Does Bielema go 8-5 with a bowl victory this year?

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

Keep in mind the 2009 Razorbacks lost by 3 points on the road to the number 1 team in the country who was aided by the refs. 

[ChitownHawg]

Nope. I have been saying 6 wins and minor bowl. 7th win in the bowl.

I am not changing that after one game and have felt the fans saying 8 wins are setting themselves up for heartbreak.

[Lanny]

I don't see 8 wins with this defense.  6-6 is my prediction and need some breaks along the way

[Phil D]

I see your sarcasm, But i still see six wins. Never did see 8

[ErieHog]

4-8 or 5-7,  but the situations are not comparable.

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

Nope. I have been saying 6 wins and minor bowl. 7th win in the bowl.

I am not changing that after one game and have felt the fans saying 8 wins are setting themselves up for heartbreak.

I don't think he gets there either.  I'm impressed with the team at times but he is going to need more depth and a moderate defense for his system to work. 

[WilsonHog]

No.

6-6, best case.

Nothing wrong with that in year two.

[ifghog]

I don't see 8 wins with this defense.  6-6 is my prediction and need some breaks along the way

Lanny yowu are right on the money. I will say if we can put it together and get a big win...it's amazing what a little confidence will do.

[ishankem]

Only sec win is mizzou. If we can win all non-conf games and mizzou, that's 5-7.
So, no.

[ChitownHawg]

I don't think he gets there either.  I'm impressed with the team at times but he is going to need more depth and a moderate defense for his system to work.

I stand by 6, but if I were to change my prediction it would be toward the direction you are thinking. As Lanny said we need some luck.

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

Only sec win is mizzou. If we can win all non-conf games and mizzou, that's 5-7.
So, no.

i think we can beat Ole Miss and potentially LSU.  Doesn't mean we will though.  The thing people have to remember is that was a very good Auburn team. 

[ChitownHawg]

i think we can beat Ole Miss and potentially LSU.  Doesn't mean we will though.  The thing people have to remember is that was a very good Auburn team.

And the ones who were predicting a win over A&M need to turn that into an L. Unless S. Carolina is really that bad this year.

[Phil D]

i think we can beat Ole Miss and potentially LSU.  Doesn't mean we will though.  The thing people have to remember is that was a very good Auburn team.

I may take a beating here but I think we have a good chance of beating both Miss. schools not sure we can beat LSU but who knows, if the team gets better after week 1 anything is possible.

[pigsooietim]

With a good coach we could get 8 wins from these guys. With CBB we will get 5. IF we are lucky.

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

And the ones who were predicting a win over A&M need to turn that into an L. Unless S. Carolina is really that bad this year.

A&M runs up the score on us IMO.  Sumlin needs to go to the nfl.

[AloRaptor]

CBB is going to a bowl this year without a doubt. I'm just hopeing he takes the team with him. WPS

[The_Iceman]

I don't see 8 wins with this defense.  6-6 is my prediction and need some breaks along the way

I think the coaching and scheme is better with this defense. The talent is just not there (or not developed yet).

[ChitownHawg]

CBB is going to a bowl this year without a doubt. I'm just hopeing he takes the team with him. WPS

+1 

[Speedracer]

4th toughest schedule in the country by ESPN power index rankings, no playmakers at wideout, and our defense...

4-8

[WilsonHog]

Keep in mind the 2009 Razorbacks lost by 3 points on the road to the number 1 team in the country who was aided by the refs.

The comparison is disingenuous, because the systems aren't the same. If Petrino's offensive system was the same as Bielema's, or vice versa, the comparison would be apt.

Petrino didn't worry about defense much because he didn't have to. Didn't believe it was necessary to be successful. Bielema does.

Our offense is pretty close. You know when we'll win consistently? When a wide receiver like Duke Williams lines up, and we can line up across from him a shut-down, 1st-Team All-SEC corner.

We like what we see with our offensive linemen and running backs. We'll win consistently when we also feel as good about what we see on defense.

In other words, we'll win when we have a complete football team, when we're able to look at Alabama, Auburn, LSU, etc. and say, "Damn! They've got some GREAT football players on both sides of the ball...but so do we."

THAT's when we'll win with Bret Bielema's brand of football.

[elkhog]

Nope.  Four or five wins, that's all folks.

[ErieHog]

I may take a beating here but I think we have a good chance of beating both Miss. schools not sure we can beat LSU but who knows, if the team gets better after week 1 anything is possible.

We can beat OM, because they make a ton of mistakes;  we are very unlikely to beat State, as they stop the run as well or better than anyone in the conference.

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

The comparison is disingenuous, because the systems aren't the same. If Petrino's offensive system was the same as Bielema's, or vice versa, the comparison would be apt.

Petrino didn't worry about defense much because he didn't have to. Didn't believe it was necessary to be successful. Bielema does.

