Later, it was revealed that Asarco illegally incinerated hazardous waste in the El Paso smelter.

Apparently, Texas-El Paso still has college-caliber students despite lead contamination.

Across the river from El Paso is Juarez, site of not just Asarco poisons. It was the home of X-Rock 80, the super-power AM radio station that topped Arbitron radio ratings in the 1970s. AM 800.

UTEP football is coached by Sean Kugler, 49. Played at UTEP, was an assistant coach from 1993-2000. Then coached tight ends and Oline for the Detroit Lions. Then spent a year at Boise. And coached Oline for the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. Finally got the UTEP job. Career record 9-13 -- progression, 2-10, 7-6. Not bad.

UTEP should be a good measuring stick for the Razorbacks. The Miners return a 1,300-yard rusher and a defense with a solid pass rush. They understand power football. Any sign of the Razorbacks not taking the opponent seriously should be instantly visible.

If Arkansas is destined to have a great 2015 football season, the following should happen:

1) Brandon Allen should complete a high percentage of his passes, for well over 8 yards per attempt. Arkansas has been working hard to improve the efficiency of the passing game, the ability of receivers to gain yards after the catch, and the frequency of big plays. If they do not happen against UTEP, they probably won't happen much this season. Not that UTEP is a pushover, but the schedule is that difficult.

2) Alex Collins and another running back should gain more than 100 yards, without losing fumbles. The Hogs need to establish more than the run. They need big plays, and they need to kill the turnovers that plagued runners the past two seasons. Without J-Will, Arkansas has to re-establish its rushing rotation.

3) Tight ends should be more than a fleeting threat in the passing game. Arkansas did not score much with its tight ends in the past two seasons, despite the offense's obvious featuring of them. Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle should be scoring threats.

4) Keon Hatcher must show the ability to be a No.1 receiver. He should be at the top of his game now. Hatcher is Arkansas's best hope of having a featured wide receiver on par with the rest of the SEC. Hatcher has to make the big plays he bobbled before.

5) Some kind of separation needs to begin appearing among the other receivers. This offense won't provide meaningful chances for more than four wideouts. Will anybody earn A-list status alongside Hatcher? Will Jared Cornelius show any big-play threat after averaging less than 12 yards per catch in 2014? Is Drew Morgan a real playmaker? Can Dominique Reed handle a few hits and be a deep threat? Anyone else?

6) Arkansas must demonstrate that it takes special teams more seriously than it appeared in the past two seasons. Last year, the Hogs excelled at punt return defense. Kickoff return defense was horrible, ranking toward the bottom of the NCAA. Punt and kickoff returns were decent. Placekicking was poor. Great teams don't mess up any aspect of special teams.

7) The coaches have boasted all summer about the depth building on defense, especially the front four and secondary. The Hogs must demonstrate the ability to use that depth while maintaining effective communication and avoiding busts. If the depth is usable, Arkansas should wear down an opponent like UTEP.

Arkansas reshuffled its starting linebackers on the eve of game week. Last year, starting linebackers made one-quarter of the team's unassisted tackles. UTEP's solid running game should test the starting unit. If Ellis-Williams-Hackett are productive, it would answer a lot of questions about the state of the run defense.

9) The offensive line must prove it can deal with a gap-shooting defense that will try to use the linemen's bulk against them. In particular, left tackle Denver Kirkland will be tested right away. If Kirkland shows any issues, he will be under attack for the entire season.

10) Arkansas has settled on what appears to be a well-balanced rotation in the secondary. Everybody has added strength and improved speed and quickness. The group seems to have improved its mastery of press man coverage techniques. Biggest question is whether the secondary will display any bias in its skills -- whether it loses anything, say, in run support. Again, UTEP will test that right away.

11) This is as much for opponents as it is for fans, but Arkansas supporters want to see something change for the better in the first game for Dan Enos as offensive coordinator. Any change might be hard to pin down, but one would like to see more consistency and fewer oddball moments. If the Hogs simply do what they do with more success, that would be better than a bunch of "Reggie Fish hiding behind a big fat butt" plays, right?

12) Lastly, Sebastian Tretola must throw a touchdown pass, if he has a prayer of keeping his Heisman campaign alive.

HA! I did read that! Thanks Bigs!