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sg Speaks: Hogs Football = Over!

Here it is, early December, and for the first time since 2005, we’re wrapping up our football coverage now, instead of later in the month (or January, for that matter). This year was the beginning of the Bobby Petrino era. Unfortunately for fans and critics alike, we all knew that probably meant this year was going to be a wash. Rebuilding usually means some lumps are going to be taken on the field. I think it’s safe to say that the lumps were handed out, almost too graciously at times.

But looking back on the year, one has to understand that Petrino didn’t come in with a system that was a variant of what Arkansas had been running the previous 10 years. Not in the least. Bobby P. came in with a brand new offense, working with players that were mostly recruited for a completely different one. Scrapped was the powerful running game that produced one two three NFL running backs in the past three years. In its place was a more balanced attack that averaged 113 rushing yards and 259 passing yards per game (compared to 286 and 163 the year prior).

The new offense wasn’t completely balanced when it came to yardage, but the attempts were more in line. In 2008, Arkansas ran the ball 378 times and passed it 443. In 2007, our rushing attempts were double that of our passing. That’s progress. Teams used to know that if they stacked the box against us, they’d have a much easier time winning the game. Now, they have to prepare for both.

Both the offense and defense had their struggles this year. The defensive line was shuffled here and there due to injuries and suspensions and the offensive line, while allowing the offense to have a few break out games, didn’t seem capable of keeping our QBs safe for an entire game (case in point, Casey Dick had 72 rushes for -51 yards on the year). The nice thing to know is that during the year we gave 16+ true freshmen extensive playing time. That’s going to pay off.

Arkansas had a top-five schedule strength this year an we ended up with a 5-7 record. The Razorbacks were outscored 374-263. But if you take those ugly losses to Alabama, Texas and Florida out (three of the top four teams in the country, btw), our opponents only scored 235 points to our 232. Check this out, eight of our games were decided by 7 points or less. Experienced teams will win more of those games than they lose. Looking back on a 5-7 record doesn’t seem too shabby, now, does it?

Petrino has installed a system and regime that should be able to propel the Razorbacks into a highly competitive field. Like his counterpart on the basketball court, his coaching staff doesn’t tolerate players who goof around. Suspensions are handed out like pieces of gum and players are beginning to buy in. Where Nutt was a motivator and did amazing things with sparse talent, Petrino has brought us a system that’s built to win and the talent will flock.

Next year is going to be better, gang. And if Petrino sticks around long enough, the next few years to come could be some great Hogs years.

Rando Thoughts:

• While Casey Dick didn’t have a hugely successful senior year (he threw more INTs than TDs, but more yards than years past), he ended up being a much better QB than I ever anticipated. To end his career with another win over LSU and a game-winning TD-toss, well, that’s just awesome.
• Michael Smith did not disappoint. After sitting behind two studs for the past two years, Smith came on like a firestorm and had he not been hurt the last two games, he had a shot to do something no one in the SEC had ever done. Guess what, he’ll likely be back next year. Sweetness.
• Speaking of next year… if Casey Dick could put up some astounding passing numbers, just think what Ryan Mallet (heisman candidate?) might be able to do.
• I don’t recall having a receiving corp. like this in a very long time.
• What the heck happened to sure-thing Alex Tejada? Hopefully he’s 100% before next season.
• The defense will get better.

So Hog fans, a lot happened this year. We lost some games we shouldn’t have and won some we shouldn’t have. New coach. New system. Change is definitely in place. But things are bright. Our 2009 recruiting class is already killer, with 5 scholarships left, some defensive peeps to sign and the recent announcement that RB Broderick Green is coming home (take THAT USC!), how can you not be excited about next year already!?!

Whoo pig!

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