2 lies I am done believing...

[S.A.D.C]

Time for some real talk.

Lie #1.  Our receivers suck.  They don't.  They might not be great and they might not have speed to break big plays or stretch the field BUT- there were a LOT of open guys on shorter routs that either didn't get thrown too or got thrown to poorly. These guys (including TEs) are good enough to give us a more competent passing game.  Hit those short throws in stride and maybe they break something.  Hatcher specifically has shown a toughness and willingness to get yards after contact.  But the ball is not thrown to him enough and when it is rarely is it in a spot where he has a chance to do more than catch it and get tackled.

Lie #2.  Our strength is our O-line.  It isn't- in fact this O-line isn't bet good at all.  For all the hype- in league play we have not been able to run or pass.  Some of this might be scheme related but a lot of time these guys are getting turnstile'd.  They look the part- but the results are not there.

I believe in Coach BB in the big picture.  But we better see some wholesale changes on offense this offseason.  He made some moves last year in defense- has to do it this year on offense or else I am afraid the streak will continue for quite some time. 

[PorkRinds]

#1 They don't actually suck, but they are possession receivers.  We don't have big play guys at WR.  We just don't.

#2 These guys are really young.  You'd like to see your OL filled with redshirt juniors and seniors, but these guys have had baptism by fire.  The more experience and more time they get, the better they will be.  They're pretty good, but they aren't as dominant as most of us had hoped they would be.  SEC fronts on defense are just insanely fast and talented. 

We will see some changes.  Most notably new guys that can hopefully be the big play guys we need.  There won't be coaching, or even likely QB changes any time soon. 

[The_Iceman]

#1 They don't actually suck, but they are possession receivers.  We don't have big play guys at WR.  We just don't.

Which hurts you a lot more at the end of games.

[PorkRinds]

Which hurts you a lot more at the end of games.

Yep.  Don't get me wrong, I think BA has done a decent job and deserves to keep his job.  But we don't have a big time clutch receiver, OR a big time clutch QB.  Both will not lead to much success in big time clutch plays at the end of the game. 

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Never believe lies.

[RazorPiggie]

Our WRs don't fight for the ball. They don't grab the ball out of the air like its theirs. They aren't very physical. I'm very unimpressed with Coach Michael Smith right now.

[HF#1]

Even if they are possession receivers, they aren't good ones. 

[PorkRinds]

Even if they are possession receivers, they aren't good ones.

I think they are.  If you added a couple of big play guys, it would leave these possession guys more open, and more likely to make plays.  I think guys like Hollister, Hatcher, and Morgan are really pretty good.  They just aren't elite.  If we had a couple of elite guys to add in the mix (not to mention a more accurate QB), those guys would be much better IMO. 

[Atlhogfan1]

Time for some real talk.

Lie #1.  Our receivers suck.  They don't.  They might not be great and they might not have speed to break big plays or stretch the field BUT- there were a LOT of open guys on shorter routs that either didn't get thrown too or got thrown to poorly. These guys (including TEs) are good enough to give us a more competent passing game.  Hit those short throws in stride and maybe they break something.  Hatcher specifically has shown a toughness and willingness to get yards after contact.  But the ball is not thrown to him enough and when it is rarely is it in a spot where he has a chance to do more than catch it and get tackled.

Lie #2.  Our strength is our O-line.  It isn't- in fact this O-line isn't bet good at all.  For all the hype- in league play we have not been able to run or pass.  Some of this might be scheme related but a lot of time these guys are getting turnstile'd.  They look the part- but the results are not there.

I believe in Coach BB in the big picture.  But we better see some wholesale changes on offense this offseason.  He made some moves last year in defense- has to do it this year on offense or else I am afraid the streak will continue for quite some time.

It isn't accurate to charactize our conversations about our wr's as saying they suck.  They do not. 

What has separated the SEC from most of the rest of college football has been defensive fronts.  Our inability to stretch the field vertically invites in extra defenders as well - AU second half, UGa first half. 

