2008 Woodie Awards
Houston, we still have a problem on the Hill
Off the foul Pohl
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Sports
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"You play to win the game."
Those are the now-infamous words of the great Herm Edwards, current Kansas City Chiefs coach.
But if those words are true, how can you explain Arkansas' offense - or lack thereof? And how can you justify the Razorbacks' lackluster and totally inept play-calling?
Well, you can't.
But you can explain the reasons behind the anemic offense and appalling play-calling.
Start with the man who is supposedly handling the play calling - David Lee.
After Arkansas' 9-7 loss to Auburn, Lee said, "We had some bullets. We weren't using them. I'm glad we saved them for that last drive. We had something going."
If Lee had these so-called "bullets" to use, why did he wait to use them until the very end of the game? Why didn't he use them after watching the run up the middle fail miserably for the fourth time in a row? Did no one on the sidelines or in the coaches' box realize that the game plan wasn't working?
It's probably safe to say that the entire crowd inside Razorback Stadium noticed that the play-calling wasn't working out by the end of the first quarter. If all the fans noticed, how can the coaches not notice?
After the team's anemic offensive performance against Auburn, head coach Houston "Mr. 2012" Nutt said Razorback fans will see more creativity from the offense.
"I encouraged David [Lee] last night, 'Turn it loose. Let it go. Don't hold anything back now,'" Nutt said.
With the way the offense has played this season, why is Nutt just now turning it loose?
I think it's safe to say that the goal of the offense is to score points and that you score points by opening it up and being creative from day one.
Remember last season, how wide-open the Arkansas playbook was up until the LSU game?
You might be wondering: where has that creativity gone? Or: what about the Wildcat formation - where is it?
Both of those questions can be answered with one simple word - Tulsa.
Those are the now-infamous words of the great Herm Edwards, current Kansas City Chiefs coach.
But if those words are true, how can you explain Arkansas' offense - or lack thereof? And how can you justify the Razorbacks' lackluster and totally inept play-calling?
Well, you can't.
But you can explain the reasons behind the anemic offense and appalling play-calling.
Start with the man who is supposedly handling the play calling - David Lee.
After Arkansas' 9-7 loss to Auburn, Lee said, "We had some bullets. We weren't using them. I'm glad we saved them for that last drive. We had something going."
If Lee had these so-called "bullets" to use, why did he wait to use them until the very end of the game? Why didn't he use them after watching the run up the middle fail miserably for the fourth time in a row? Did no one on the sidelines or in the coaches' box realize that the game plan wasn't working?
It's probably safe to say that the entire crowd inside Razorback Stadium noticed that the play-calling wasn't working out by the end of the first quarter. If all the fans noticed, how can the coaches not notice?
After the team's anemic offensive performance against Auburn, head coach Houston "Mr. 2012" Nutt said Razorback fans will see more creativity from the offense.
"I encouraged David [Lee] last night, 'Turn it loose. Let it go. Don't hold anything back now,'" Nutt said.
With the way the offense has played this season, why is Nutt just now turning it loose?
I think it's safe to say that the goal of the offense is to score points and that you score points by opening it up and being creative from day one.
Remember last season, how wide-open the Arkansas playbook was up until the LSU game?
You might be wondering: where has that creativity gone? Or: what about the Wildcat formation - where is it?
Both of those questions can be answered with one simple word - Tulsa.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
Mike
posted 10/19/07 @ 9:13 AM CST
Nice article Mr. Pohlman. You fact-checked, you researched, you stated well thought out opinions, heck, you even spelled every word correctly. Unfortunately for you, these qualities will disqualify you for a job with many of the states media outlets. (Continued…)
Tomas Ruffeo
posted 10/19/07 @ 9:15 AM CST
Thanks...
Another expose of the Pee-Wee league Head Coach!!!
Ole HootenDale's problems include his own mouth and his arrogant displays of favoritism and nepotism. (Continued…)
ShillerRepellant
posted 10/19/07 @ 9:56 AM CST
Dear Mr.PretenderToBeAJournalistKing,
Did I mention that I wanted you to transfer to the University of Missouri? Has your mommy packed your bags? (LOL)
With insight like yours, you have as much chance of being hired by either of the media moguls in Arkansas as Mr. (Continued…)
Mary Martin
posted 10/19/07 @ 10:05 AM CST
Comparing HDN to pee wee football coaches insults the latter. My son's 5th grade team's undefeated,has their fundamentals down pat,a tough defense and runs a balanced offense, including the Wildcat. (Continued…)
Dork Hater
posted 10/19/07 @ 12:27 PM CST
Way to go Bart, thank you for having the heart and backbone to call it like it is. Just think how close we were. Gus, Mitch, Damien, Lee Z., Brodrick G. (Continued…)
The Great State of Arkansas
posted 10/19/07 @ 5:20 PM CST
Hey Houston,
Everybody hates you.
Old Main
posted 10/19/07 @ 7:01 PM CST
Another insightful article - keep up the good work. After ten years, what has Houston Nutt accomplished? Nothing worth talking about. Best wishes to Mitch Mustain and Gus Malzahn - I hope Teresa and Houston are happy. (Continued…)
Bob Hayden
posted 10/19/07 @ 9:46 PM CST
Razorbacks in Black
Capo 3rd fret
G
Well, you wonder why we always dress in black,
A
Why you never see the red and white on our backs,
C G C G
And why does our appearance seem to have a somber tone. (Continued…)
Hawgwilde
posted 10/19/07 @ 11:02 PM CST
Nice. I wish the boobs in the state media had the cajones to write an article like this. I'm sure the Posse has already written emails. Keep up the good work. (Continued…)
Ray
posted 10/20/07 @ 2:36 PM CST
BOT, you are all idiots... your let go of the wrong coach. Make one right decicion in your tenure and can this piece of crap we've had for 10 years. Pay me 1/10th of what you pay Nutt and I promise you I can do better. (Continued…)
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