2014 and one thing that will make a difference in our record?

[Lake City Hog]

What is the one thing/player/coach that has changed from 2013 that will make a difference in our final record?

I will go first--------

Robb Smith and Clay Jennings

These 2 guys will make our secondary exponentially better.
Plus I think that with so many new/young quarterbacks coming into the league a more aggressive defense will give us more opportunities for turnovers.

I am claiming 1 extra win for each guy. I had us winning Nichols State, NIU, UAB and ATM. I think these 2 coaches will get us over the hump against Texas Tech and Ole Miss. I am hoping that the offense can pull out another one to make us bowl eligible.

[Lake City Hog]

I know, I know! I picked 2 guys, so sue me!

[Hawgboy64]

Brandon Allen's health?

[secneahog]

Returning experience on both sides of the ball.

[Jborohog09]

Positive turnover margin.

[14erHog]

More points then the other team 

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Beating Auburn would be HUGE.

[plumbhog]

The coaching staff seems to be putting in a real team effort. Leading by example!

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

Positive turnover margin.

This. Our defense has gotten basically gotten no TOs the past 2 seasons. And when you can't keep anyone under 25pts this is a huge problem.

Not to mention our ball security 2 years ago was laughable, and last we we struggled to get big plays.

[bigred223]

Dominant offensive line play. This is the key for our offense to be balanced.

[root_hawg]

Healthy QB

[DeltaBoy]

Defense.

[bphi11ips]

A healthy red-shirt junior 4 star QB with two years under the same staff.

[razoredge178]

Healthy QB

Choosing the right QB will be huge for BB's career at Arkansas. I think the fan base will give him a lot longer leash with our freshman star vs. 2 more years with BA.

[porkrindjimmy]

What is the one thing/player/coach that has changed from 2013 that will make a difference in our final record?

I will go first--------

Robb Smith and Clay Jennings

These 2 guys will make our secondary exponentially better.
Plus I think that with so many new/young quarterbacks coming into the league a more aggressive defense will give us more opportunities for turnovers.

I am claiming 1 extra win for each guy. I had us winning Nichols State, NIU, UAB and ATM. I think these 2 coaches will get us over the hump against Texas Tech and Ole Miss. I am hoping that the offense can pull out another one to make us bowl eligible.

I dont know why so many are overlooking Ole Miss. If Ole Miss is ever going to get over the hump in the SEC, it will start this year. I hate to say it, they have the chance to have a really special season this year.

I do think we beat Mizzou this year tho...

PRJ

[porkrindjimmy]

Choosing the right QB will be huge for BB's career at Arkansas. I think the fan base will give him a lot longer leash with our freshman star vs. 2 more years with BA.

Not happening. Bret is going to ride Brandon, barring a unforeseen injury. Rafe will redshirt which is a good thing in my opinion. 2015 will be the year Brandon is unseated.

PRJ

[bphi11ips]

I dont know why so many are overlooking Ole Miss. If Ole Miss is ever going to get over the hump in the SEC, it will start this year. I hate to say it, they have the chance to have a really special season this year.

I do think we beat Mizzou this year tho...

PRJ

I don't know if we'll beat anyone in the SEC.  There's not a weak team in the West this year, and that includes us.  I do think we'll surprise some people.   

[porkrindjimmy]

I don't know if we'll beat anyone in the SEC.  There's not a weak team in the West this year, and that includes us.  I do think we'll surprise some people.   

I hope you are right on the surprising some people part. I do think we win one or two SEC games.

PRJ

[hawg IQ]

What is the one thing/player/coach that has changed from 2013 that will make a difference in our final record?

I will go first--------

Robb Smith and Clay Jennings

These 2 guys will make our secondary exponentially better.
Plus I think that with so many new/young quarterbacks coming into the league a more aggressive defense will give us more opportunities for turnovers.

I am claiming 1 extra win for each guy. I had us winning Nichols State, NIU, UAB and ATM. I think these 2 coaches will get us over the hump against Texas Tech and Ole Miss. I am hoping that the offense can pull out another one to make us bowl eligible.

So, two things then.  I'm gonna list two things needed that would lead to improvement.    1. quality back-up quarterback ( not darby) 2. improved defense , especially secondary.

But in reality there are several things needed... good kicking game, develope punt/kick off return( special teams), receivers improving, play calling, blitzing a little more, tackling fundamentals, play smarter, quit being dumb in secondary.

[ChitownHawg]

So, two things then.  I'm gonna list two things needed that would lead to improvement.    1. quality back-up quarterback ( not darby) 2. improved defense , especially secondary.

But in reality there are several things needed... good kicking game, develope punt/kick off return( special teams), receivers improving, play calling, blitzing a little more, tackling fundamentals, play smarter, quit being dumb in secondary.

Yep those are good points. You bring up kicker and we forget that Hocker is gone. I hear the new kid is good, but does he have ice water in his veins? He could lose or win us a game or two.

[popcornhog]

I have no idea how much Brandon Allen has improved, but I have to think that a healthy BA with a year of experience starting under this staff will have to be better than an injury riddled BA without any experience was.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

I have no idea how much Brandon Allen has improved, but I have to think that a healthy BA with a year of experience starting under this staff will have to be better than an injury riddled BA without any experience was.

