Neither was pretty, and neither was easy. Two come from behind wins against perceived lesser opponents have the Hog faithful wondering where the next win will come from.
But before we look to the Texas game and beyond, a quick recap of the first two games.
It looks like the preseason "grinding" has at least helped the Hogs in the 4th quarter of both games. This group of pigs is not as talented as we are used to, but they have come alive in the late stages of both games -- so they won't quit or lay down on us.
The Special Teams are not special. It is hard to believe that a coach with the reputation the Petrino has will not get this fixed. Fumbled kickoffs, questionable fielding of kickoffs, missed FGs, missed extra points, blocked punts -- not a recipe for success. There is alot of youth, but NO excuses for these types of blunders.
The Defensive Line was supposed to be the strength of this Defense, but in two games there hasn't been alot of great play by the upperclassmen.
Our Linebackers aren't big, have made alot of mistakes, but they are growing in valuable game experience that equates into depth over the long haul as the older, experienced players return.
The Defensive backfield has shown signs of athleticism and speed. But they have also shown alot of blown assignments, being out of position, and mental lapses as well.
The offensive line was supposed to be another strong point of this very young, inexperienced team. After giving up alot of sacks the first half of the WIU game, they did seem to get that fixed. But, not alot of holes for the RBs against WUI. Getting stuffed on 4th and 1 (ULM) against a lesser team with less talented players did not inspire alot of people towards any better feelings towards the O-line. Maybe Mitch Petrus is missed a little more than the coaches thought he would be.
Casey Dick has played very well. Back to Back 300 yard games. Michael Smith's return against ULM was very welcomed. He is a nice RB -- small, experienced, tough, shifty with speed. DJ Williams is very good, and on his way to being great. The young Freshman receivers are as good as advertised, and will only get better.
Now for the upcoming schedule. Based upon what we have seen the first 2 weeks, there probably aren't alot of wins upcoming this season. Texas, though probably not as good as recent years, is still a very talented Team from a tough conference -- and playing them in Austin doesn't make it any easier.
If the Special Teams are truly special -- if the Defensive line can pressure the QB -- if the O-line lives up to preseason prognostications -- if Casey Dick can continue his play -- and if the RBs can find some holes and hang onto the ball -- Arkansas can at least make it respectable.
But, IF any of those IFs turn into NOTs, Texas may make these young Hogs look real bad.
Alabama, Florida, Auburn in back to back weeks are going to be tough games for the Hogs to win. Hopefully, they can continue to improve and play smart, fundamentally sound football. I think we all knew this was going to be a down year...and we all knew that with the amount of talent that was drafted into the NFL, our cupboards were a little bare.
But let's face it, as hard as both games were to watch or listen to -- they won. It was exciting football in the 4th quarters of both games -- and they never quit or gave up. This may not be a year that will be remembered for the huge amount of wins -- but I think it will be remembered as the first year of Petrino...on the way to being in the upper tier of SEC teams year in, year out -- for a long time to come.
There are still the Mississippi teams and Kentucky left. South Carolina lost to Vandy. While we can't notch these games up as wins -- they do at least present a ray of hope at the end of this Tough Gauntlet.