I also believe it is difficult to develop olinemen quickly in college football due to limited practice time and how much they have to be taught and developed after arriving in college.  One dimensional offensive systems where they are asked to zone run block or pass protect for very short amounts of time in quick throw offenses are easier than the pro style offenses where they have to be versatile enough to execute run blocking schemes and then asked to play backing up in pass protection.  The spread offenses also line up their tackles way back off the line of scrimmage.  They aren't being asked to do what our linemen are or have been since Petrino got to Arkansas.  It takes time to develop olinemen capable of being versatile enough to both run block for inside runs not based on deception and pass block where they have to provide protection for a qb throwing downfield and not horizontal throws or quick throws out of the shotgun.  We should notice how Markuson wasn't a fit for Bielema at Wisconsin and why he was fired so quickly.  Markuson was a simplistic run game zone blocking oline coach.   Shawn Andrews was moved inside when he got to the NFL from tackle for a reason.

Wholesale changes would likely require an influx of players capable of taking snaps from the returning players who have had those snaps this season.  After two recruiting classes, not sure how wholesale that is going to be.  I don't see a big change in the offensive system.  Hopefully the players who return will continue to develop and will be helped by RS and true freshmen. 

[Ex-Trumpet]

Our o-line is good.  But, no o-line will shine if the passing game cannot beat you on a consistent basis.

Case in point?  Dallas Cowboys yesterday...Brandon Weeden was absolutely no threat; in turn, Dallas' great (best in NFL?) o-line was shut down and held Murray under 80 yards.  It happens.  It happens a lot when there is no threat to get beat consistently by a pass.

[Pig In The City]

We are still two years away. Expectations are too high for year two. Plain and simple.

[WardamnHOGGLE]

Just in time for mid terms.

[S.A.D.C]

Our o-line is good.  But, no o-line will shine if the passing game cannot beat you on a consistent basis.

Case in point?  Dallas Cowboys yesterday...Brandon Weeden was absolutely no threat; in turn, Dallas' great (best in NFL?) o-line was shut down and held Murray under 80 yards.  It happens.  It happens a lot when there is no threat to get beat consistently by a pass.

But part of the issue in our passing game is protection.  The "good" O-line gives up a lot of hurries.

And I should say- I like this O-line and recognize they are young.  I believe they WILL be good.  But the dialog has been that they ARE good today.  They haven't been.  Penalties at terrible times all kinds of issues.  Long term we are in a great spot there I think- but we aren't today....

[Ex-Trumpet]

But part of the issue in our passing game is protection.  The "good" O-line gives up a lot of hurries.

And I should say- I like this O-line and recognize they are young.  I believe they WILL be good.  But the dialog has been that they ARE good today.  They haven't been.  Penalties at terrible times all kinds of issues.  Long term we are in a great spot there I think- but we aren't today....

Maybe different passing schemes could help?  I'm at a loss.  Sure, a mobile qb makes any decent line look exceptional.  And, you are correct, penalties hurt.

[Jek Tono Porkins]

The lack of deep-threat receivers is really hurting this offense. We don't have any deep-threat receivers. We have some fast guys, but they can't get separation. In the event that one of them does get behind the defense, Allen seems to overthrow them.

We need some deep-threat receivers. KJ Hill should help with that.

[Atlhogfan1]

But part of the issue in our passing game is protection.  The "good" O-line gives up a lot of hurries.

And I should say- I like this O-line and recognize they are young.  I believe they WILL be good.  But the dialog has been that they ARE good today.  They haven't been.  Penalties at terrible times all kinds of issues.  Long term we are in a great spot there I think- but we aren't today....

Some of the pass protection issues have been on others including TE's, backs and BA. 

[Jek Tono Porkins]

But part of the issue in our passing game is protection.  The "good" O-line gives up a lot of hurries.

And I should say- I like this O-line and recognize they are young.  I believe they WILL be good.  But the dialog has been that they ARE good today.  They haven't been.  Penalties at terrible times all kinds of issues.  Long term we are in a great spot there I think- but we aren't today....

Who do you think is presenting the dialogue that our o-line is good today?

Fans. Fans don't know anything. Don't listen to fans.

[CallThemHawgs!]

Our WRs don't fight for the ball. They don't grab the ball out of the air like its theirs. They aren't very physical. I'm very unimpressed with Coach Michael Smith right now.

Go back and watch our game against his vaunted K-State WR corps in the Sugar Bowl.... report back...

