Sunday, October 30, 2011

Heisman Watch List: Week 10



After three straight weeks of upsets in the top 25 the Heisman watch list gets a shakeup as well.

Wisconsin loses two Heisman contenders; Russell Wilson and Montee Ball. Two straight defeats on the road is not very Heisman-ish.

Collin Klein is a do-all player for Kansas State but losing by 41 points to Oklahoma wipes out an invite.

RG3, Robert Griffin III, may not be Heisman worthy but he is one of the best players in college football. No defense, no help, no Heisman.

Checkout the rest of the contenders in no particular order.

Case Keenum vs. Rice
24-37 534 yards passing, 9 touchdowns, 1 interception

Kellen Moore
Boise State was on a bye. BSU travels to UNLV Saturday November 5.

Brandon Weeden vs. Baylor
24-36 274 yards passing, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks

Robert Griffin III vs. Oklahoma State
33-50 425 yards passing, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, sacked twice
16 rushes for 27 yards with one score
Lost to Oklahoma State.

Justin Blackmon vs. Baylor
13 catches, 172 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns

Landry Jones vs. Kansas State
35-47 505 yards passing, 5 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 0 sacks

Andrew Luck vs. USC
29-40 330 yards passing, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, sacked twice
9 rushes, 36 yards, 1 touchdown

Tajh Boyd vs. Georgia Tech
23-40 295 yards passing, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, sacked twice
Lost to Georgia Tech.

Trent Richardson
Alabama was on a bye. Bama plays LSU at home Saturday November 5. 


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HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 10


  1. LSU
  2. Alabama
  3. Oklahoma State
  4. Stanford
  5. Oregon
  6. Arkansas
  7. Boise State
  8. Nebraska
  9. Oklahoma
  10. South Carolina
  11. Houston
  12. Georgia
  13. Virginia Tech
  14. Clemson
  15. Kansas State
  16. Michigan State
  17. Michigan
  18. Arizona State
  19. West Virginia
  20. Penn State
  21. USC
  22. Wisconsin
  23. TCU
  24. Southern Mississippi
  25. Cincinnati


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Saturday, October 29, 2011

Arkansas High School Football: Scores from Week 9 (October 28, 2011)

(1) Bentonville 48, Springdale 0
(2) Pulaski Academy 41, Pulaski Robinson 16
Springdale Har-Ber 45, (3) Fayetteville 24
(4) Lake Hamilton 47, Texarkana 13
(5) El Dorado 48, Benton 7
(6) Greenwood 59, Greenbrier 35
(7) West Memphis 53, Jacksonville 7
(8) North Little Rock 35, (9) Bryant 0
(10) Conway 27, Russellville 7

*Rankings at time of game in parenthesis.

Prescott 48, Harmony Grove 21 – No. 1 in Class 3-A
Magazine 35, Moutainburg 7 – No. 1 in Class 2-A

Arkansas Baptist 49, Mayflower 7
Barton 27, Riverview 14
Bearden 35, Parkers Chapel 0
Blytheville 50, Paragould 14
Cabot 56, Van Buren 25
Camden Fairview 42, Hot Springs 14
Camden Harmony Grove 28, Fordyce 26
Central Arkansas Christian 48, Hope 3
Clarendon 53, Palestine-Wheatley 6
De Queen 40, Bauxite 20
Des Arc 36, Marvell 0
Dollarway 30, Lake View Lakeside 0
East Poinsett County 63, Marked Tree 20
Fort Smith Northside 42, Rogers 21
Harding Academy 48, Brinkley 0
Hazen 32, England 7
Helena-West Helena 35, Sylvan Hills 0
Hot Springs Lakeside 29, Arkadelphia 28
Jonesboro 13, Marion 12
Little Rock Catholic 51, Little Rock Central 31
Magnet Cove 54, Conway Christian 20
Maumelle 35, Ashdown 34
Morrilton 42, Huntsville 20
Mountain Home 32, Little Rock Parkview 26
Newport 26, Marianna Lee 20
Ozark 28, Shiloh Christian 20
Paris 57, Perryville 7
Pine Bluff 55, McClellan 6
Searcy 46, Little Rock Hall 21
Sheridan 42, Little Rock Fair 16
Vilonia 35, Harrison 7
White Hall 32, Watson Chapel 20


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Friday, October 28, 2011

Making Bowling Green Look Like a Contender!



