Bacon Bits - 2007 Predictions (Game By Game)

[whatsshakinbacon]

Bacon Bits – 2007 Predictions
Volume LXIX
August 12, 2007

Go ahead, get your big red pen out.  You know, the one that is buried in the back of the silverware drawer.  You use it about once a year for boxes you mail away or yard sale signs.

This year I want you to do one thing with it.  Find a calendar.  Flip it to September.  Draw a big red circle around September 15th.  On that day the Arkansas and Alabama programs are on a collision course that will likely determine the consensus opinion of both teams’ seasons.

In 2006 we looked forward to a season already knowing what our defining games would be.  We expected to lose to USC, Auburn and LSU, and the only toss-up games came late in the season against the likes of USC-East and Tennessee.  The rest we expected to win.

Fortunately for the Razorbacks an upset victory over Auburn provided the momentum for a ten game winning streak and victories with surprising ease against South Carolina and Tennessee. 

Say what you want about coaching, but if a healthy Darren McFadden is given the ball this Arkansas team is good, downright dangerous, even if we see a repeat of the last few years’ one-dimensional design.

And that leads me to my game by game breakdown of this year’s team.  Everything seems to point to that September 15th showdown at Alabama.  A win there could put us in a BCS game.  A loss could send us in a tailspin.  Sorry Crimson Tide faithful, I just don’t think Saban picks up where he left off at LSU.

September 1 – Troy (Fayetteville)
   This Troy team only beat one team that was good last year, and that was Rice in the bowl game.  The accolades being heaped upon them around here may just be the product of a Lou Holtz-esque type inflation propagated by those in the Broyles Complex.  They do return an excellent dual threat quarterback in Omar Haugabook but their line has been largely rebuilt in the off-season.  The spread offense attack they employ will help us find gaps in the secondary early in the season, and if anything we come out of this game knowing just how much losing Chris Houston means to this team.  Their defense returns mostly intact from ’06, but they gave up lots of points to the good teams they faced.  This may not be a roll-over win, but the only sweating September 1 will be from the hot late summer sun, not the game.  Hogs win.

September 15 – Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
   I’m not sure I’d go so far as to call this game a must win, but if we want a chance at the BCS it just may be.  Alabama has young talent, but has had an incredible amount of turnover on the defensive side.  They lacked in a running game last year but have several new backs competing for the job in ’07.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither was LSU when Saban came along.  This team was reeling at the end of last year (yes, they really did lose to Mississippi State) and while the fans may be at a fever pitch this doesn’t always translate to on-field play.  Look for Arkansas to try to put this one away early.  Arkansas wins by ball-controlling the time away.  Saban’s blitz-happy defenses may work well against the spread, but this running attack will eat them up.

September 22 – Kentucky (Fayetteville)
   A win over Alabama sends Razorback stock to the heavens.  But overconfidence is the danger here.  Kentucky had a top ten passing attack last season.  Fortunately for Arkansas it had a bottom fifteen rushing defense.  For those of you who attended the Kentucky game a few years ago in Little Rock, look for this one to end very possibly the same way.  This game will be close, Andre’ Woodson is a senior who won’t be rattled.  Rich Brooks is a hard-nosed coach and his team has reportedly been pushing hard this off-season.  There’s a good chance the Wildcats will be licking some wounds from the previous week’s game against Louisville, and they won’t be able to stop the running attack…is this a theme?  Hogs win.

September 29 – North Texas (Fayetteville)
   The Mean Green invades Fayetteville under the tutelage of new coach Todd Dodge.  Last year he was on a high school sideline at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas.  The last five years he put together a 79-1 record…yes 79-1 at Carroll which was twice named the USA Today High School National Champion.  Actually that’s the only thing intriguing about this game. North Texas was bad last year, winning only 3, and they are implementing a new defense this year.  They run the spread…but not well.  This is no contest for the Hogs.  But 10 years from now we may all say we remember his first season as coach.  Oh, the Hogs win.

October 6 – Tennessee-Chattanooga (Little Rock)
   Another game of ease for the Razorbacks.  The Mocs last played November 11, 2006…where they lost to mighty Wofford 55-0.  What can you say good about them?  Well, their website is pretty nice.  If we get any first-teamers injured the coaching staff should be flogged.  Hogs romp and roll to a huge victory.

October 13 – Auburn (Fayetteville)
  Back to the grind and Auburn provides a salty test.  But this version of Auburn isn’t as good as we’ve seen in recent years.  They lost only two games last year, but their offense sputtered down the stretch.  Only four starters return on offense, and the offensive line has to be rebuilt not to mention the loss of their number one receiver in Courtney Taylor.  Rod Smith will try to fill his shoes but had less than half the receptions of Taylor.  Kenny Irons is also gone, and it could be that this offense struggles early in the season.  How good they are by this midpoint game is unpredictable.  But the rushing defense was average last year, and somehow, someway we find the ability to play well against Auburn.  The Hogs get virtual off-weeks leading up to this game, while Auburn gets Florida and Vandy.  The Hogs should be healthy and will take this game.

October 20 – Ole Miss (Oxford)
   Don’t be surprised if Ole Miss has quarterback issues this year.  Brent Schaeffer, the transfer from Tennessee, has underperformed and is in danger of losing his job to walk-on Seth Adams, both seniors.  The good news for Ole Miss is the offense comes back pretty intact.  The bad news for Ole Miss is the offense comes back pretty intact.  Other than RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis there hasn’t been much of an offensive attack for Ole Miss.  On defense we’ll be challenged by a familiar face, John Thompson, who served stints as DC under Nutt at Arkansas and as AD at UCA.  Poor John doesn’t have much to work with, though, as only 4 starters return from last year.  Thompson’s defenses were at their worst when the opponents were throwing over them.  If we can’t do that very well will our running attack sustain us?  I think so.  Orgeron continues to haul in good recruits but just can’t put a solid team together.  We win in seven overtimes.

October 27 – Florida International (Fayetteville)
   This team does one thing well.  Pass defense.  But I think even Casey Dick can pad his rushing totals against them.  Depending on how many players get suspended for brawling against Miami in a couple of weeks we might just catch a break and go up against the intramural soccer team in helmets.  If not we might have to work for a quarter or two but should walk away with the Sun Belt junior conference championship as we take the third of three games against that conference.  Remind me why we’re not playing Arkansas State.  Hogs roll.