I saw it in person and rolled my eyes when he was hired

[Bacon_Bitz]

Part of the reason our O-Line hasn't looked good recently is b/c they've been matched up against truly elite D-Line's -- Bama, Georgia, and Mississippi State all have studs lining up on that side of the ball, although I guess Georgia got exposed by Florida.

We will get back to 200+ yards against all 3 remaining teams.  Ole Miss and Mizzou's run stats may look good now, but they don't want none of our o-line coming straight at them.

[ErieHog]

Our receiver collection is a bunch of mismatched parts, with people asked to perform in roles that are unsuited to their skills;  this isn't to say they're without any skill, just without the necessary skills to perform in their role in this offense.   Effectively, it is little different than being unskilled, in terms of the impact on the offense.   You'd be happy to have our outside guys doing specialized things.  Keon Hatcher would be a tremendous slot guy, but his skills are wasted outside, except in run blocking.

The lack of vertical options compresses the coverage behind the front seven,  meaning that even when they don't stack the box,  they're not horribly spaced out to make plays on the second and third levels,  making for 10 yard gains in the running game, instead of explosive TD type plays.

[The_Iceman]

Our receiver collection is a bunch of mismatched parts, with people asked to perform in roles that are unsuited to their skills;  this isn't to say they're without any skill, just without the necessary skills to perform in their role in this offense.   Effectively, it is little different than being unskilled, in terms of the impact on the offense.   You'd be happy to have our outside guys doing specialized things.  Keon Hatcher would be a tremendous slot guy, but his skills are wasted outside, except in run blocking.

The lack of vertical options compresses the coverage behind the front seven,  meaning that even when they don't stack the box,  they're not horribly spaced out to make plays on the second and third levels,  making for 10 yard gains in the running game, instead of explosive TD type plays.

That's about the best analysis of our offensive struggles as I have seen. Really explains why the lack of WR weapons hurts us.

[1highhog]

Time for some real talk.

Lie #1.  Our receivers suck.  They don't.  They might not be great and they might not have speed to break big plays or stretch the field BUT- there were a LOT of open guys on shorter routs that either didn't get thrown too or got thrown to poorly. These guys (including TEs) are good enough to give us a more competent passing game.  Hit those short throws in stride and maybe they break something.  Hatcher specifically has shown a toughness and willingness to get yards after contact.  But the ball is not thrown to him enough and when it is rarely is it in a spot where he has a chance to do more than catch it and get tackled.

Lie #2.  Our strength is our O-line.  It isn't- in fact this O-line isn't bet good at all.  For all the hype- in league play we have not been able to run or pass.  Some of this might be scheme related but a lot of time these guys are getting turnstile'd.  They look the part- but the results are not there.

I believe in Coach BB in the big picture.  But we better see some wholesale changes on offense this offseason.  He made some moves last year in defense- has to do it this year on offense or else I am afraid the streak will continue for quite some time. 

Our receivers we have now are possession guys, we need guys that can break away from coverage and get open down the field or across the field.  We don't have that but help is coming. 

You do realize our O-Line is young, all of these guys should have been redshirted, but we could not afford to do so, even though Skipper and others will be Juniors next year, hard to believe, they should only be Sophomore's and we'd be looking at a totally different O-Line.  Some of these guys are still boys going up against young men.

Our Offense will be improved next Season just by our O-Line alone, our receivers will be as well.  I hate to say this, because I've been behind Brandon for quite awhile now, but he's not the answer at QB.  Something is going to have to change there because unless he improves drastically on his throwing ability for next year, what could be a great year will only be a pedestrian one.

[EastexHawg]

Cook, Smothers, and Charpentier (I think our most frequent sub) are not young and inexperienced.  Kirkland and Skipper have now played almost two full seasons. 

We're not overly inexperienced on the o-line.

The strength of this team is the defensive line.

[The Hogfather]

Our receiver collection is a bunch of mismatched parts, with people asked to perform in roles that are unsuited to their skills;  this isn't to say they're without any skill, just without the necessary skills to perform in their role in this offense.   Effectively, it is little different than being unskilled, in terms of the impact on the offense.   You'd be happy to have our outside guys doing specialized things.  Keon Hatcher would be a tremendous slot guy, but his skills are wasted outside, except in run blocking.