Our offense is pretty close. You know when we'll win consistently? When a wide receiver like Duke Williams lines up, and we can line up across from him a shut-down, 1st-Team All-SEC corner.

We like what we see with our offensive linemen and running backs. We'll win consistently when we also feel as good about what we see on defense.

In other words, we'll win when we have a complete football team, when we're able to look at Alabama, Auburn, LSU, etc. and say, "Damn! They've got some GREAT football players on both sides of the ball...but so do we."

THAT's when we'll win with Bret Bielema's brand of football.

I think most would agree with your perspective 100% but the point a lot of people have made since day one is we are not going to get the type of talent Alabama or LSU gets here.  Does this mean we will never win with Bielema's brand?

[LJHOG]

6-6 and a bowl, maybe.  Looking at the schedule I can only see 3 games we should win and 1 (TT) that's a toss-up.  And the TT throws the ball and the way we play defense against the pass I would not be surprised if we lost to them.

[Muskliketusk]

Win the next three easily, split with Bammer and Aggy, probably lose a close one to UGA, beat UAB and MSU, then just gotta take 2 of the last three or win the bowl. Whoooo Pig, it can be done.

[SWarkansasman]

So you did not watch yesterdays game , right?

[WilsonHog]

I think most would agree with your perspective 100% but the point a lot of people have made since day one is we are not going to get the type of talent Alabama or LSU gets here.  Does this mean we will never win with Bielema's brand?

Could very well mean that. We'll have enough track record in another couple of years to know. If not, we'll fire him and hire someone else.

[three hog night]

I think the coaching and scheme is better with this defense. The talent is just not there (or not developed yet).

We are still weak at Safety and that is killing us with HUNH teams.

[ErieHog]

Win the next three easily, split with Bammer and Aggy, probably lose a close one to UGA, beat UAB and MSU, then just gotta take 2 of the last three or win the bowl. Whoooo Pig, it can be done.

We're not playing Georgia or TAMU within 2 touchdowns.   Maybe we can win a dogfight with Bama, but that's very doubtful.     MSU is probably the only semi-realistic team on that list, and even then, we need them to not find an offensive identity  for the next two months.

[MSMHawg]

Keep in mind the 2009 Razorbacks lost by 3 points on the road to the number 1 team in the country who was aided by the refs.

Which game did you watch?

[TheRazorback500]

I had predicted 7 regular season wins with a loss to AU, but with the sudden rise of aTm 6 would be more realistic. 7-6 with a bowl win would be cool with me.

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

Which game did you watch?

Arkansas vs Florida at the swamp.  The referee crew was later suspended. 

[Randy Johnson]

Everyone will be rethinking their predictions now...

[ErieHog]

Everyone will be rethinking their predictions now...

Nah.  Plenty of folks were pretty set on 4-8 or 5-7, and happy enough with that for this season.

[pfrg999]

5-7 is what I said before the season and I will keep to that. ..Never had Aubbie as a win....

[IllinoisRazorbackFan]

Nah.  Plenty of folks were pretty set on 4-8 or 5-7, and happy enough with that for this season.

happy with 5 wins?  Say what?

[Muskliketusk]

We're not playing Georgia or TAMU within 2 touchdowns.   Maybe we can win a dogfight with Bama, but that's very doubtful.     MSU is probably the only semi-realistic team on that list, and even then, we need them to not find an offensive identity  for the next two months.

Hope you like being wrong.

[Randy Johnson]

Nah.  Plenty of folks were pretty set on 4-8 or 5-7, and happy enough with that for this season.

I'm not that fast I will have to really give it some thought...I honestly thought we would win 2 0r 3....

[ErieHog]

happy with 5 wins?  Say what?

For where we are, yes.    There are a ton of people who recognize this as a full-scale rebuilding project.    We never expected anything more than 5 wins.

As SEC coaches opined before last year, and then this year:

"They are going to be slim in a lot of spots. It's going to take them three years to get a good foundation. It's a product of bad recruiting — which is typical of a Bobby Petrino school. It's the same thing that happened at Louisville that got Steve Kragthorpe fired. Petrino didn't leave him any players. It's the same thing at Arkansas. They have no players on defense."

"They are really going to struggle."

"They are going to be terrible. What they are doing now, it's the product of bad recruiting. They have a long way to go. That's nothing against the new coach (Bret Bielema)."

2014:

"They will continue to struggle a little bit. They should be better but continuing to struggle."

"Keep in mind, Bret didn't inherit much. The recruiting transition from Petrino leaving to John L. Smith for a year was never going to be smooth. There were guys on that roster they wouldn't have taken when he was at Wisconsin. So he needs time to get that done. But they need a boost at the skill positions, such as receiver and cornerback. They just don't have a lot of playmaking there."

[Phil D]

Could very well mean that. We'll have enough track record in another couple of years to know. If not, we'll fire him and hire someone else.