November 3 – South Carolina (Fayetteville)
   Now things get interesting.  Just what will South Carolina be like come November is the question.  They bring back a lot of players, including Blake Mitchell at quarterback.  Spurrier has had time to get his system installed and this year may well be the time for it to begin clicking…at least in spurts.  The good news for us is that we’re sandwiched in between games against Tennessee and Florida, and if that doesn’t take an emotional toll on the ole ball coach nothing will.  A much improved defensive line awaits McFadden and company, and it will take some semblance of a passing game to take this game, otherwise we might just be faced with a special teams battle where the mistake prone team loses.  That doesn’t bode well for Arkansas in recent years, and this may be compounded by the fact that the Gamecocks went and hired Frank Beamer’s son as special teams coach in the off-season.  I look for this game to go to the wire, with Arkansas ranked top ten and Carolina looking for revenge and respect.  But in the end a RRS crowd cheering on a team looking at national championship hopes will be enough to push us over the top.  Hogs win (barely)

November 10 - Tennessee (Knoxville)
   Fulmer may be poised to take this team back to top ten status.  Erik Ainge is an accurate quarterback with good backs behind him.  The problem for Tennessee is their defense.  Last year’s game was one for the ages and trounced their waning hopes of a BCS berth.  This year our defense gets owned by a balanced attack at Neyland stadium and despite all the great running we simply can’t keep up with them.  The Volunteers have an easy tuneup before us and a relatively light schedule (inasmuch as an SEC East team can have a light schedule).  Volunteers storm the field and Arkansas heads home broken-hearted…again.

November 17 – Mississippi State (Little Rock)
   Sylvester Croom’s farewell tour bus will be parked out front of War Memorial Stadium where you’ll find him signing autographs and handing out resumes to anyone that will pay him attention.  I hate it for him, he seems like a great guy, but unless you recruit like Jackie Sherrill the poor Bulldogs will be re-relegated to stepchildren of the conference.  This year they bring back a decent passing game, an atrocious running game, and enough new faces on defense that Croom ought to just call them by their numbers.  Their defensive line is a new crop of guys and we all know what SEC newcomers do against our rushing attack.  Nutt breaks his streak of losing back to back SEC games and the hogs win one in the Rock.

November 23 – LSU (Baton Rouge)
   When do these guys rotate off?  I knew when LSU hired Miles they were making a mistake.  I still hold to that (eventually), but until the talent pool falls off even I could coach LSU to 9 wins per season.  This year is no different.  There’s so much athleticism on this team that throwing 11 guys on the field and telling them to go get the ball will be enough to produce an effective defense.  Oh yeah, should I remind you that 8 starters from last year’s defense are back?  Ouch.  Their offense shouldn’t drop off much from last year and I suspect that by the time we get to Baton Rouge the talk about town will be where’s the best place to eat boudan and catch the national championship game.  There is no reason to expect that this team will not be playing for the Sears Trophy and until they falter I believe they will.  Arkansas leaves the boot in Louisiana and hopefully comes home with their pride intact.

So there you have it friends, I say we go 10-2.  That prediction and a buck fifty buys you a coffee.  But back to that big red circle around September 15th.  Should we slip up in Tuscaloosa it could create a tailspin that erodes our confidence and results in several losses.

This Razorback team is talented enough to win every game on the schedule, if and only if we develop a handful of passes that keep our running game open.  Herring’s defense should be fine, with additional zone and nickel packages early in the season as we adjust to life without Chris Houston.  Linebackers after Olajubutu will be in good shape, and defensive line may well be stronger than in ’06.

All reports on Alex Tejada are promising and it appears some shifts in special teams coaching have occurred.

In the end I can predict only one thing.  We’ll lace up each Saturday with a good chance to win.  What happens between now and November 23rd is largely up to coaching and injuries.  And neither is in my control.  Go Hogs!

Bacon out…


This is the third in a four part series previewing the upcoming season.  Up next is a breakdown of the SEC West.

FIRST REPORT - OFFENSE.

SECOND REPORT - DEFENSE.

[WindyCityHog]

Bacon Bits – 2007 Predictions
Volume LXIX
August 12, 2007

Go ahead, get your big red pen out.  You know, the one that is buried in the back of the silverware drawer.  You use it about once a year for boxes you mail away or yard sale signs.

This year I want you to do one thing with it.  Find a calendar.  Flip it to September.  Draw a big red circle around September 15th.  On that day the Arkansas and Alabama programs are on a collision course that will likely determine the consensus opinion of both teams’ seasons.

In 2006 we looked forward to a season already knowing what our defining games would be.  We expected to lose to USC, Auburn and LSU, and the only toss-up games came late in the season against the likes of USC-East and Tennessee.  The rest we expected to win.

Fortunately for the Razorbacks an upset victory over Auburn provided the momentum for a ten game winning streak and victories with surprising ease against South Carolina and Tennessee. 

Say what you want about coaching, but if a healthy Darren McFadden is given the ball this Arkansas team is good, downright dangerous, even if we see a repeat of the last few years’ one-dimensional design.

And that leads me to my game by game breakdown of this year’s team.  Everything seems to point to that September 15th showdown at Alabama.  A win there could put us in a BCS game.  A loss could send us in a tailspin.  Sorry Crimson Tide faithful, I just don’t think Saban picks up where he left off at LSU.

September 1 – Troy (Fayetteville)
   This Troy team only beat one team that was good last year, and that was Rice in the bowl game.  The accolades being heaped upon them around here may just be the product of a Lou Holtz-esque type inflation propagated by those in the Broyles Complex.  They do return an excellent dual threat quarterback in Omar Haugabook but their line has been largely rebuilt in the off-season.  The spread offense attack they employ will help us find gaps in the secondary early in the season, and if anything we come out of this game knowing just how much losing Chris Houston means to this team.  Their defense returns mostly intact from ’06, but they gave up lots of points to the good teams they faced.  This may not be a roll-over win, but the only sweating September 1 will be from the hot late summer sun, not the game.  Hogs win.

September 15 – Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
   I’m not sure I’d go so far as to call this game a must win, but if we want a chance at the BCS it just may be.  Alabama has young talent, but has had an incredible amount of turnover on the defensive side.  They lacked in a running game last year but have several new backs competing for the job in ’07.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither was LSU when Saban came along.  This team was reeling at the end of last year (yes, they really did lose to Mississippi State) and while the fans may be at a fever pitch this doesn’t always translate to on-field play.  Look for Arkansas to try to put this one away early.  Arkansas wins by ball-controlling the time away.  Saban’s blitz-happy defenses may work well against the spread, but this running attack will eat them up.

