From the Bench - Will Bielema And Razorbacks Make it to a Bowl? Roll the Annual Predictions

[Robert Shields]

Will Bielema and Razorbacks Make it to a Bowl? Roll the Annual Predictions

Robert Shields

After calling talk-radio host Bo Mattingly a homer last week, which should have come as a surprise to no one since his web site explains that "leveraging the positive will be a staple" on his show, Mattingly seemed to disagree.

Regardless, Mattingly, who does have the most professionally produced sports radio show in the state, made a very valid assessment of the Razorback Program when he said that the period between August 30 and April 30 will be a critical time for vice chancellor of athletics Jeff Long as he works fiddling with the playoff selection committee, the flailing football program, and what looks like a basketball program on the verge of a breakout season.

Long needs both of his coaches that he hired in the major money sports to win. Anderson has to make the NCAA tournament, and Bret Bielema needs to make a bowl game.

So let's see if Bielema gets the football team to a bowl and makes the athletic director look good, or if a lack of success puts him on the hot seat where angry fans start to use Bielema's cursing in front of kids at a scrimmage against him as they compile the traditional list of irrelevant reasons to fire the head coach.

Roll the predictions:

August 30 ¬¬ – Auburn at Auburn
The heat and humidity are stifling to open the season in the deep South. In the first half, the Razorback defense looks to be more aggressive. Thanks to his preseason "suspension," Nick Marshall misses the opening play and then enters the game on second down for the Tigers. They hang tough and keep the Razorbacks tied at the half at 14-14. In the third quarter, a crucial turnover by the Hogs changes the momentum of the game. Auburn takes control in the second half and wins 35-21 as the Razorbacks wither in the Southern heat that they aren't used to playing in. The next day, the Opelika News reports Auburn was the hottest place in the nation that day with a temp of 104 degrees, and Bielema is awarded the world record for hottest temperature while wearing a windbreaker.

September 6 – Nicholls State at Fayetteville
The Razorbacks come home in good health and fans are mildly excited about the moral victory of a 14-point loss at Auburn. The Razorbacks get the running game rolling early when Korliss Marshall has a big run to put things in motion. Although fans have known for a year he was the best running back, Bielema finally finds a way to effectively use him in the game. A severe thunderstorm pops up early in the fourth quarter and blows down the new tent for the student party high atop the stands in the south end zone. Luckily for the UA, no one was up there other than lonely DJ Greg. Razorbacks 49-10.

September 13 – Texas Tech at Lubbock
The teams exchange offensive blows in the first half as both defenses can't seem to stop the other. Tech takes a 28-24 lead at the half. In the third quarter, Tech has a crucial mistake as Razorback linebacker Martrell Spaight returns an interception for a touchdown. The Razorbacks hold Tech in the next possession. The Razorbacks keep on rolling and hold off Tech in a wild one 59-56.

September 20 – Northern Illinois at Fayetteville
Razorback fans are wringing their hands talking about Northern Illinois as though it's the same team from last year. The visitors are scrappy, but Dan Skipper, Denver Kirkland, and company push the visitors around. Razorbacks win 42-24. Bo Mattingly praises Brandon Allen as being the difference maker and being the leader of the team and suggests to every guest on his show the following week that Allen should be mentioned for the Heisman.

September 27 – Texas A&M at Arlington
The Razorbacks stand at 3-1 and have inexplicably picked up enough votes to be No. 25 in the nation. The A&M defense has not improved as much as the Razorback defense, yet both teams struggle early trying to find their way. A&M has a costly turnover, and the Hogs squander a couple of opportunities in the red zone by missing passing plays. Fans wonder why the team threw the ball instead of running it. Korliss Marshall is rarely seen in the game and callers to the Bo Mattingly show question what the coach is thinking. It ends up being the most disappointing loss of the season. Razorback lose 38-35.

October 11 – Alabama at Fayetteville
The game is a rout. Alabama beats the Razorbacks 49-13. Fans feel good that the offense gets on the scoreboard against Alabama for the first time in three years, and some blame the off week for the Razorbacks being sluggish in the game. Bielema guarantees in the press conference that he will beat Nick Saban in a golf-cart race at the next SEC coaches golf outing.

October 18 – Georgia at Little Rock
Korliss Marshall opens the game with a long run. The Razorback defense for the first time in weeks looks stingy. Mark Richt plays the game close, which works to Bielema's own conservative play-calling advantage. The crowd is wild as the game is tight going into the fourth quarter with the Razorbacks trailing by two. Georgia shanks a punt. The Razorbacks mount a last drive. Alex Collins rips off a tough 12-yard run for a first down putting the Razorbacks at the 30-yard line. The next play off a play action goes to Hunter Henry for another dozen. The Hogs wind the clock down for a 37-yard field-goal attempt on the last play. The kick sails through the uprights as time expires and fans storm the field. Richt loses his job at the end of the season.

