2008 Woodie Awards
Here are your Arkansas "bizzaro" Razorbacks
Off the foul Pohl
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
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While watching the Razorbacks throttle North Texas last weekend, I couldn't help but think about one of the greatest TV shows of all time - "Seinfeld."
Why "Seinfeld?"
Remember that episode where Elaine meets "bizarro" Jerry, George and Kramer?
Well, that's what Saturday night felt like to me - I felt like I was watching the "bizarro" Razorbacks. The Hogs were airing it out and making it look easy. Passes were on the money, and there wasn't a bevy of dropped balls. The defense looked sharp and focused, rather than dazed and confused.
Why was this happening? These certainly weren't the same Hogs that had played the first three games of the season.
And then it hit me. The Razorbacks were playing North Texas, one of the worst statistical teams in all of college football.
The Hogs did play exceedingly well, skillfully executing on both sides of the ball and looking better than they had all season. So, this isn't to take anything away from the players, but Hog fans don't need to be getting too excited just yet.
Yes, the Hogs proved they can score on offense, which they didn't do but once against Kentucky. And, yes, the Razorbacks proved they can actually play defense, which is something they haven't done all season. These are both reassuring facts.
But it doesn't matter, yet.
It won't matter tomorrow, either, when Arkansas takes on those mighty Mocs from UT-Chattanooga.
It won't matter until Auburn comes to town next week.
Why Auburn?
It's pretty simple. The Tigers will be the first legitimate team Arkansas has played since the loss to Kentucky, and if the Razorbacks can play against Auburn like they did against North Texas, we'll know the Hogs are back on track.
But if there's one thing you can take from the win over the Mean Green, it's that the Arkansas defense is coming around. Remember, it took the Hogs' defense several games before it really got going last season - and that was with Chris Houston and Jamaal Anderson. Say what you want about his stubbornness and arrogance, but Reggie Herring can flat out coach. There's a reason for his being in the running for the Broyles Award almost every season.
Why "Seinfeld?"
Remember that episode where Elaine meets "bizarro" Jerry, George and Kramer?
Well, that's what Saturday night felt like to me - I felt like I was watching the "bizarro" Razorbacks. The Hogs were airing it out and making it look easy. Passes were on the money, and there wasn't a bevy of dropped balls. The defense looked sharp and focused, rather than dazed and confused.
Why was this happening? These certainly weren't the same Hogs that had played the first three games of the season.
And then it hit me. The Razorbacks were playing North Texas, one of the worst statistical teams in all of college football.
The Hogs did play exceedingly well, skillfully executing on both sides of the ball and looking better than they had all season. So, this isn't to take anything away from the players, but Hog fans don't need to be getting too excited just yet.
Yes, the Hogs proved they can score on offense, which they didn't do but once against Kentucky. And, yes, the Razorbacks proved they can actually play defense, which is something they haven't done all season. These are both reassuring facts.
But it doesn't matter, yet.
It won't matter tomorrow, either, when Arkansas takes on those mighty Mocs from UT-Chattanooga.
It won't matter until Auburn comes to town next week.
Why Auburn?
It's pretty simple. The Tigers will be the first legitimate team Arkansas has played since the loss to Kentucky, and if the Razorbacks can play against Auburn like they did against North Texas, we'll know the Hogs are back on track.
But if there's one thing you can take from the win over the Mean Green, it's that the Arkansas defense is coming around. Remember, it took the Hogs' defense several games before it really got going last season - and that was with Chris Houston and Jamaal Anderson. Say what you want about his stubbornness and arrogance, but Reggie Herring can flat out coach. There's a reason for his being in the running for the Broyles Award almost every season.
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