September 22 – Kentucky (Fayetteville)
   A win over Alabama sends Razorback stock to the heavens.  But overconfidence is the danger here.  Kentucky had a top ten passing attack last season.  Fortunately for Arkansas it had a bottom fifteen rushing defense.  For those of you who attended the Kentucky game a few years ago in Little Rock, look for this one to end very possibly the same way.  This game will be close, Andre’ Woodson is a senior who won’t be rattled.  Rich Brooks is a hard-nosed coach and his team has reportedly been pushing hard this off-season.  There’s a good chance the Wildcats will be licking some wounds from the previous week’s game against Louisville, and they won’t be able to stop the running attack…is this a theme?  Hogs win.

September 29 – North Texas (Fayetteville)
   The Mean Green invades Fayetteville under the tutelage of new coach Todd Dodge.  Last year he was on a high school sideline at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas.  The last five years he put together a 79-1 record…yes 79-1 at Carroll which was twice named the USA Today High School National Champion.  Actually that’s the only thing intriguing about this game. North Texas was bad last year, winning only 3, and they are implementing a new defense this year.  They run the spread…but not well.  This is no contest for the Hogs.  But 10 years from now we may all say we remember his first season as coach.  Oh, the Hogs win.

October 6 – Tennessee-Chattanooga (Little Rock)
   Another game of ease for the Razorbacks.  The Mocs last played November 11, 2006…where they lost to mighty Wofford 55-0.  What can you say good about them?  Well, their website is pretty nice.  If we get any first-teamers injured the coaching staff should be flogged.  Hogs romp and roll to a huge victory.

October 13 – Auburn (Fayetteville)
  Back to the grind and Auburn provides a salty test.  But this version of Auburn isn’t as good as we’ve seen in recent years.  They lost only two games last year, but their offense sputtered down the stretch.  Only four starters return on offense, and the offensive line has to be rebuilt not to mention the loss of their number one receiver in Courtney Taylor.  Rod Smith will try to fill his shoes but had less than half the receptions of Taylor.  Kenny Irons is also gone, and it could be that this offense struggles early in the season.  How good they are by this midpoint game is unpredictable.  But the rushing defense was average last year, and somehow, someway we find the ability to play well against Auburn.  The Hogs get virtual off-weeks leading up to this game, while Auburn gets Florida and Vandy.  The Hogs should be healthy and will take this game.

October 20 – Ole Miss (Oxford)
   Don’t be surprised if Ole Miss has quarterback issues this year.  Brent Schaeffer, the transfer from Tennessee, has underperformed and is in danger of losing his job to walk-on Seth Adams, both seniors.  The good news for Ole Miss is the offense comes back pretty intact.  The bad news for Ole Miss is the offense comes back pretty intact.  Other than RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis there hasn’t been much of an offensive attack for Ole Miss.  On defense we’ll be challenged by a familiar face, John Thompson, who served stints as DC under Nutt at Arkansas and as AD at UCA.  Poor John doesn’t have much to work with, though, as only 4 starters return from last year.  Thompson’s defenses were at their worst when the opponents were throwing over them.  If we can’t do that very well will our running attack sustain us?  I think so.  Orgeron continues to haul in good recruits but just can’t put a solid team together.  We win in seven overtimes.

October 27 – Florida International (Fayetteville)
   This team does one thing well.  Pass defense.  But I think even Casey Dick can pad his rushing totals against them.  Depending on how many players get suspended for brawling against Miami in a couple of weeks we might just catch a break and go up against the intramural soccer team in helmets.  If not we might have to work for a quarter or two but should walk away with the Sun Belt junior conference championship as we take the third of three games against that conference.  Remind me why we’re not playing Arkansas State.  Hogs roll.

November 3 – South Carolina (Fayetteville)
   Now things get interesting.  Just what will South Carolina be like come November is the question.  They bring back a lot of players, including Blake Mitchell at quarterback.  Spurrier has had time to get his system installed and this year may well be the time for it to begin clicking…at least in spurts.  The good news for us is that we’re sandwiched in between games against Tennessee and Florida, and if that doesn’t take an emotional toll on the ole ball coach nothing will.  A much improved defensive line awaits McFadden and company, and it will take some semblance of a passing game to take this game, otherwise we might just be faced with a special teams battle where the mistake prone team loses.  That doesn’t bode well for Arkansas in recent years, and this may be compounded by the fact that the Gamecocks went and hired Frank Beamer’s son as special teams coach in the off-season.  I look for this game to go to the wire, with Arkansas ranked top ten and Carolina looking for revenge and respect.  But in the end a RRS crowd cheering on a team looking at national championship hopes will be enough to push us over the top.  Hogs win (barely)

November 10 - Tennessee (Knoxville)
   Fulmer may be poised to take this team back to top ten status.  Erik Ainge is an accurate quarterback with good backs behind him.  The problem for Tennessee is their defense.  Last year’s game was one for the ages and trounced their waning hopes of a BCS berth.  This year our defense gets owned by a balanced attack at Neyland stadium and despite all the great running we simply can’t keep up with them.  The Volunteers have an easy tuneup before us and a relatively light schedule (inasmuch as an SEC East team can have a light schedule).  Volunteers storm the field and Arkansas heads home broken-hearted…again.

November 17 – Mississippi State (Little Rock)
   Sylvester Croom’s farewell tour bus will be parked out front of War Memorial Stadium where you’ll find him signing autographs and handing out resumes to anyone that will pay him attention.  I hate it for him, he seems like a great guy, but unless you recruit like Jackie Sherrill the poor Bulldogs will be re-relegated to stepchildren of the conference.  This year they bring back a decent passing game, an atrocious running game, and enough new faces on defense that Croom ought to just call them by their numbers.  Their defensive line is a new crop of guys and we all know what SEC newcomers do against our rushing attack.  Nutt breaks his streak of losing back to back SEC games and the hogs win one in the Rock.