This video for Bowling Green is great and funny!

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University of Iowa Star Spangled Banner


This is worth checking out. Turns out to be a cool patriotic theme.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

SEC College Football Preview: No. 8 Arkansas on Upset Alert vs. Vanderbilt


The past two weeks have been full of upsets in college football. Powerhouse teams including Oklahoma, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Illinois, and Michigan have all been shocked by lesser or non-ranked teams. This weekend’s match up between the eighth ranked Razorbacks versus the Commodores in Nashville has all the makings of a classic trap game and a potential upset.

Arkansas is coming off a 29-24 come from behind victory against SEC West rival Ole Miss. A game the Hogs were favored by more than two touchdowns. The Razorbacks were down 17-0 in the second quarter but closed the gap to 17-7 before halftime.

In the second half Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson made the adjustments necessary to slow down the Rebels rushing attack. The Razorback defense tightened up and only allowed a last minute four-yard touchdown pass by Randall Mackey to Donte Moncrief in the second half.

The upstart Commodores have shown signs of life under first year head coach James Franklin. To date Vanderbilt has won as many games this year as they had in the previous two years combined making Franklin a successful hire.

Vanderbilt is coming off a 44-21 ego boosting win over Army. The Commodores rushed for 344 total yards while new their new starting quarterback, Jordan Rodgers, threw for 186 yards. Rodgers also contributed 96 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

Junior running back Zac Stacy had a career high 198 yards rushing in the win over Army. Stacey’s 198 yards rushing would be the third-best single game effort in school history.

More important for the Commodores is the momentum they have built over the past two games. Against the Georgia Bulldogs they pulled within five points with 9:59 left in the fourth quarter but could never find the end zone to pull off the upset victory.

With a showdown against No. 14 South Carolina looming overhead, will the Razorbacks get caught overlooking upset minded Vanderbilt?


Key In-game Matchups

Arkansas passing attack versus Vanderbilt’s pass defense

Arkansas has the 9th best passing attack in FBS. The Razorbacks average 321.86 yards per game with starting quarterback Tyler Wilson averaging 287.29 of those yards.

Vanderbilt has the 25th ranked passing defense in the nation. Opponents are throwing for an average of 191.29 yards per game.

Vandy’s defense has picked off 15 passes this season. Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and Tyler Wilson will have to respect the Commodores competent secondary entering the game.


Vanderbilt’s rushing attack versus Arkansas’ rush defense

The Commodores are piling up 159.86 rush yards per game. Arkansas allows 183.29 rushing yards per game, ranked 88th in the nation.

Zac Stacey is 6th best in the SEC with 579 total rushing yards.

In his past two games against Georgia and Army, Jordan Rodgers is averaging 88 rushing yards per game.

The Razorbacks have been susceptible to giving up big rushing days to opponents this season. Ole Miss ran for 151 yards, Auburn 291, Texas A&M 381, and Alabama 197.


Inside the Numbers

Vanderbilt has the 23rd ranked total defense in the nation limiting opponents to 323.86 yards per game.

Arkansas has the 64th ranked total defense in the nation allowing 386.71 yards per game.

Vanderbilt has the 33rd best scoring defense in the nation limiting teams to an average of 21.57 points per game.

Arkansas has the 34th best scoring defense in the nation limiting teams to 21.71 points per game.

Arkansas’ pass defense is 36th in the nation allowing a respectable 203.43 yards per game.

Vanderbilt’s rush defense is 45th in the nation stopping opponents at 132.57 yards per game.

Vanderbilt’s passing offense averages 140.14 passing yards per game, 111th worst in college football.

Arkansas averages 37.71 points per game.

Vanderbilt averages 24.86 points per game.


Analysis

The Commodore defense has played at a high SEC level all season. Their offense has been more than disappointing.

