Finally, the wait is over: the 2008 Razorback Football season is upon us! Not in the lifetimes of most fans has there ever been a season premiere like August 30, 2008. Longtime faces in the Broyles Complex have been updated, and new minds are running the program for the first time in the lives of many fans. New traditions will begin, while most of the traditions of the past will continue to be respected. Just short of a complete turnover, the slate is essentially clean for whatever we, as the life of the program, shall make of it. This is an opportunity that none should take lightly, most will enjoy, and all should watch closely as we take the first major step of the new Arkansas Razorback Football era.
As much as the aforementioned changes made headlines for at least the last two years, the headlines now speak to questions about moving the program forward to become a power in the SEC to match the national accolades that Florida, LSU, Auburn, and Georgia enjoy on a regular basis. Depth, experience, youth, Linebackers, off-the-field issues, coaching style, open practices, media partners, War Memorial Stadium, and the logo at midfield have all been topics of conversation recently. Will the daily reports regarding the scorching of our defense speak to a great offensive attack, or vast holes of talent and leadership on the defense that have yet to be filled heading into the kickoff of the season? Will the key losses at Linebacker prove to be to much for the power games of the SEC and one of the most difficult schedules in the country? Some of these questions had quick resolution, and yet some of them remain a mystery until the time for discovery is right. Adversity is the biggest revealer of the truth - and there is never a lack of adversity in college football. There is no other major sport that losing one game at any point in the season can mean that the dream you have worked for the previous 8 months is over, save for the salvage of a bowl appearance. There is no other major sport where everyone on the field must properly fill their role on every play in order for the team to succeed. There is no other major sport where the balance of physical and mental strength is more valuable to an individual and to a team. As fans we enjoy the splendors of the months of preparation and hard work that go into a single football season. Our coaches teach young men more about life in that time than most people receive in years of other otherwise experiences. The stories that I have heard from the program since January have been nothing short of phenomenal - ranging from initial meetings and expectations, establishing a new level of discipline through spring and summer workouts through transitional growing pains, and even the modesty to address a difficult situation with an apology and reverence for a misunderstanding. The things that our players are being taught are something everyone can truly be proud of, though you won’t read about it in the paper, see it on the local news, or even get an honest and unbiased comment of it on the national level. This staff is all about creating results with class and professionalism, and it will only be a matter of time until this statement becomes fact.
The fans have plenty to be optimistic about for this upcoming season: mostly summed up by the word “change.” Though sometimes perceived as a negative connotation, change now speaks to moving to a more strategic position for an improved future. I doubt that many - if any - will sit in the stands and gripe about the predictability of play calling, for none have witnessed enough of it to make such a judgment that they have become accustomed to in the previous seasons. Change brings new life for the old and young like - both in our fan base and in our players. Those on opposing sides of conflict can leave the challenges of the past behind them, and move forward with new eyes to see their beloved program. Experienced players get an opportunity to forge a great transition in offensive philosophy that takes the onus for success off of individual superhuman talent, and instead relies on creating advantageous match-ups to execute against with discipline. Players long sent to pasture as incapable have discovered new life to take important leadership and contributing roles. The confidence of those players has been reestablished, and the promising talent they once flaunted has returned. However, change is an end state - sometimes with a rocky transition to get there. We will take our bumps and experience our share of breakdowns associated with complex change. On defense we may be subject to vulnerability against a balanced offensive attack that can execute a disciplined game plan. However, the game is won and lost in the trenches - where we have considerable experience and potential. A victory up front creates penetration to disrupt any play and relieves some pressure from the linebackers and secondary, so this will be a key to our defensive success. On offense, our ability to accurately execute the new complex offense will dictate our success - and developing the talent to make the offensive attack more explosive will grow as games and seasons go on.
The past is the past - and it can never be changed; but the opportunity to mold the future is upon us. May we all move beyond the flaws of the past, the distractions of the present, and the expectations of the future to something that we can control. All that we are given is today and a chance to enjoy a majesty unique to this state that has meaning beyond words to nearly all fans, supporters, and players - including myself. Success is judged by wins and losses - but also by the intangible quality of the way those games are played. I have ever reason to believe that I will stand proud in victory and defeat under our new leadership, and every decision that is made will be with the clear intention of actively pursuing the success that these players, fans, and state deserves after an arduous journey. We will drive for perfection in every way, we will be in for some surprises along the path, we will be proud in victory and defeat, we will be hopefully of things yet to come, and we will See It Through.
Go Hogs!