November 23 – LSU (Baton Rouge)
   When do these guys rotate off?  I knew when LSU hired Miles they were making a mistake.  I still hold to that (eventually), but until the talent pool falls off even I could coach LSU to 9 wins per season.  This year is no different.  There’s so much athleticism on this team that throwing 11 guys on the field and telling them to go get the ball will be enough to produce an effective defense.  Oh yeah, should I remind you that 8 starters from last year’s defense are back?  Ouch.  Their offense shouldn’t drop off much from last year and I suspect that by the time we get to Baton Rouge the talk about town will be where’s the best place to eat boudan and catch the national championship game.  There is no reason to expect that this team will not be playing for the Sears Trophy and until they falter I believe they will.  Arkansas leaves the boot in Louisiana and hopefully comes home with their pride intact.

So there you have it friends, I say we go 10-2.  That prediction and a buck fifty buys you a coffee.  But back to that big red circle around September 15th.  Should we slip up in Tuscaloosa it could create a tailspin that erodes our confidence and results in several losses.

This Razorback team is talented enough to win every game on the schedule, if and only if we develop a handful of passes that keep our running game open.  Herring’s defense should be fine, with additional zone and nickel packages early in the season as we adjust to life without Chris Houston.  Linebackers after Olajubutu will be in good shape, and defensive line may well be stronger than in ’06.

All reports on Alex Tejada are promising and it appears some shifts in special teams coaching have occurred.

In the end I can predict only one thing.  We’ll lace up each Saturday with a good chance to win.  What happens between now and November 23rd is largely up to coaching and injuries.  And neither is in my control.  Go Hogs!

Bacon out…


This is the third in a four part series previewing the upcoming season.  Up next is a breakdown of the SEC West.

FIRST REPORT - OFFENSE.

SECOND REPORT - DEFENSE.

Very good read.

Using your template, I see the Hogs losing that pivotal game to Alabama.....not because they have more talent....but because Saban always prepares well and the game is in Tuscaloosa.

Something tells me that after that loss, the Hogs will blow one against a team they have no business losing to....Ole Miss in Oxford comes to mind.  Perhaps Auburn in Fayetteville.....and I agree the Hogs lose to Tennessee and LSU.

8-4.....and don't dismiss South Carolina.

[DEVICEHIGH]

Thanks bacon.

Best case scenario I see 9-3

[Thermonuclearpig]

Well, I hope we'll be something special this year. However, I think the following is likely:
1. We lose 3 games - pick any 3 of the following: Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina
2. We come in 3rd in SEC.
3. We go to yet another NON-BCS bowl and,
4. lose
5. DMac does NOT get Heisman and goes pro after this year,
6. so does Jones,
7. Nutt and gang stays on,
8 Paw paw implements operation overlord and,
9.controls things from the Razorback foundation,
10. Fayetteville Razorbacks continues state alienation with LR,
11. We continue to be so - so year after year, until we play Texas,
12. and lose.
So, what's new?

[longtimeHogfan]

Always a good read, Bacon...thanks.

WindyCity has it about right, though.  I see us losing to Alabama, Tennessee and LSU.  Then one addition 'L' we weren't supposed to lose, either Kentucky or SC-east.  8-4.

[atekido]

i pretty much agree.

other than.  i think LSU is the over hyped team.   yes their defence was awesome.  but russell was to them like Dmac is to us.  their O line could afford to be knocked around alittle because he couldnt be shaken.   

 think we will beat LSU and totally piss off a bunch of LSU fans who probly will maybe be like us and have 1 sec loss.  and we will against be west champs.

TN i dunno.  it all depends how strong their passing is.  their running is not dominant enough to hurt us unless we have to play vs the pass every down also.  and their no meacham to defend this time.


in terms of pure talent and breaking a game out.  i dont think any team has more than us. Monk/Dmac/Felix  all 3 of them can make bad plays turn into TD's. 

Thats why we have the possibility to win 10 atleast if not 12

[mrcrowley]

BACON i think you nailed it. virtual +1

[Razorback Jedi]

My guess is 8-4.

We lose to Bama, Auburn, South Carolina, LSU.

[notshavintilnuttbeaten]

Great job Bacon, once again.  However, the tone of this post reminds me of all the predictions last year that we would beat USC.  Too much optimism, too many things just going our way.  The SEC teams like Alabama (now with Saban, they will not repeat last year's debacle), Auburn, even South Carolina (because of Spurrier) - don't rely on playing it close til the 4th quarter and hoping things go their way - and as good as Kentucky is on offense, I think they will beat us.

Bottom line, too optimistic and not realistic enough.  For one thing, the drama will likely play a part:  Initially, it will probably draw them together - but at the FIRST sign of adversity, which will happen quickly because of Nutt's terrible administration - it will quickly turn this team into a very divided group.

Btw, can we get your opinion on what will happen in the post-season for us if we do go 10-2, as you predict?

[Mark [Scoop] Lericos]

  that final month is rough... you've got to be 5-2 or 6-1 going into it, or it's trouble.

  Carolina, UT, MSU and LSU is a grind. 8-4, 9-3 sound about right.

[Oklahawg]

  that final month is rough... you've got to be 5-2 or 6-1 going into it, or it's trouble.

  Carolina, UT, MSU and LSU is a grind. 8-4, 9-3 sound about right.

I'd have offered another $50K for one of the last two OOC teams to move to the week prior to Bama. We'll need the off-week as we are too shallow to replace the inevitable bumps and bruises.

Was last year Nutt's "injury" year with Fairchild and Grant? Or, will it be this season. He seems to have one about every other year, where a big injury, or three, cost us a win due to poor depth and/or poor preparation of the understudy.

[razorback3072]

KY definitely worries me.  They remind me way too much of Vandy two years ago and we seem to play down to a lot of our opponents.  Not great overall but a very good senior QB and able to spoil anyone's season at anytime.  I think we lose to Bama, not because of Saban but because we haven't played that well in Tuscaloosa under Nutt, especially if Monk isn't back by then. 

[Oklahawg]

Bacon, I need to restate something.

Every team has a rough schedule. If your off-week is conveniently placed you are fortunate. Every SEC has a tough schedule, it doesn't matter if you are East or West, or who your rotation teams are. Every team has a rough road game, or several. Every big team (TN, UGA, FL, LSU, UA, Aubbie, Bama) has at least one game that the opponent has circled twice in blood.

It all equals out if you abstract out the details enough. The bottom line for me is simple: who has the most talent on the field at any given moment?

UA is clearly superior to the 4 OOC teams, Ole Miss, Miss State, and KY.
UA is superior to USC-East and (I think/hope) Aubbie, Bama and TN.
UA may have had LSU come back to them, talentwise. It wouldn't take that much, given the toe-to-toe nature of the last LSU-UA game.