October 25 – UAB at Fayetteville
Off the momentum of the Georgia game, the Razorbacks pummel the Blazers and move to 5-3 on the season. It's Brandon Allen's best game throwing for more than 300 yards. Razorbacks win 42-10. Razorback Nation sportscasts start running features on where to stay at the college-football playoff sites.

November 1 – Mississippi State at Starkville
The Razorback have a mistake-riddled game and have more than 150 yards in penalties. Fans take umbrage with the officiating as it is questionable. Bo Mattingly agrees with the fans that the officiating was as bad as he has seen it in the SEC. Fans leave off the part that the Razorback have three turnovers. Brandon Allen even has a pick six. The Razorbacks, though, fight to the end but come up short losing 31-21.

November 15 – LSU at Fayetteville
The game takes a similar turn like the Alabama game. The Tigers dominate the Hogs. The schedule shift hurt the Razorbacks as the end-of-the-year game with LSU worked more to the Razorbacks' advantage with the short week and LSU being beat up. Bo Mattingly agrees with the fans that the team's sluggishness against these good teams is evident. The schedule break causing the team to get out of rhythm is a common theme. LSU fans are glad they found a passing game as they rack up more than 500 yards. LSU 52, Razorbacks 17.

November 22 – Ole Miss at Fayetteville
Bo Wallace for Ole Miss has a good day, and the Razorback defense is shaky. The Razorbacks just need one more win to go to a bowl game, and most fans think this is the one as the Missouri game is on the road. The Razorbacks can't get in the end zone enough and end up kicking three field goals. It's not enough as Ole Miss wins 28-23. The next day the angry guy who keeps running anti-Jeff Long ads in the paper puts in an ad saying Hugh Freeze would have been a great fit as the Arkansas head coach.

November 28 – Missouri at Columbia
On Thanksgiving night, the first winter weather of the season for the region plunges south and winter precipitation on Friday is expected at the game as a reminder that the Missouri Tigers don't belong in the SEC geographically. The weather, though, seems to spark the Hogs, who are also used to the cold weather of northwest Arkansas. They fight knowing they need this game. Korliss Marshall can't seem to break one, and the running game for the first time all year seems incompetent in the first half. Jeremy Sprinkle makes a big catch for a touchdown to put the Hogs in front late in the game. Missouri starts one last drive and Matt Mauk for the Tigers is deadly efficient moving his team down field. Then at the most opportune time, Trey Flowers explodes into Mauk out of nowhere causing a fumble recovered by Darius Philon. Razorbacks win 31-27.

That puts Arkansas at 6-6 and into a bowl for the first time since the Bobby Petrino era. I will let you decide how the bowl game goes and where Long and Bielema take the program from there.



Send your predictions to fromthebench@yahoo.com

[Hog Fan...DOH!]

On average, Auburn, AL is about 2 degrees warmer in late August than Fayetteville, AR.  The humidity is about the same, too. 

An interesting thought:  you have predicted losses to both Mississippi schools.  That would make for a combined 6 losses in a row.  I don't see that happening. 

The one upset you predict is in LR, eh?  I'm shocked.     

[Hogwild]

That puts Arkansas at 6-6 and into a bowl for

I'll take it

[seasonhog]

Will Bielema and Razorbacks Make it to a Bowl? Roll the Annual Predictions

Robert Shields

After calling talk-radio host Bo Mattingly a homer last week, which should have come as a surprise to no one since his web site explains that "leveraging the positive will be a staple" on his show, Mattingly seemed to disagree.

Regardless, Mattingly, who does have the most professionally produced sports radio show in the state, made a very valid assessment of the Razorback Program when he said that the period between August 30 and April 30 will be a critical time for vice chancellor of athletics Jeff Long as he works fiddling with the playoff selection committee, the flailing football program, and what looks like a basketball program on the verge of a breakout season.

Long needs both of his coaches that he hired in the major money sports to win. Anderson has to make the NCAA tournament, and Bret Bielema needs to make a bowl game.

So let's see if Bielema gets the football team to a bowl and makes the athletic director look good, or if a lack of success puts him on the hot seat where angry fans start to use Bielema's cursing in front of kids at a scrimmage against him as they compile the traditional list of irrelevant reasons to fire the head coach.