The lack of vertical options compresses the coverage behind the front seven,  meaning that even when they don't stack the box,  they're not horribly spaced out to make plays on the second and third levels,  making for 10 yard gains in the running game, instead of explosive TD type plays.

Great analysis.  I completely agree.

[Pigstie]

We are still two years away. Expectations are too high for year two. Plain and simple.

Based on what? Two years away from what? Who will our running backs be in two years?

[Etowah]

Cook, Smothers, and Charpentier (I think our most frequent sub) are not young and inexperienced.  Kirkland and Skipper have now played almost two full seasons. 

We're not overly inexperienced on the o-line.

The strength of this team is the defensive line.

This

[code red]

Which hurts you a lot more at the end of games.

Good point.  Better days a comin.

[The Hogfather]

Cook, Smothers, and Charpentier (I think our most frequent sub) are not young and inexperienced.  Kirkland and Skipper have now played almost two full seasons. 

We're not overly inexperienced on the o-line.

The strength of this team is the defensive line.

Our most talented offensive linemen are 1st or 2nd year players at Arkansas.  I'd say we're young in that regard.  Some of our experienced starters aren't the most talented guys around.

[secneahog]

Cook, Smothers, and Charpentier (I think our most frequent sub) are not young and inexperienced.  Kirkland and Skipper have now played almost two full seasons. 

We're not overly inexperienced on the o-line.

The strength of this team is the defensive line.

Cook is solid. Smothers subs out with a true freshman. Charp never plays as a senior. Kirkland is a true sophomore. Skipper is playing LT for the first time in college. Tretola is in year one at LG.

[hogsanity]

Our receiver collection is a bunch of mismatched parts, with people asked to perform in roles that are unsuited to their skills;  this isn't to say they're without any skill, just without the necessary skills to perform in their role in this offense.   Effectively, it is little different than being unskilled, in terms of the impact on the offense.   You'd be happy to have our outside guys doing specialized things.  Keon Hatcher would be a tremendous slot guy, but his skills are wasted outside, except in run blocking.

The lack of vertical options compresses the coverage behind the front seven,  meaning that even when they don't stack the box,  they're not horribly spaced out to make plays on the second and third levels,  making for 10 yard gains in the running game, instead of explosive TD type plays.

Receivers also get very few yards after catch. I think the biggest play like that, outside of the nichols state game, is the run Derby had against Bama after he caught the ball across the middle. Think about that, the teams biggest YAC play was made by a guy who was a qb, converted to lb, back to qb, then to TE. HE is the only Hogs to catch a pass and then run away from the defense. Not, Wilson, not Hatcher, not Edwards, not Hollister or Morgan, but AJ Derby.

[secneahog]

Kj Hill said CBB told him we needed him out there in a recent game.

We need more elite wrs. Not knocking the ones we have, we just need more.

Wrs that get invited to the Nike Opening...

[yraciv]

Our receiver collection is a bunch of mismatched parts, with people asked to perform in roles that are unsuited to their skills;  this isn't to say they're without any skill, just without the necessary skills to perform in their role in this offense.   Effectively, it is little different than being unskilled, in terms of the impact on the offense.   You'd be happy to have our outside guys doing specialized things.  Keon Hatcher would be a tremendous slot guy, but his skills are wasted outside, except in run blocking.

The lack of vertical options compresses the coverage behind the front seven,  meaning that even when they don't stack the box,  they're not horribly spaced out to make plays on the second and third levels,  making for 10 yard gains in the running game, instead of explosive TD type plays.

Nailed it!

[hogsanity]

Kj Hill said CBB told him we needed him out there in a recent game.

We need more elite wrs. Not knocking the ones we have, we just need more.

Wrs that get invited to the Nike Opening...

Any offense needs at least one guy that on any play can run by his man and draw the safety. This frees up so much of the rest of the field. When a team has one or two safeties sitting 10-12 yards off the los, and they do not have to worry about anything outside the hashes or behinds them, the middle of the field is pretty much a no go for the offense.

[PorkSoda]

We are still two years away. Expectations are too high for year two. Plain and simple.

We have played tough all year.  what do expect when you play 5 straight top ten conference games?  we are good, but we aren't top ten good yet.  we are on the right track, and if BB can eek 2 wins out of the next 3 games, then the year will be a resounding success.