We all get caught up in the ins and outs of the 2-deep, schemes, revenge, schedule, etc. But, both teams trot out 11 guys at a time. Who can stop whom?

Can Bama scheme its way to beating UA? I really think that's the key, as I think we've got more talent (right now) in the top 22.

The same is probably true for TN.

I'd love to see two 11-0 teams play in Baton Rouge.

[whatsshakinbacon]

Bacon, I need to restate something.

Every team has a rough schedule. If your off-week is conveniently placed you are fortunate. Every SEC has a tough schedule, it doesn't matter if you are East or West, or who your rotation teams are. Every team has a rough road game, or several. Every big team (TN, UGA, FL, LSU, UA, Aubbie, Bama) has at least one game that the opponent has circled twice in blood.

It all equals out if you abstract out the details enough. The bottom line for me is simple: who has the most talent on the field at any given moment?

UA is clearly superior to the 4 OOC teams, Ole Miss, Miss State, and KY.
UA is superior to USC-East and (I think/hope) Aubbie, Bama and TN.
UA may have had LSU come back to them, talentwise. It wouldn't take that much, given the toe-to-toe nature of the last LSU-UA game.

We all get caught up in the ins and outs of the 2-deep, schemes, revenge, schedule, etc. But, both teams trot out 11 guys at a time. Who can stop whom?

Can Bama scheme its way to beating UA? I really think that's the key, as I think we've got more talent (right now) in the top 22.

The same is probably true for TN.

I'd love to see two 11-0 teams play in Baton Rouge.

It is unbelievably possible this year.  Another great key is this.  Our offense features Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Peyton Hillis and Monk.  If these guys are clicking in any given game, our offense is unstoppable.  If one or two has a hiccup or turnover, the game changes.

This season is ripe for optimism if ever I've seen one.  I may want a new coach, but I'm not afraid to call this upcoming season like I see it...we could very possibly be in a BCS bowl.

And notshavin, I really like our chances in the SEC championship game this year.  Our confidence killed us when Reggie dropped the punt.  Everyone knew that we had that game in the bag if he had held it and we had run a good, not great, series on offense.

Nobody in the SEC east is as good as Florida was last year.

And bowl games are a crapshoot.  It all depends on who we match up against and what their strengths/weaknesses are.  I was not happy about last year's selection of Wisconsin.  It's harder to run against a team with a good running game, and they had one.  We may have shut them down, but their defense had practiced against the run all year and it showed against us.

Bacon out...

[atekido]

you know if us and lsu was both 11-0 going into the boot bowl.  lsu almost 100% would have to be #1.  we would have to be like top 7ish  if not lower depending what teams below us lose games.  and would be a big deciding factor on who would have a chance for the BCS champ.

i wonder if its even possible technicality wise for THe hawgs and tigers to play twice.  sec west champ and in the BCS champ lol   i know im dreaming but.  im sure some wild things would have to happen.

either way.  i think SEC west team definately will be the SEC champ this year. 

[dishhog10]

Surprised to see you predict a 10-2 season.     I see 11-1 in my crystal ball, with the 1 loss coming to LSU.

[whatsshakinbacon]

Surprised to see you predict a 10-2 season.     I see 11-1 in my crystal ball, with the 1 loss coming to LSU.

We are that talented.

Are we well coached enough?  Sometimes the best thing to do as a coach is simply get out of the way.

Bacon out...

[Oklahawg]

Surprised to see you predict a 10-2 season.     I see 11-1 in my crystal ball, with the 1 loss coming to LSU.

We are that talented.

Are we well coached enough?  Sometimes the best thing to do as a coach is simply get out of the way.

Bacon out...

Generally, fans are too optimistic. Not UA fans, and not this year. I think most are overlooking the obvious because they have become so jaded. You can't uncoach DMac and Felix. You can't keep Monk from making freakish plays in triple coverage. You can't keep Malcolm Sheppard and ARob from making freakish plays.

All the questionable coaching tactics, inefficient (or down-right lazy) recruiting, all the painful distractions from emails and text messages (et al), all of that doesn't tarnish the talent of the players on the team.

As Wilson and Biggus have pointed out elsewhere we don't need A-A performances from the QB position this season to win it all. Simply need pedestrian, yet timely and efficient, efforts.

Some fans have confused the crap with Nutt and their frustrations over the politics of UA football with the real deal, the team. While we won't sneak up on anybody you rarely do if you look at a team honestly and see this much talent, especially skilled-position talent.

I'll still stand by 10-2 and chalk up a loss to poor special teams management.

[Oklahawg]

We all get caught up in the ins and outs of the 2-deep, schemes, revenge, schedule, etc. But, both teams trot out 11 guys at a time. Who can stop whom?

Can Bama scheme its way to beating UA? I really think that's the key, as I think we've got more talent (right now) in the top 22.

There's a reason we caught up in everything.  It's called lack of depth and new starters. 

Some of my fellow mods are drinking too much kool-aid.  Our run can be stopped (see Mississippi State if you don't believe me).  I think the misplaced bye week more than anything will get us down.  I think some of us remember 2002 when we played 10 games in a row.  We got whipped by Georgia in Atlanta.

While you are correct, the Miss State game followed the emotional run up to Gameday vs TN.

Everyone has new starters. Many teams have depth issues. Its how they are addressed and how much luck you have (injuries, etc) that affect things. Are you suggesting I should go 9-3: one loss due to inferior athletes, one loss due to special teams gaffes and one loss due to inability to develop proper depth?

I can buy that, I suppose. Again, all things equal, though....

No, I don't drink koolaid. Not since the college days of filling a mostly sterilized trashcan with koolaid, fruit punch and the remains of the liquor cabinet for big get-togethers.

[Sao Ming]

KY definitely worries me.  They remind me way too much of Vandy two years ago and we seem to play down to a lot of our opponents.  Not great overall but a very good senior QB and able to spoil anyone's season at anytime.  I think we lose to Bama, not because of Saban but because we haven't played that well in Tuscaloosa under Nutt, especially if Monk isn't back by then. 

Don't allow KY to bother you.  Louisville will take care of them the week before they travel to RRS.  We'll be fine there. 