Starting senior Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith was taking a beating behind his offensive line having been sacked 16 times; second most in the SEC. Smith did not finish the South Carolina or the Alabama games due to various hits and injuries he had sustained. Backup quarterback Jordan Rodgers has been sacked twice in his place.

Much has been made about Jordan Rodgers being made the starting quarterback for Vanderbilt; the enthusiasm of the team with Rodgers under center and his bloodline get the headlines. He’s the brother of Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers two starts have resulted in a moral victory against Georgia and a blowout win against Army.

The Razorbacks have been waiting for their running game to show up in 2011. Starting running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. was not clicking with his offensive line early in the season.

Junior running back Dennis Johnson, an All-American in 2009 as kickoff returner, missed the 2010 season with a bowel injury and the first two games of 2011 with a hamstring injury. Johnson now appears to be the emerging go-to running back for Bobby Petrino.

Against Troy and Alabama in weeks three and four, Johnson had four and three rushing attempts respectively for a total of 17 yards. In his last three games against Texas A&M, Auburn, and Ole Miss he is averaging 85.33 rushing yards per game highlighted by his 160 yard performance versus the Rebels.


Inside the Teams

Moral victory aside, Vanderbilt choked when the opportunity to beat Georgia presented itself. In three possessions after they pulled within the final score of 33-28, Vandy went three and out with a fumble on the third down of their first possession, threw an interception on their second series, then blocked a Georgia punt but could not score on three plays from Georgia’s 20 yard line to win the game with 15 seconds left.

Rodgers had a really bad throwing performance against Georgia. He was 4 of 19 for 47 yards with one interception. His saving grace was the 80 rushing yards he picked up.

Against an Army team that came into the game with a 2-4 record with a signature win over Northwestern, Rodgers finished the game 10 of 27 for 186 yards passing with one score and two picks. Again, Rodgers saving grace was the 96 yards he gained on 18 attempts.

Rodgers is not a running quarterback. Rodgers is a quarterback that runs because he is not comfortable with his receivers or in the pocket.

The Razorbacks running game has shown signs of life. A balanced attack is something Arkansas and Petrino needs in upcoming games against South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and most importantly LSU.

Against Auburn and Ole Miss Petrino took the air out of the passing attack to develop his running game against SEC teams instead of his scout teams. Petrino will let Wilson throw when needed but pound the ball with his running backs as often as he can until his line and running backs get into sync.

The Razorback defense has been criticized for their play in the first half of their games. Much of the blame should land on the offense. Against A&M in the first quarter the Razorbacks average time of possession was 1:28. The defense gave up 35 first half points, 14 coming in the first quarter.

In a blowout win against Auburn the Razorback offense held the ball for an average of 2:26 through five first quarter possessions. The result was one touchdown for the Hogs and 14 Tiger points. Arkansas finished the half with 21 points and put pressure on Auburn’s offense the rest of the game as the defense buckled down in the second half.

Against Ole Miss the Hogs held the ball for a total of 3 minutes and four seconds in the first quarter which led to a 17-0 first half deficit.

How is the defense supposed to make in-game adjustments when they are on the field the entire first half?

Petrino’s offense will always have a quick strike element to it. Willy Robinson or whoever is the next Razorback defensive coordinator under Petrino will have to live with that fact. But Petrino’s offense has been slow to start this season making life more difficult than necessary. Petrino will try to find the remedy against the Commodores.

Look for the Hogs to try to jump on Vanderbilt early to establish their tone for the rest of the game and perhaps the rest of the season.


Prediction

The Commodores have not faced a passing offense like the Razorbacks this season.

Wilson opens it up for another 250-300 yard passing effort with a couple of scores before being relieved by backup quarterback Brandon Mitchell.

Zac Stacey had rushed for a total of 381 yards in six games before facing Army. His 63.5 yards per game average will not scare Arkansas. Look for Stacey to finish above his average per game but get his yards later in the game.

The Razorbacks ground game will grind away at the Commodores defensive line in a scrimmage game against SEC caliber players. Practice makes perfect.

Vanderbilt will keep the game tight but have little luck moving the ball against the Hogs throughout the game.

Rodgers will keep running to move the chains and find a couple of holes in the Razorback defense late in the game.

