The Alabama Crimson Tide have no idea what they’re getting themselves into.
Razorback Stadium is completely sold out, and all indications are that Razorback nation will hit a fever pitch culminating sometime around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Earlier this week, tickets to the game were going for as much as $2,000 on StubHub, and as of this morning, there’s not even an overpriced (illegal?) ticket to be had anywhere.
Arkansas students have been camping out all week to make sure they get prime seats to what is arguably the biggest home football game of our generation.
The Tide are the defending national champions and are ranked #1 in the nation, but Arkansas comes into the game with the most potent passing attack in the country, led by Heisman trophy candidate frontrunner Ryan Mallett. Both teams are undefeated, both teams are ranked in the top ten in the latest AP Poll, and whoever emerges from Saturday’s game instantly becomes the favorite for an SEC West Championship, an SEC overall championship, and a contender to become the national champions later in the season.
Yeah, it’s a big deal.
We know that Reynolds Razorback Stadium will be rocking, but I’m guessing that there will be a few noobs in the stands this weekend. Just to make absolutely sure that we’re all on the same page in making the Crimson Tide feel as unwelcome as possible, here’s a helpful guide for giving Alabama hell on Saturday.
Be quiet when the Hogs have the ball
Razorback fans know this, but it’s easy to get carried away when the Hogs face a crucial third-and-1 in the third quarter. It’s easy to forget that even though you want to encourage the Hogs in this type of situation, it’s much easier for an offense to operate in a quiet stadium. It allows the team to communicate better, the quarterback to point out blitzing linebackers or safeties, and it makes it easier for the receivers and backs on the outside to hear the call when the QB needs to audible to a new play.
In short, before the snap when the Hogs have the ball, shhhhh.
Be LOUD when the Hogs are on defense
The converse to the above is that when the opposing team has the ball, it is much harder for them to operate in a hostile environment. In other words, get on your feet, scream at them, stomp on the bleachers, clap, whistle, yell, blow on your vuvuzela, whatever it takes, but make sure that every time Alabama has the ball, the decible level in Razorback Stadium is unbearable for them.
Crowd noise causes confusion for the opposing team which could make them miss an assignment, and sometimes, we’ll get a cheap five-yard false start penalty out of the deal. Especially on 3rd down, go nuts. Which leads me to…
Weaponize the Hog Call
As far as I can tell, this idea started over at Hogville.net, and has been picking up steam all week. According to fans from other SEC schools, 70,000+ rabid Razorback fans calling the Hogs is one of the most intimidating chants in college football. The “Woo” part, with everyone’s hands in the air is admittedly kind of freaky.
The premise is simple. Every time Alabama faces a third down, the entire stadium will begin the “Woo” part of the Hog Call, like we do when the Hogs are kicking off. When the ball is snapped, finish with a Pig Sooie. If the entire stadium participates, it will freak Bama the freak out.
Get off your butt
I know. You’ve been on your feet all day tailgating. You had to park in Greenland and walk six miles to get to the stadium. Your wore high heels (why did you do that?). But this is the biggest game in Fayetteville since I don’t know when. The game is only three hours long, you can rest your tootsies during time outs and between quarters. In short, get off your butt, and yell for the Hogs.
And if you’re not the type of fan that is willing or able to stand up at the game, don’t get ticked at the fans who are. Just this once. Please? Thanks.
Dress like a freak
This isn’t Arkansas vs. North Wyoming A&M Tech for Hog’s sake. It’s Arkansas vs. Alabama. It’s two top ten, championship caliber SEC teams and we as a fan base have a responsibility to intimidate the bejebus out of the Tide.
Paint your face. Paint your body. Wear a wig, or a pom-pom as a wig. Put on the biggest, most obnoxious hog hat you can find, break out your red pants, your red shoes, and your red shirt and your red underwear. Wear a snout. Wear a Halloween mask. Wear a Bobby Petrino mask. Shave your head. Get a mohawk. Do whatever you want, but step it up a little for this one, will ya?
Get in their heads
I’m looking to the UA students to lead this one. Remind Alabama of their embarrasing loss to ULM in 2007. Make signs. Make fun of Nick Saban’s dumb hair.
Do some research, and come up with a sweet chant that will break their concentration. Whatever you do, keep in mind that the Hogs need you more than ever this weekend, and if you’re one of the lucky 75,000 people who have tickets to the game, don’t forget that you have a job to do.
Watch this video
This doesn’t really have anything to do with giving Alabama hell, but Steve Lee has a new Razorback song in the works. He’s still fine-tuning the recording, but he stayed up all night working on his latest creation, and sent us this video at about 5 a.m. this morning as a preview.
Share your tips
I think that covers the high points, but I’m sure some of you folks have tips for making those dumb elephant losers uncomfortable on Saturday. Share them in the comments. Go Hogs!