Roll the predictions:

August 30 ¬¬ – Auburn at Auburn
The heat and humidity are stifling to open the season in the deep South. In the first half, the Razorback defense looks to be more aggressive. Thanks to his preseason "suspension," Nick Marshall misses the opening play and then enters the game on second down for the Tigers. They hang tough and keep the Razorbacks tied at the half at 14-14. In the third quarter, a crucial turnover by the Hogs changes the momentum of the game. Auburn takes control in the second half and wins 35-21 as the Razorbacks wither in the Southern heat that they aren't used to playing in. The next day, the Opelika News reports Auburn was the hottest place in the nation that day with a temp of 104 degrees, and Bielema is awarded the world record for hottest temperature while wearing a windbreaker.

September 6 – Nicholls State at Fayetteville
The Razorbacks come home in good health and fans are mildly excited about the moral victory of a 14-point loss at Auburn. The Razorbacks get the running game rolling early when Korliss Marshall has a big run to put things in motion. Although fans have known for a year he was the best running back, Bielema finally finds a way to effectively use him in the game. A severe thunderstorm pops up early in the fourth quarter and blows down the new tent for the student party high atop the stands in the south end zone. Luckily for the UA, no one was up there other than lonely DJ Greg. Razorbacks 49-10.

September 13 – Texas Tech at Lubbock
The teams exchange offensive blows in the first half as both defenses can't seem to stop the other. Tech takes a 28-24 lead at the half. In the third quarter, Tech has a crucial mistake as Razorback linebacker Martrell Spaight returns an interception for a touchdown. The Razorbacks hold Tech in the next possession. The Razorbacks keep on rolling and hold off Tech in a wild one 59-56.

September 20 – Northern Illinois at Fayetteville
Razorback fans are wringing their hands talking about Northern Illinois as though it's the same team from last year. The visitors are scrappy, but Dan Skipper, Denver Kirkland, and company push the visitors around. Razorbacks win 42-24. Bo Mattingly praises Brandon Allen as being the difference maker and being the leader of the team and suggests to every guest on his show the following week that Allen should be mentioned for the Heisman.

September 27 – Texas A&M at Arlington
The Razorbacks stand at 3-1 and have inexplicably picked up enough votes to be No. 25 in the nation. The A&M defense has not improved as much as the Razorback defense, yet both teams struggle early trying to find their way. A&M has a costly turnover, and the Hogs squander a couple of opportunities in the red zone by missing passing plays. Fans wonder why the team threw the ball instead of running it. Korliss Marshall is rarely seen in the game and callers to the Bo Mattingly show question what the coach is thinking. It ends up being the most disappointing loss of the season. Razorback lose 38-35.

October 11 – Alabama at Fayetteville
The game is a rout. Alabama beats the Razorbacks 49-13. Fans feel good that the offense gets on the scoreboard against Alabama for the first time in three years, and some blame the off week for the Razorbacks being sluggish in the game. Bielema guarantees in the press conference that he will beat Nick Saban in a golf-cart race at the next SEC coaches golf outing.

October 18 – Georgia at Little Rock
Korliss Marshall opens the game with a long run. The Razorback defense for the first time in weeks looks stingy. Mark Richt plays the game close, which works to Bielema's own conservative play-calling advantage. The crowd is wild as the game is tight going into the fourth quarter with the Razorbacks trailing by two. Georgia shanks a punt. The Razorbacks mount a last drive. Alex Collins rips off a tough 12-yard run for a first down putting the Razorbacks at the 30-yard line. The next play off a play action goes to Hunter Henry for another dozen. The Hogs wind the clock down for a 37-yard field-goal attempt on the last play. The kick sails through the uprights as time expires and fans storm the field. Richt loses his job at the end of the season.

October 25 – UAB at Fayetteville
Off the momentum of the Georgia game, the Razorbacks pummel the Blazers and move to 5-3 on the season. It's Brandon Allen's best game throwing for more than 300 yards. Razorbacks win 42-10. Razorback Nation sportscasts start running features on where to stay at the college-football playoff sites.

November 1 – Mississippi State at Starkville
The Razorback have a mistake-riddled game and have more than 150 yards in penalties. Fans take umbrage with the officiating as it is questionable. Bo Mattingly agrees with the fans that the officiating was as bad as he has seen it in the SEC. Fans leave off the part that the Razorback have three turnovers. Brandon Allen even has a pick six. The Razorbacks, though, fight to the end but come up short losing 31-21.