I agree, but he has GOT to get some help from 2 or 3 WRs/TEs who can step up and freaking make a play during games.  We know they can do it in practice/scrimmage, but they have got to prove they can do it in a game.

[hawg IQ]

Yep those are good points. You bring up kicker and we forget that Hocker is gone. I hear the new kid is good, but does he have ice water in his veins? He could lose or win us a game or two.

You know you never know about a kicker until they get here. Hocker lived up to his billing and then some. This kicker has better credentials, but we'll see.
    Over all special teams needs to be better...you know I think special teams is a quality indicator of better teams, team fundamentals getting done quicker allows more teaching on special teams.

[Mail Hog]

I think the one thing is maturity. A mature team holds off Rutgers and Miss St in the 4th quarter, and finishes the drive against LSU. If the 2013 team does that, they go 6-6 and get a bowl bid. I'm optimistic the 2014 team finishes games better than last year's team.

[nextlevel]

What is the one thing/player/coach that has changed from 2013 that will make a difference in our final record?

Special Teams.

Kicker.

Punt Returner.

[razoredge178]

I agree, but he has GOT to get some help from 2 or 3 WRs/TEs who can step up and freaking make a play during games.  We know they can do it in practice/scrimmage, but they have got to prove they can do it in a game.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Receivers can't catch passes thrown 5 yards behind them. Go back and watch game film from last year. Find ONE play where BA missed a pass in front of a receiver. I'll kiss your a$$ if you find one.

Our receivers need his help as much as he needs theirs. His 7 or 8 pick 6's last year weren't b/c of the receivers.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Receivers can't catch passes thrown 5 yards behind them. Go back and watch game film from last year. Find ONE play where BA missed a pass in front of a receiver. I'll kiss your a$$ if you find one.

Our receivers need his help as much as he needs theirs. His 7 or 8 pick 6's last year weren't b/c of the receivers.

The receivers were not always running the correct routes and there seemed to be a lot of confusion on their part.  All I'm saying is no one stepped up.  There are times when a ball isn't thrown perfectly that you have to make the play.  Every team needs a WR/TE or 2 like that to be successful.

[razoredge178]

The receivers were not always running the correct routes and there seemed to be a lot of confusion on their part.  All I'm saying is no one stepped up.  There are times when a ball isn't thrown perfectly that you have to make the play.  Every team needs a WR/TE or 2 like that to be successful.

I agree. But the common denominator last year was not random inconsistency with BA passes....every single miss was behind the receiver. Every one of them. Thats not a receiver running a wrong route...or running a route 'too' quickly...its a QB thing.

People hate me on here for stating the ugly truth, but this pattern of late passes is strikingly similar to that of Casey Dick.

But I agree, everyone has to step up. But its almost scientifically impossible for a receiver to reach back and catch a ball ten feet behind him. QB 101: Always miss a pass in front, at least giving that receiver a chance to 'step up.'

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

I agree. But the common denominator last year was not random inconsistency with BA passes....every single miss was behind the receiver. Every one of them. Thats not a receiver running a wrong route...or running a route 'too' quickly...its a QB thing.

People hate me on here for stating the ugly truth, but this pattern of late passes is strikingly similar to that of Casey Dick.

But I agree, everyone has to step up. But its almost scientifically impossible for a receiver to reach back and catch a ball ten feet behind him. QB 101: Always miss a pass in front, at least giving that receiver a chance to 'step up.'

That's true.  However, consistently throwing behind the receiver at least logically could be because of the injury.  They say he's healthy and corrected that.  The WRs hopefully have corrected their inconsistencies or lack of playmaking.

[razoredge178]

That's true.  However, consistently throwing behind the receiver at least logically could be because of the injury.  They say he's healthy and corrected that.  The WRs hopefully have corrected their inconsistencies or lack of playmaking.

Lots of 'hopefullys' these days in Hog Country. 

[chitwnhog]

Experience.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Stale Oatmeal and The Letter "Q".

[Dwight_K_Shrute]

I'm going to go with schedule.  It's just as hard as last year, but we have 2 bye weeks, and really a 3rd with the UAB game sandwiched between conf games.  Last year we had a 4 game buzz saw of A&M, Florida, SC, Bama.  This year our toughest 3 game stretch is A&M, Bama, Georgia.  A&M is neutral site and Bama and Georgia are at home.  Also we get a bye in between A&M and Bama.

After Georgia game we have UAB, then MSU at Starkville, then another bye.  Finish LSU, OM, Mizzou.  We have a real chance to get some momentum going in the back half when you look at how close we played State, OM, and LSU last year.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

Lots of 'hopefullys' these days in Hog Country. 

Yeah, but I want to be clear that I only say that because I believe that our WRs/TEs have it in them.  I expect guys like Hunter Henry to step up and consistently be the playmaker we saw glimpses of last year.