Excellant post, if only some of our posters could get this in their head the board would be a much more enjoyable place to visit lol. Untill then I think the team and coaches deserve our support, If the hogs aren't starting to roll at a consistent clip in year 3 we can start the wailing and nashing of teeth, but it is still a little early for that IMO. Sometimes it feels More like a wierd Gus lovefest, Petrino reminecsing,  Long Hating/ BB bashing board.

[Darren DeLoach]

Anyone that expected 8 wins this year's has no clue. Wow. Really? Many of you live on here. Are consumed with a passion for this program.  Have you not seen the never ending tumultuous circumstances that have defined the Razorback football program? Have you suddenly forgotten that we don't have the surplus of SEC talent within our borders making quick turn-arounds difficult if not nearly impossible? This was a 4 to 6 win season. Nothing changes that opinion based on Saturday's performance. And this in no way indicates this staff has failed or under performed. We are right on target.

[Uncommon]

We could get to 7-5 but I think 6-6 is more likely.

After Week 1, I think the 6 wins could come from (Result of last game played):
1. Nicholls State (44-16 loss to Air Force)

A FCS program.

2. at Texas Tech (42-35 win against Central Arkansas)

UCA came close to upsetting them at home.  I think we can finish the job.

3. Northern Illinois (55-3 win against Presbyterian)

Not from a Power 5 conference meaning they won't have the depth

4. UAB (48-10 win against Troy)

Have struggled as a program in football

5. Ole Miss (35-13 win against Boise State)

We get them at home and Bo Wallace wasn't impressive against Boise State

6. at Missouri (38-18 win against South Dakota State)

Didn't think they are better than last year's team yesterday

[NaturalStateReb]

Probably not, but a bowl is a real possibility.

[HiggiePiggy]

8. I thought this was easily a 10 win season..... 

[ChitownHawg]

8. I thought this was easily a 10 win season.....

You my friend are the very definition of an optimist. Never change.

Either that are you were being sarcastic which means I am the very definition of clueless. 

[Harleigh Hog]

I think 3 or 4 wins is our ceiling this year. We will show improvement in areas but it won't transfer to the win column because we are just that far behind everyone else. Our RB's and Oline are ready to be great right now, but the rest of the team is just too far behind in respect to depth and talent.

Until we get a QB that shows great arm talent, or has break away running ability our offense will be what it is...  I believe that the reason we don't throw over the middle is because the coaches don't believe we can without great risk of a turnover.  The reason we consistently throw towards the sideline is because you eliminate 2/3's of the opportunity to have problems. Throw it late, high, or in front and it goes out of bounds. Either of those three across the middle has a high probability of turnover.

Having said all that, I like BA. He is what he is and right now he is all we got. It seems that he continues to have a positive attitude and is definitely better than he was last year. If we can get above average QB play before our current RB's graduate or move on we will be very competitive. I think our defense will show tremendous improvement as the year goes on and certainly next year will be better due to all playing time of our young players.

I believe that CBB is taking us in the right direction and the fact that we don't have access to talent like the big boys our fanbase will grow impatient before he gets us over the hump. If he can get to 7 wins by year 3 and win 8 on year four he will be fine. If not look for the next coach to come into a sweet gig with a lot of talent on hand.

So to answer the question, no, I don't think we go 8-5 this year with a bowl win. 

And for the record I hope like heck I'm wrong!

[TNRazorbacker]

No way. Too many glaring deficits on this team playing this schedule. Good teams will exploit them.

5 - 7

[Uberanubis]

im sticking with what the talking heads have said for this year, we suck we will continue to suck, AND MAYBE when we can get vandy and Kentucky back on the schedule THEN we might make a bowl.
but it defiantly wont be this year

[Uberanubis]

We could get to 7-5 but I think 6-6 is more likely.

After Week 1, I think the 6 wins could come from (Result of last game played):
1. Nicholls State (44-16 loss to Air Force)

A FCS program.

2. at Texas Tech (42-35 win against Central Arkansas)

UCA came close to upsetting them at home.  I think we can finish the job.

3. Northern Illinois (55-3 win against Presbyterian)

Not from a Power 5 conference meaning they won't have the depth

4. UAB (48-10 win against Troy)

Have struggled as a program in football

5. Ole Miss (35-13 win against Boise State)

We get them at home and Bo Wallace wasn't impressive against Boise State

6. at Missouri (38-18 win against South Dakota State)

Didn't think they are better than last year's team yesterday

no but their defense sure as hell was, I really don't think we win this one, its close but with no kicking game we lose

[Talon]

No, here is my season prediction and I've seen nothing so far to cause me to reconsider it.

7-5

@Auburn        24-38  L
Nicholls St    31-10  W
@Tex Tech      38-31  W
UNI            24-10  W
aTm            31-24  W
Bama           17-34  L
Georgia        24-27  L
UAB            34-17  W
@Miss St       24-28  L
LSU            24-28  L
Ole Miss       31-27  W
Mizzou         35-24  W