[Brand X Hog Fan]

Sad part is, we are to the point in our program now that it boils down to coaching. I am confident we have the players who can execute well enough to beat anyone on the schedule this year. Do we have the coaches that can give the players the strategies to win? We had hope last year but that hope never materialized. We've changed out the OC and RB coach and have an entirely new set of variables to deal with. Gives me a headache to think about it and until we see how this bunch handles themselves in adversity, it is somewhat risky to try to predict the outcomes of the big games late in the season.

Bacon, you are dead on about one thing, circle that Bama game date. The outcome will speak volumes.

[Coondog Hog]

Good post bacon I see us at 11-1 with a late season loss to USC east or LSU.  I think Mitchell as USC east will be the best QB we face all year long.

[Idahog]

I'm making two predictions for next year, one is 7-5 and the other is 10-2.  Alabama is my highlighted date as well, if we come out of Bama strong I think we'll go 10-2, we have the talent for 11-1 but as was the case last year special teams will cost us at least 1 game.  Here is hoping for the best for Alex Tejada though, he might be a key fix for the kicking game and if he can put them through the uprights in clutch situations then that gives us a lot more flexibility on 4th down and in the red zone.

[VolHogg]

 2007/8 W/L as I see
« on: January 19, 2007, 07:46:58 PM » Quote Modify

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next year we will lose 5 at least maybe more:
Troy-W
Ala-L
North Texas-W
Kentucky  pick em
Tenn Chatt-W
Auburn-L
Ole MIss pick em
Fla Int-W
South Carolina-L
Tenn-L
Miss State pick em
LSU-L

[wobolt]

Bacon, I need to restate something.

Every team has a rough schedule. If your off-week is conveniently placed you are fortunate. Every SEC has a tough schedule, it doesn't matter if you are East or West, or who your rotation teams are. Every team has a rough road game, or several. Every big team (TN, UGA, FL, LSU, UA, Aubbie, Bama) has at least one game that the opponent has circled twice in blood.

It all equals out if you abstract out the details enough. The bottom line for me is simple: who has the most talent on the field at any given moment?

UA is clearly superior to the 4 OOC teams, Ole Miss, Miss State, and KY.
UA is superior to USC-East and (I think/hope) Aubbie, Bama and TN.
UA may have had LSU come back to them, talentwise. It wouldn't take that much, given the toe-to-toe nature of the last LSU-UA game.

We all get caught up in the ins and outs of the 2-deep, schemes, revenge, schedule, etc. But, both teams trot out 11 guys at a time. Who can stop whom?

Can Bama scheme its way to beating UA? I really think that's the key, as I think we've got more talent (right now) in the top 22.

The same is probably true for TN.

I'd love to see two 11-0 teams play in Baton Rouge.

It is unbelievably possible this year.  Another great key is this.  Our offense features Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Peyton Hillis and Monk.  If these guys are clicking in any given game, our offense is unstoppable.  If one or two has a hiccup or turnover, the game changes.

This season is ripe for optimism if ever I've seen one.  I may want a new coach, but I'm not afraid to call this upcoming season like I see it...we could very possibly be in a BCS bowl.

And notshavin, I really like our chances in the SEC championship game this year.  Our confidence killed us when Reggie dropped the punt.  Everyone knew that we had that game in the bag if he had held it and we had run a good, not great, series on offense.

Nobody in the SEC east is as good as Florida was last year.

And bowl games are a crapshoot.  It all depends on who we match up against and what their strengths/weaknesses are.  I was not happy about last year's selection of Wisconsin.  It's harder to run against a team with a good running game, and they had one.  We may have shut them down, but their defense had practiced against the run all year and it showed against us.

Bacon out...


What the dreamers are forgetting is that Monk can only be a factor if we can throw the football, as we all know has never been a very weak spot for us. With that being said we will see a lot of 10 man fronts and nowhere for D-Mac, Felix or Hillis to go. I hate to say it but we lose at least 4 games due to the lack of a passing game. We are 1 injury from 6 losses. You cant be one dimensional and do well in the SEC!!

[DeltaBoy]

Bacon Bits – 2007 Predictions
Volume LXIX
August 12, 2007

Go ahead, get your big red pen out.  You know, the one that is buried in the back of the silverware drawer.  You use it about once a year for boxes you mail away or yard sale signs.

This year I want you to do one thing with it.  Find a calendar.  Flip it to September.  Draw a big red circle around September 15th.  On that day the Arkansas and Alabama programs are on a collision course that will likely determine the consensus opinion of both teams’ seasons.

In 2006 we looked forward to a season already knowing what our defining games would be.  We expected to lose to USC, Auburn and LSU, and the only toss-up games came late in the season against the likes of USC-East and Tennessee.  The rest we expected to win.

Fortunately for the Razorbacks an upset victory over Auburn provided the momentum for a ten game winning streak and victories with surprising ease against South Carolina and Tennessee. 

Say what you want about coaching, but if a healthy Darren McFadden is given the ball this Arkansas team is good, downright dangerous, even if we see a repeat of the last few years’ one-dimensional design.

And that leads me to my game by game breakdown of this year’s team.  Everything seems to point to that September 15th showdown at Alabama.  A win there could put us in a BCS game.  A loss could send us in a tailspin.  Sorry Crimson Tide faithful, I just don’t think Saban picks up where he left off at LSU.

September 1 – Troy (Fayetteville)
   This Troy team only beat one team that was good last year, and that was Rice in the bowl game.  The accolades being heaped upon them around here may just be the product of a Lou Holtz-esque type inflation propagated by those in the Broyles Complex.  They do return an excellent dual threat quarterback in Omar Haugabook but their line has been largely rebuilt in the off-season.  The spread offense attack they employ will help us find gaps in the secondary early in the season, and if anything we come out of this game knowing just how much losing Chris Houston means to this team.  Their defense returns mostly intact from ’06, but they gave up lots of points to the good teams they faced.  This may not be a roll-over win, but the only sweating September 1 will be from the hot late summer sun, not the game.  Hogs win.

September 15 – Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
   I’m not sure I’d go so far as to call this game a must win, but if we want a chance at the BCS it just may be.  Alabama has young talent, but has had an incredible amount of turnover on the defensive side.  They lacked in a running game last year but have several new backs competing for the job in ’07.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither was LSU when Saban came along.  This team was reeling at the end of last year (yes, they really did lose to Mississippi State) and while the fans may be at a fever pitch this doesn’t always translate to on-field play.  Look for Arkansas to try to put this one away early.  Arkansas wins by ball-controlling the time away.  Saban’s blitz-happy defenses may work well against the spread, but this running attack will eat them up.