November 15 – LSU at Fayetteville
The game takes a similar turn like the Alabama game. The Tigers dominate the Hogs. The schedule shift hurt the Razorbacks as the end-of-the-year game with LSU worked more to the Razorbacks' advantage with the short week and LSU being beat up. Bo Mattingly agrees with the fans that the team's sluggishness against these good teams is evident. The schedule break causing the team to get out of rhythm is a common theme. LSU fans are glad they found a passing game as they rack up more than 500 yards. LSU 52, Razorbacks 17.

November 22 – Ole Miss at Fayetteville
Bo Wallace for Ole Miss has a good day, and the Razorback defense is shaky. The Razorbacks just need one more win to go to a bowl game, and most fans think this is the one as the Missouri game is on the road. The Razorbacks can't get in the end zone enough and end up kicking three field goals. It's not enough as Ole Miss wins 28-23. The next day the angry guy who keeps running anti-Jeff Long ads in the paper puts in an ad saying Hugh Freeze would have been a great fit as the Arkansas head coach.

November 28 – Missouri at Columbia
On Thanksgiving night, the first winter weather of the season for the region plunges south and winter precipitation on Friday is expected at the game as a reminder that the Missouri Tigers don't belong in the SEC geographically. The weather, though, seems to spark the Hogs, who are also used to the cold weather of northwest Arkansas. They fight knowing they need this game. Korliss Marshall can't seem to break one, and the running game for the first time all year seems incompetent in the first half. Jeremy Sprinkle makes a big catch for a touchdown to put the Hogs in front late in the game. Missouri starts one last drive and Matt Mauk for the Tigers is deadly efficient moving his team down field. Then at the most opportune time, Trey Flowers explodes into Mauk out of nowhere causing a fumble recovered by Darius Philon. Razorbacks win 31-27.

That puts Arkansas at 6-6 and into a bowl for the first time since the Bobby Petrino era. I will let you decide how the bowl game goes and where Long and Bielema take the program from there.



Send your predictions to fromthebench@yahoo.com

If we have to score more then 56 points to beat TT.......we are in trouble.....

[The_Iceman]

[Calvin Swine]

I read.  Some funny conjecture.   

I'd take 6-6 but I think we will be 5-7.  We will be improved in almost every facet but, due to the brutal schedule, it will only show in a couple more wins.

If we do go 6-6 I predict we go to a small bowl game but we will face a 7-5 Louisville which will garner some national attention, lots of forum angst as well as bravado, and a ton of ticket sales. 

[Tusks]

Ladies and gentleman, like the fungus under your toenail you can't get rid of, Robert Shields!

Lose to GA and beat OM. 6-6

[The NewEra]

How I wish you would turn into Rip Van Winkel and not wake up for a VERY LONG TIME!

[PygmalionEffect]

OP post about the GSD not so cleverly disguised as a season prediction thread.



+1 for the windbreaker comment though

[LZH]

If we have to score more then 56 points to beat TT.......we are in trouble.....

Yeah, I saw that, too.  I don't expect our defense to be anything but fairly good....and hopefully that's good enough for more games than not this year.

[bphi11ips]

OP post about the GSD not so cleverly disguised as a season prediction thread.

No hint of GSD there. 

I honestly think many of you will pull for Georgia just because you hate WMS and Little Rock. 

[ballz2thewall]

fun article, man.  if he wears the windbreaker, it'll be,,,,,.........well, i dunno.....

reading your piece brings to mind how damn tough the schedule is.

[trashcan maN]

We dont storm the field.

[Ramtough]

5-7.

[Jamie Jones]

No hint of GSD there. 

I honestly think many of you will pull for Georgia just because you hate WMS and Little Rock.

I won't pull or Georgia, don't hate LR, but I won't go to a game in WMS. And it's half the distance from my house that Fayetteville is.

[HillBillyHogfan]

The next day, the Opelika News reports Auburn was the hottest place in the nation that day with a temp of 104 degrees, and Bielema is awarded the world record for hottest temperature while wearing a windbreaker.

Is that even hot enough to break Bert's record from last years game against Louisiana?

[Jamie Jones]

Is that even hot enough to break Bret's record from last years game against Louisiana?

The windbreaker is Bret's niche'. Would Tom Landry take off his blazer or fedora?

[Deep Shoat]

+1

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

Funny that he has LSU killing us.

LSU very rarely routs Arkansas. Only exception is 2011 at Baton Rouge when LSU was number 1.

[code red]

4-8.....loss to Tech and win one SEC game.  Which one??  Well it won't be Auburn, Bama, Ole Miss, MSU, Georgia or LSU.

[HF#1]

So Arkansas isn't used to the southern heat? 