[RazorPiggie]

Go back and watch our game against his vaunted K-State WR corps in the Sugar Bowl.... report back...

I saw it in person and rolled my eyes when he was hired

No need to. I was there. I was just happy we were mixing up the coaching staff.

[pigture perfect]

Go back and watch our game against his vaunted K-State WR corps in the Sugar Bowl.... report back...

I saw it in person and rolled my eyes when he was hired

That's because you were watching the wrong game. We,ve not played KSU in a Sugar Bowl.

[Grizzlyfan]

Cook, Smothers, and Charpentier (I think our most frequent sub) are not young and inexperienced.  Kirkland and Skipper have now played almost two full seasons. 

We're not overly inexperienced on the o-line.

The strength of this team is the defensive line.

Thank you.  I'm not sure how an OL participation that includes a RS Sr., Sr., RS Jr., RS Jr. could be considered young.  and the 2 sophomores have played almost 2 complete seasons.

[secneahog]

Thank you.  I'm not sure how an OL participation that includes a RS Sr., Sr., RS Jr., RS Jr. could be considered young.  and the 2 sophomores have played almost 2 complete seasons.

We are in year two with a new offense.
Cook has been solid.
Smothers has never played much. With old staff or new staff till this year, and he subs reps with a true freshman through the season.
Skipper played guard as a true freshman, now playing left tackle as a true sophomore going against the best des in the country.
Kirkland keeps his same spot but he's a true sophomore.
Tretola was playing juco ball in Iowa last year.

Looking at that how can you not say we re still young at oline?

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

Time for some real talk.

Lie #1.  Our receivers suck.  They don't.  They might not be great and they might not have speed to break big plays or stretch the field BUT- there were a LOT of open guys on shorter routs that either didn't get thrown too or got thrown to poorly. These guys (including TEs) are good enough to give us a more competent passing game.  Hit those short throws in stride and maybe they break something.  Hatcher specifically has shown a toughness and willingness to get yards after contact.  But the ball is not thrown to him enough and when it is rarely is it in a spot where he has a chance to do more than catch it and get tackled.

Lie #2.  Our strength is our O-line.  It isn't- in fact this O-line isn't bet good at all.  For all the hype- in league play we have not been able to run or pass.  Some of this might be scheme related but a lot of time these guys are getting turnstile'd.  They look the part- but the results are not there.

I believe in Coach BB in the big picture.  But we better see some wholesale changes on offense this offseason.  He made some moves last year in defense- has to do it this year on offense or else I am afraid the streak will continue for quite some time.

Don't believe our receivers suck.....but right now are slightly below par for the SEC West.  When your best receivers are your TE's, it's very telling. Our receiving corp is not going to beat defenses too often deep, which let's the DB's play them tighter on short & medium routes.  Our receivers have trouble getting separation from DB's, & most don't have the real speed to be a deep threat.  Help is coming next year, this problem is hopefully going away. 

Our OL is not as dominant as first predicted.  Exactly why we are not running the ball well against quality opponents. We are too often getting stuffed at the LOS, which is why we are trying to the throw the ball more.  We also do not pass block real well, which of course does not help the passing game. Several of our OL are young, & will get much better with more experience.  To make our passing game work, will require better consistent protection, & our WR's need to consistently get better separation from the DB's.

[AFWarrior83]

Even if they are possession receivers, they aren't good ones. 

I have to disagree with you on this, because the WR's (when thrown to) have caught the ball well. There have been a lot of bad passes that our guys have been able to reel in. What we lack is a playmaker that can be a deep threat at wideout.

[Fayettechill14]

On #1: They aren't game-changing WRs, and that's what this system needs. Bielema got a lot of mileage out of Jared Abbrederis at Wisconsin. Dude could get open all over the field and had big YAC numbers.

FWIW, K.J. Hill and Jojo Robinson are that kind of WR. Keon Hatcher kind of is, but he's not as good at reading coverage. I've seen lots of opportunities for him to break his route stem into something better and he hasn't done it. I don't know if Chaney's playcalling is limiting that, but I doubt it since Tennessee's WRs were really good at it.

On #2: This line was definitely over-rated after the Texas Tech game. It's a good line, but it's not great. It has pass-protect issues and isn't mobile enough to get outside leverage for outside power plays, which are supposed to be a staple of this offense. Dan Skipper will get better as pass-protect with more practice, but we really need a good pulling guard/center. Don't have that yet.