September 22 – Kentucky (Fayetteville)
   A win over Alabama sends Razorback stock to the heavens.  But overconfidence is the danger here.  Kentucky had a top ten passing attack last season.  Fortunately for Arkansas it had a bottom fifteen rushing defense.  For those of you who attended the Kentucky game a few years ago in Little Rock, look for this one to end very possibly the same way.  This game will be close, Andre’ Woodson is a senior who won’t be rattled.  Rich Brooks is a hard-nosed coach and his team has reportedly been pushing hard this off-season.  There’s a good chance the Wildcats will be licking some wounds from the previous week’s game against Louisville, and they won’t be able to stop the running attack…is this a theme?  Hogs win.

September 29 – North Texas (Fayetteville)
   The Mean Green invades Fayetteville under the tutelage of new coach Todd Dodge.  Last year he was on a high school sideline at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas.  The last five years he put together a 79-1 record…yes 79-1 at Carroll which was twice named the USA Today High School National Champion.  Actually that’s the only thing intriguing about this game. North Texas was bad last year, winning only 3, and they are implementing a new defense this year.  They run the spread…but not well.  This is no contest for the Hogs.  But 10 years from now we may all say we remember his first season as coach.  Oh, the Hogs win.

October 6 – Tennessee-Chattanooga (Little Rock)
   Another game of ease for the Razorbacks.  The Mocs last played November 11, 2006…where they lost to mighty Wofford 55-0.  What can you say good about them?  Well, their website is pretty nice.  If we get any first-teamers injured the coaching staff should be flogged.  Hogs romp and roll to a huge victory.

October 13 – Auburn (Fayetteville)
  Back to the grind and Auburn provides a salty test.  But this version of Auburn isn’t as good as we’ve seen in recent years.  They lost only two games last year, but their offense sputtered down the stretch.  Only four starters return on offense, and the offensive line has to be rebuilt not to mention the loss of their number one receiver in Courtney Taylor.  Rod Smith will try to fill his shoes but had less than half the receptions of Taylor.  Kenny Irons is also gone, and it could be that this offense struggles early in the season.  How good they are by this midpoint game is unpredictable.  But the rushing defense was average last year, and somehow, someway we find the ability to play well against Auburn.  The Hogs get virtual off-weeks leading up to this game, while Auburn gets Florida and Vandy.  The Hogs should be healthy and will take this game.

October 20 – Ole Miss (Oxford)
   Don’t be surprised if Ole Miss has quarterback issues this year.  Brent Schaeffer, the transfer from Tennessee, has underperformed and is in danger of losing his job to walk-on Seth Adams, both seniors.  The good news for Ole Miss is the offense comes back pretty intact.  The bad news for Ole Miss is the offense comes back pretty intact.  Other than RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis there hasn’t been much of an offensive attack for Ole Miss.  On defense we’ll be challenged by a familiar face, John Thompson, who served stints as DC under Nutt at Arkansas and as AD at UCA.  Poor John doesn’t have much to work with, though, as only 4 starters return from last year.  Thompson’s defenses were at their worst when the opponents were throwing over them.  If we can’t do that very well will our running attack sustain us?  I think so.  Orgeron continues to haul in good recruits but just can’t put a solid team together.  We win in seven overtimes.

October 27 – Florida International (Fayetteville)
   This team does one thing well.  Pass defense.  But I think even Casey Dick can pad his rushing totals against them.  Depending on how many players get suspended for brawling against Miami in a couple of weeks we might just catch a break and go up against the intramural soccer team in helmets.  If not we might have to work for a quarter or two but should walk away with the Sun Belt junior conference championship as we take the third of three games against that conference.  Remind me why we’re not playing Arkansas State.  Hogs roll.

November 3 – South Carolina (Fayetteville)
   Now things get interesting.  Just what will South Carolina be like come November is the question.  They bring back a lot of players, including Blake Mitchell at quarterback.  Spurrier has had time to get his system installed and this year may well be the time for it to begin clicking…at least in spurts.  The good news for us is that we’re sandwiched in between games against Tennessee and Florida, and if that doesn’t take an emotional toll on the ole ball coach nothing will.  A much improved defensive line awaits McFadden and company, and it will take some semblance of a passing game to take this game, otherwise we might just be faced with a special teams battle where the mistake prone team loses.  That doesn’t bode well for Arkansas in recent years, and this may be compounded by the fact that the Gamecocks went and hired Frank Beamer’s son as special teams coach in the off-season.  I look for this game to go to the wire, with Arkansas ranked top ten and Carolina looking for revenge and respect.  But in the end a RRS crowd cheering on a team looking at national championship hopes will be enough to push us over the top.  Hogs win (barely)

November 10 - Tennessee (Knoxville)
   Fulmer may be poised to take this team back to top ten status.  Erik Ainge is an accurate quarterback with good backs behind him.  The problem for Tennessee is their defense.  Last year’s game was one for the ages and trounced their waning hopes of a BCS berth.  This year our defense gets owned by a balanced attack at Neyland stadium and despite all the great running we simply can’t keep up with them.  The Volunteers have an easy tuneup before us and a relatively light schedule (inasmuch as an SEC East team can have a light schedule).  Volunteers storm the field and Arkansas heads home broken-hearted…again.

November 17 – Mississippi State (Little Rock)
   Sylvester Croom’s farewell tour bus will be parked out front of War Memorial Stadium where you’ll find him signing autographs and handing out resumes to anyone that will pay him attention.  I hate it for him, he seems like a great guy, but unless you recruit like Jackie Sherrill the poor Bulldogs will be re-relegated to stepchildren of the conference.  This year they bring back a decent passing game, an atrocious running game, and enough new faces on defense that Croom ought to just call them by their numbers.  Their defensive line is a new crop of guys and we all know what SEC newcomers do against our rushing attack.  Nutt breaks his streak of losing back to back SEC games and the hogs win one in the Rock.

November 23 – LSU (Baton Rouge)
   When do these guys rotate off?  I knew when LSU hired Miles they were making a mistake.  I still hold to that (eventually), but until the talent pool falls off even I could coach LSU to 9 wins per season.  This year is no different.  There’s so much athleticism on this team that throwing 11 guys on the field and telling them to go get the ball will be enough to produce an effective defense.  Oh yeah, should I remind you that 8 starters from last year’s defense are back?  Ouch.  Their offense shouldn’t drop off much from last year and I suspect that by the time we get to Baton Rouge the talk about town will be where’s the best place to eat boudan and catch the national championship game.  There is no reason to expect that this team will not be playing for the Sears Trophy and until they falter I believe they will.  Arkansas leaves the boot in Louisiana and hopefully comes home with their pride intact.

