How many times over the past few years have we lamented our predictable offense? And how often have we repeatedly pulled our collective hairs out over ultra-conservatism at the end of the half? Just how many times did we, as fans, call a draw only to see it play out in front of us (inuring to the pleasure of our opponent)?
It has been a tough ride for all of us. The dissension, the split fan-base, the lack of leadership, and the disharmonious locker room are now things of the past. But they are not quickly forgotten. Taking a look back over the last 24 months you can see players, fans, parents and coaches strewn across the battlefield that was the University of Arkansas football program.
What this team needs is a leader. Someone with confidence, integrity and passion for our players and fans. Someone who has abilities a little bit deeper than the 3 by 5 index card which housed all of our pass blocking schemes the past few years. Someone whose skin is tougher than his man to man defense so proudly showcased at the HPER building. In fact, someone who doesnât care one lick for taking a couple of hours off for a non-productive pickup game on our dime. A coach whoâd rather be calling recruits.
And based on what Iâm hearing out of Fayetteville these days, we got exactly this man. Despite what Falcon fans and ESPN might tell you, Bobby Petrino is the real deal. He was simply lied to and left a bad situation. But instead of rehashing this argument, let me simply say we are about to be very pleased heâs donning Razorback colors.
I came on here and not so boldly predicted a 5-7 season a few weeks ago. Who wouldnât? This was based on a paper thin linebacking corps, an inconsistent quarterback, and a stable of unproven running backs. Nowâ¦well now Iâm not so sure. The defense has been battered throughout the preseason. But recent word from the hill is that the defense has muscled up and done a much better job against the run than true âexpertsâ predicted. I pondered on this a bit and came to the realization that this defense should do a good job against the run. After all, these are the same guys that practiced day in and day out against Darren McFadden and Felix Jones the past few years.
Word is that our passing game has come together. That our quarterback may actually be hitting his rhythm under the new coaching staff. Why wouldnât he? Surrounded by competence I suspect Casey Dick will get the vote of confidence he needs to become more self-assured and capable.
The running backs have done reasonably well, but in a system that depends more on keeping the defense off-balance a decent running back can actually put up good numbers. I wonder what that will feel like.
Nothing about the 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks will be like the last ten years. The schemes have changed, the importance of timing is now stressed, the passing game will return, and the leader will spend time teaching instead of biting his fingernails at crunch time. I am looking very forward to it.
This week will be a win. I know, no big news there, but in this win there will be a huge divergence from what weâve witnessed in the past.
First of all, this coach wonât pull on the reins once we get ahead. No, Bobby Petrino will spend time working out the kinks and finding the weaknesses in our game in order to be well prepared for our difficult schedule. He will rotate in many players finding out who can thrive and who will wilt in real game situations. Instead of bleeding poor Utah State 20-0 this coach will spend every ounce of energy Saturday night perfecting our team. As a fan who wants a Sears Trophy, I cannot stress the importance of this. How refreshing it will be to see our teamâs goal shiftâ¦from not wanting to embarrass the patsy to [gasp]â¦improvement.
The new era dawns Saturday night. So many things will look different. So few things will remain the same. This is a great day to be a Razorback.