[ballz2thewall]

i grow a bit tickled at "possession" receiver. 

it suggests they're not very good.  i mean; what is that?  need two yards so throw it to this guy that can't get open?

i think it simply means that sometimes they catch the ball, and nothing else.

[lumphog]

Our receiver collection is a bunch of mismatched parts, with people asked to perform in roles that are unsuited to their skills;  this isn't to say they're without any skill, just without the necessary skills to perform in their role in this offense.   Effectively, it is little different than being unskilled, in terms of the impact on the offense.   You'd be happy to have our outside guys doing specialized things.  Keon Hatcher would be a tremendous slot guy, but his skills are wasted outside, except in run blocking.

The lack of vertical options compresses the coverage behind the front seven,  meaning that even when they don't stack the box,  they're not horribly spaced out to make plays on the second and third levels,  making for 10 yard gains in the running game, instead of explosive TD type plays.

YOU GOT THAT PEOPLE!!!!........in my Phylis voice

[Fayettechill14]

i grow a bit tickled at "possession" receiver. 

it suggests they're not very good.  i mean; what is that?  need two yards so throw it to this guy that can't get open?

i think it simply means that sometimes they catch the ball, and nothing else.

It usually means they are tall and can frequently catch in traffic. Demetrius Wilson is 6'2 and Cody Hollister 6'4, but none of the other regularly used guys are tall. And NONE of them can catch in traffic.

[twistitup]

Lies lies everywhere is lies

[Nuttcracker, Sweet!]

Time for some real talk.

Lie #1.  Our receivers suck.  They don't.  They might not be great and they might not have speed to break big plays or stretch the field BUT- there were a LOT of open guys on shorter routs that either didn't get thrown too or got thrown to poorly. These guys (including TEs) are good enough to give us a more competent passing game.  Hit those short throws in stride and maybe they break something.  Hatcher specifically has shown a toughness and willingness to get yards after contact.  But the ball is not thrown to him enough and when it is rarely is it in a spot where he has a chance to do more than catch it and get tackled.

Lie #2.  Our strength is our O-line.  It isn't- in fact this O-line isn't bet good at all.  For all the hype- in league play we have not been able to run or pass.  Some of this might be scheme related but a lot of time these guys are getting turnstile'd.  They look the part- but the results are not there.

I believe in Coach BB in the big picture.  But we better see some wholesale changes on offense this offseason.  He made some moves last year in defense- has to do it this year on offense or else I am afraid the streak will continue for quite some time. 

I agree that the WRs are not terrible. Note I refuse to use the most cliched statement in the English language, that something or someone does or does not "suck".

I agree that the O line has not been as good as advertised in SEC play.

Bottom line: these are not lies or truths, but matters of opinion. However, I would challenge defenders of the WRs to answer a couple of questions:

How many explosive plays or gains of over 20 yards do our WRs have in SEC play? How many long gains after the catch?

If a person did some research I would just about guarantee that Henry and Derby, TEs, own 80% or more of our longest pass plays in 2014.

I know Derby owns the longest TD reception in SEC games only. What does that say about the WRs? Sometimes it's what you don't say that's telling...

[Hoggish1]

Of the first two:

Porkrinds wins!

[ChicoHog]

Receivers also get very few yards after catch. I think the biggest play like that, outside of the nichols state game, is the run Derby had against Bama after he caught the ball across the middle. Think about that, the teams biggest YAC play was made by a guy who was a qb, converted to lb, back to qb, then to TE. HE is the only Hogs to catch a pass and then run away from the defense. Not, Wilson, not Hatcher, not Edwards, not Hollister or Morgan, but AJ Derby.

I don't know the stats but I bet our WRs have less YAC than anyone else in the conference save maybe Vandy. 

[jcul28]

Our O-Line hasn't been th same since CBB put that leash on Skip. And...we don't have a QB to get the ball to the WR's so I'll hold my judgement on the receivers.

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

Our WRs don't fight for the ball. They don't grab the ball out of the air like its theirs. They aren't very physical. I'm very unimpressed with Coach Michael Smith right now.

Chance he gets replaced by George McDonald? He is no longer the OC for the Cuse