So there you have it friends, I say we go 10-2.  That prediction and a buck fifty buys you a coffee.  But back to that big red circle around September 15th.  Should we slip up in Tuscaloosa it could create a tailspin that erodes our confidence and results in several losses.

This Razorback team is talented enough to win every game on the schedule, if and only if we develop a handful of passes that keep our running game open.  Herring’s defense should be fine, with additional zone and nickel packages early in the season as we adjust to life without Chris Houston.  Linebackers after Olajubutu will be in good shape, and defensive line may well be stronger than in ’06.

All reports on Alex Tejada are promising and it appears some shifts in special teams coaching have occurred.

In the end I can predict only one thing.  We’ll lace up each Saturday with a good chance to win.  What happens between now and November 23rd is largely up to coaching and injuries.  And neither is in my control.  Go Hogs!

Bacon out…


This is the third in a four part series previewing the upcoming season.  Up next is a breakdown of the SEC West.

FIRST REPORT - OFFENSE.

SECOND REPORT - DEFENSE.

Bacon put down the Jack for at least 24 hours before you do this again.   We have Talent but we still have the NUTT! And as he has shown over the past 9 years he could break an anvil with a rubber hammer.
If NUTT wins 7 we will be real lucky!

[Oklahawg]

I just read about Monk's surgery. Remember how the offense became the turtle that pulled its head in the shell after Hillis' injury? Can the mafia be creative enough to get around Monk's absence?

I think that equals a loss in September unless someone steps up in a major way. Its not like our QB play in scrimmages has been lights out so far.

[woghild]

Bacon put the kool aid down, back slowly away and remember
the position where it all begins is a C-grade QB led by a lying,
philandering dirtbag head coach.  You're way too good for that.

[Michaelt]

Good post Bacon;

I have to say that I can see the Hogs going 11-0 to Baton Rouge, and I can see LSU going 11-0 as well; that would certainly be a game for the ages. The Tennessee game is the toss up for this season IMO. Both teams have two-three weeks of games that they should win, but I can see Tennessee with two losses already; they will try to play the spoiler, and I think it could catch up with them as the game wears on and DMAC and Jones wear down the Tennessee D.

LSU has to get through the Bama schools back to back, and they have Florida also. I haven't done much more than read about LSU, so I'm going to say that they could end up 11-0 as well as the Razorbacks and the day after Thanksgiving 2007 could be a whale of a game...

Remains to be seen, but it would definitely be something.

[notshavintilnuttbeaten]

Bump.

Well played.  We SHOULD have done this...had it not been for coaching.

[whatsshakinbacon]

I like my crow lightly salted.  Or maybe I should be like Nutt and pass the blame on to the team.  If we'd only gotten this guy blocked, that guy blocked...yadda yadda yadda.

Bacon out...

[notshavintilnuttbeaten]

I like my crow lightly salted.  Or maybe I should be like Nutt and pass the blame on to the team.  If we'd only gotten this guy blocked, that guy blocked...yadda yadda yadda.

Bacon out...

LOL.  Like I said, well played..

[whatsshakinbacon]

I like my crow lightly salted.  Or maybe I should be like Nutt and pass the blame on to the team.  If we'd only gotten this guy blocked, that guy blocked...yadda yadda yadda.

Bacon out...

LOL.  Like I said, well played..

[Tejano Jawg]

I just read about Monk's surgery. Remember how the offense became the turtle that pulled its head in the shell after Hillis' injury? Can the mafia be creative enough to get around Monk's absence?

I think that equals a loss in September unless someone steps up in a major way. Its not like our QB play in scrimmages has been lights out so far.

Well, here's a slighly more accurate forecast for concern. So the answer to the question would be "no."

[Sao Ming]

I like my crow lightly salted.  Or maybe I should be like Nutt and pass the blame on to the team.  If we'd only gotten this guy blocked, that guy blocked...yadda yadda yadda.

Bacon out...

LOL.  Like I said, well played..

Yup.  His players, his coaches, his way.  No excuses.

[dhornjr1]

Should we slip up in Tuscaloosa it could create a tailspin that erodes our confidence and results in several losses

This was the key statement you made that qualified your predictions, Bacon.

Way to cover your butt.

[notshavintilnuttbeaten]

Should we slip up in Tuscaloosa it could create a tailspin that erodes our confidence and results in several losses

This was the key statement you made that qualified your predictions, Bacon.

Way to cover your butt.

Ahhh, nice catch.

Bacon's a hater!!!

[msudawgs64]

  ha...for the State-Hogs matchup I pretty much stopped reading right about here...

This year they bring back a decent passing game, an atrocious running game

You must have forgot when you wrote this that Henig was our starting QB (I am thinking your definition of decent ain't the same as mine, LOL) and a running game that features Anthony Dixon and Christian Ducre, surely not a Jones or McFadden but both are quite capable of carrying the game.  Plus the Croom farewell tour was never going to happen even if he won only 3 games, at least not after this season. 

[chiefsfan]

Good post Bacon;

I have to say that I can see the Hogs going 11-0 to Baton Rouge, and I can see LSU going 11-0 as well; that would certainly be a game for the ages. The Tennessee game is the toss up for this season IMO. Both teams have two-three weeks of games that they should win, but I can see Tennessee with two losses already; they will try to play the spoiler, and I think it could catch up with them as the game wears on and DMAC and Jones wear down the Tennessee D.

LSU has to get through the Bama schools back to back, and they have Florida also. I haven't done much more than read about LSU, so I'm going to say that they could end up 11-0 as well as the Razorbacks and the day after Thanksgiving 2007 could be a whale of a game...

Remains to be seen, but it would definitely be something.

Anyone else really really looking forward to that "Game for the ages" in Baton Rouge now...

The only thing that might be for the ages about that game now is that it might be the last time Nutt every coaches a game here...   thats what we are all looking forward to now

[hogcard100]

Wow! what could have been?  I thought there was actually a good chance of us winning out and finally playing for the NT.

[DeltaBoy]

Here ya go Bacon