[bigbadhog]

sounds a little optimistic to me...

[MiHogsMi]

I'm sticking with my original prediction...5 maybe 6 wins.  If we win 6 it means we were good enough to go bowling, and therefore I predict a bowl win as well.  So...5-7 or 7-6.  I hope it's the latter.

[ricepig]

So Arkansas isn't used to the southern heat? 

10 Day forecast for Fayetteville.
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USAR0189

Auburn
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USAL0035

[code red]

Auburn will apply the heat...in form of pace of play.  We can't replicate that in practice.  Arkansas has to tackle the football and force turnovers to win.  Period.

[chitwnhog]

I am amazed that every wannabe hack writer in Arkansas doesn't post his drivel here (it is obviously allowed - even encouraged). Having said that I agree with RS for once.

[Doug]

[chitwnhog]

Nice...Bronie.

[TDHawgs]

I messed up and read it.. guess I deserved the ride. 

[chitwnhog]

I messed up and read it.. guess I deserved the ride. 

That is hillarious..DUM dumb..too dumb to spell dumb.

[HF#1]

10 Day forecast for Fayetteville.
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USAR0189

Auburn
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USAL0035

Not a ton of difference...  I don't see the heat being an issue for us. 

[ricepig]

Not a ton of difference...  I don't see the heat being an issue for us. 

I agree, thus the links.

[BigE_23]

This was the first time in a long time that I read most of your post. It sucked.

7-5 :razorback:

Liberty Bowl win = 8 win season  :razorback:

Top 25 preseason in 2015  :razorback:

[HF#1]

I agree, thus the links.

I figured that out lol.  At first glance I thought you were contesting my statement.

[The_Iceman]

What Robert Shields thinks he looks like after posting one of these threads:


What Robert Shields actually looks like to everyone else:

[Ex-Trumpet]

[Biggus Piggus]

Shields panders again. This is inconsistent with everything he has posted to date. More personality changes than a teenage girl.

And he had the gall to call anyone a homer. A 6-6 record is wildly optimistic vs. the consensus view of real media.

[60 Minutes of Hell]

Shields panders again. This is inconsistent with everything he has posted to date. More personality changes than a teenage girl.

And he had the gall to call anyone a homer. A 6-6 record is wildly optimistic vs. the consensus view of real media.

The whole thing came across as satire to me.  Actually enjoyed it quite a bit.

[Chic-Hog-Oh]

Zero insightful content, but mildly readable. Gaining ground on coherent use of the English language.

[The_Iceman]

The whole thing came across as satire to me.  Actually enjoyed it quite a bit.

"Satire" gives at buffoon way too much credit. It's just pure garbage.

[HognotinMemphis]

Hogs will not win against both No. Ill and Ga and may very well lose both.

[I BLEED RBack RED]

What a funny dream....very vivid.

[Dr. Starcs]

No score on Georgia game?

Btw, my prediction is 4-8. Just too tough a schedule. Hope I'm way wrong.

[ballz2thewall]

i just don't see how we can win more than 4 games.  something always derails, though, so i'm hopeful we can benefit from that when it happens.

[hogs24]

Yall are slackin.

Who is Robert Shields?

[HogFanatic]

Hogs will not win against both No. Ill and Ga and may very well lose both.

Care to give us your analysis that allows you to speak in absolutes when you say Arkansas cannot beat Northern Illinois?
LMAO

That game is as near a rent-a-win as we are gonna get.

ETA: I agree about Georgia though. Sadly I think both Bulldog teams are gonna blow our doors off this year.

[TheRazorback500]

We have a deep, experienced OL, three of the best backs in the land, A healthy QB who's showing leadership, rising wide receivers, an experienced defense with a simpler scheme, and an attitude honed by two years of adversity.

I'll remain optimistic with a 7-5.

:razorback: Go Hogs.  :razorback:

[bphi11ips]

Hogs will not win against both No. Ill and Ga and may very well lose both.

C'mon, man. 

We'll smoke NIU. 

We will probably lose the Georgia game, but that is probably the best matchup at home (and the rest of you don't make me resort to SEC records in WMS vs. RRS),  AND, talk about the operational definition of a trap game, we get UGA between a road trip to Missouri and their annual nuetral site game vs. Florida.

You phrased that one well, but Rob may be right on this one.

[HF#1]

Hogs will not win against both No. Ill and Ga and may very well lose both.

Thanks for the sig line.  I'll bet you $100 that we beat No. Ill by 2 TD's at least.

[Quickdraw]

Robert must a fiction writer. Just plain unbelievable. Hahahaha.....