[code red]

The secondary and defense will still be the big issue next year.  Its just a mess and its going to be a while before that side of the ball gets fixed.  In coming recruits need grooming and weight room.  The key to winning 5 games next year will be offense.  We must finish drives with points.  We must score at least 85% of the time in the red zone with 65% TD's.  I just don't see us stopping anyone next year.  The next key is completions.  The 56% won't get it done.  We must make them respect our ability to pass to slow the rush and get the box cleared out.  Its going to be....in my opinion...a tough tough year to find more than 4 wins.

[Hawgzinbowlz]

Having 1 year of development in CBBs system.

" GO HOGS "

[code red]

I'm going to go with schedule.  It's just as hard as last year, but we have 2 bye weeks, and really a 3rd with the UAB game sandwiched between conf games.  Last year we had a 4 game buzz saw of A&M, Florida, SC, Bama.  This year our toughest 3 game stretch is A&M, Bama, Georgia.  A&M is neutral site and Bama and Georgia are at home.  Also we get a bye in between A&M and Bama.

After Georgia game we have UAB, then MSU at Starkville, then another bye.  Finish LSU, OM, Mizzou.  We have a real chance to get some momentum going in the back half when you look at how close we played State, OM, and LSU last year.

Now I am not saying you didn't but....look at the rosters at State, OM and LSU.  Yeah...we played em close.  But, the OM game was really not as close as it ended up.  OM is loosing little to nothing.  I wouldn't be surprised if they finish 2nd in the SEC West.  Stock is rising with MState.  Remember they won their last 3 games last year.  Dak Prescott will add a running dimension to that offense that Wilson couldn't. They return 6 of their 7 top receivers from 13.  States defensive front scares me...they will stop the run.  They return 9 on defense.  I don't think we will measure the hogs success next year with wins and losses.  Its going to be a long ride back to prominence.

[Deep Shoat]

What is the one thing/player/coach that has changed from 2013 that will make a difference in our final record?

I will go first--------

Robb Smith and Clay Jennings

These 2 guys will make our secondary exponentially better.
Plus I think that with so many new/young quarterbacks coming into the league a more aggressive defense will give us more opportunities for turnovers.

I am claiming 1 extra win for each guy. I had us winning Nichols State, NIU, UAB and ATM. I think these 2 coaches will get us over the hump against Texas Tech and Ole Miss. I am hoping that the offense can pull out another one to make us bowl eligible.

I actually agree with you.  The new QB's almost everywhere coupled with our more aggressive D mindset should end up as a perfect storm to improve in TO margin.  That will be enough to see us bowl eligible.

[Deep Shoat]

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Receivers can't catch passes thrown 5 yards behind them. Go back and watch game film from last year. Find ONE play where BA missed a pass in front of a receiver. I'll kiss your a$$ if you find one.

Our receivers need his help as much as he needs theirs. His 7 or 8 pick 6's last year weren't b/c of the receivers.

You are either a damn liar or don't give enough of a damn about the truth to even attempt to find it.  We didn't have 7 or 8 pick sixes.  We had 2.  You can argue that one other pick could be classified as one, since it turned immediately into points.  But even adding the not quite pick six, we have less than half of your stated bull total.

Couple that with the fact that you keep ignoring the WR's ADMITTING they ran the wrong routes (and the OC calling them out for it), and your agenda is obvious.

[GolfnHog]

Lots of good points in this thread and all have value to what will make the Hogs better. I contend that a continuity in the coaching staff and working from the same system will make us better. I'll optimistically say 6-7 W's this season and sit back and watch it unfold.

Last year BA was hurt; later it was established even Hunter was dinged up and his productivity diminished. Receivers running proper routes and making efforts on less than stellar passes will go a long ways to keeping drives alive. If the back 7 on D play like we hope they can play and get some turnovers, well....

Finally, we take a win at Auburn it sets a strong positive tone for the first part of the season which can be built on.

[Swinesong]

   Reduce the number of negative plays ( turnovers, penalties and fake punts that don't work ) by at least 50% and we will go to a bowl.

[Dr Carl aka Shorthog]

Qb play. WR play. Turnover ratio.

[razorbackchamps94]

Secondary .. Playing up on the Receiver and not 10 yards off of him.

[razoredge178]

You are either a damn liar or don't give enough of a damn about the truth to even attempt to find it.  We didn't have 7 or 8 pick sixes.  We had 2.  You can argue that one other pick could be classified as one, since it turned immediately into points.  But even adding the not quite pick six, we have less than half of your stated bull total.

Couple that with the fact that you keep ignoring the WR's ADMITTING they ran the wrong routes (and the OC calling them out for it), and your agenda is obvious.

You must keep your own stats. Over half of his interceptions were either ran back for TD's or led to 1-2 play drives for TD's. Close enough. And a WR running a wrong route doesn't change the fact that he threw into double and triple coverage for most of his interceptions. Doesn't really matter if you've got a WR in the area if the other team has 3.

Break out that #2 pencil and keep up with that Arkansaw math. Fits in pretty well with 'Deep Shoat.' Completely appropriate.

[Josh Goforth]

Beating Texas Tech will be the most important difference. As Rutgers was the turning point last season so will Tech this season.
http://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/4/17/5623856/arkansas-vs-texas-tech-early-scouting-report-breaking-down-red-raiders-spring-game