Arkansas has not received the credit due for beating their in-conference rival Ole Miss and former head coach Houston Nutt last week. Nutt had his team coached up and up playing at a higher level than they have all season.

Rodgers completed 21 percent of his passes against Georgia and 37 percent against Army. His ability in the pocket will not click against the Hogs.

Once Willy Robinson figures out Franklin’s offensive game plan and Rodgers in-game tendencies, he will stop their offense completely.

The Hogs are getting used to taking their opponents best shots. The role of favorite instead of underdog has been a slow transition for Razorback players but the team has responded well.

Arkansas takes another tough shot from Vanderbilt but wins comfortably getting separation in the third quarter.

The Hogs do not get caught looking ahead for next week’s game versus No. 14 South Carolina.


Final Score

31-10


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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Los Angeles Area Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt Watch Party


Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt
Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 9:21 a.m. PST 
Watch Party begins 30 minutes prior to kick-off! 


O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant 
2226 Wilshire Boulevard 
Santa Monica, CA 90403 
310.829.5303 
http://www.obriensla.com
Contact: Ryan Wright ( razorbackfan-rw@msn.com

The #8 Arkansas Razorbacks survived a (black) bear trap in Oxford on Saturday set by Houston Nutt and the Ole Miss Rebels. Regardless, a win is a win and the Razorbacks now have their sights set on a second consecutive road victory this weekend against the Commodores of Vanderbilt. The Los Angeles Regional Razorbacks of the Arkansas Alumni Association will be hosting a Razorback watch party for all alumni, family and friends in the area on Saturday. The game is set to kick off at 9:21 a.m. and the watch party will start approximately 30 minutes prior to kick-off, so come help us CALL THOSE HOGS and watch the Razorbacks sink the Commodores! 

If you have any questions, contact Ryan Wright at razorbackfan-rw@msn.com

WOO PIG SOOIE! GO HOGS GO! BEAT VANDERBILT!


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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

2011 College Football: Heisman Watch Week 9

Case Keenum vs. Marshall
24-28 for 376 yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
269.2 quarterback rating
Zero sacks

Kellen Moore vs. Air Force
23-29 281 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception

Brandon Weeden vs. Missouri
33-49 338 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, sacked once
2 rushes -17 yards

Tahj Boyd vs. North Carolina
27-46 367 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, sacked 3 times
11 rushes for 8 yards, 1 touchdown

Trent Richardson vs. Tennessee
77 yards on 17 attempts, 2 touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry average
No fumbles

Russell Wilson vs. Michigan State
14-21 223 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, sacked three times
8 rushes for 30 yards with one score
Wisconsin lost

Montee Ball vs. Michigan State
115 yards on 18 attempts, 1 touchdown
No fumbles
Wisconsin lost

Landry Jones vs. Texas Tech
30-55 412 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, 0 sacks
2 rushes for 11 yards
Oklahoma lost

Collin Klein vs. Kansas
12-19 195 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks
92 yards on 13 rushes, 4 touchdowns

Andrew Luck vs. Washington
16-21 169 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks
23 rushing yards on 3 attempts



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HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 9



  1. LSU
  2. Alabama
  3. Oklahoma State
  4. Clemson
  5. Boise State
  6. Stanford
  7. Arkansas
  8. Oregon
  9. Kansas State
  10. Michigan State
  11. Wisconsin
  12. Texas A&M
  13. Nebraska
  14. Oklahoma
  15. Virginia Tech
  16. South Carolina
  17. Houston
  18. Georgia
  19. USC
  20. Michigan
  21. Texas Tech
  22. Arizona State
  23. Southern Mississippi
  24. TCU
  25. Cincinnati



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Arkansas High School Football Top 10: Week 9

School/Record/Previous Week’s Ranking/State Classification

  1. Bentonville, 8-0, 1, 7-A
  2. Pulaski Academy, 8-0, 2, 4-A
  3. Fayetteville, 7-1, 4, 7-A
  4. Lake Hamilton, 7-1, 5, 6-A
  5. El Dorado, 7-1, 3, 6-A
  6. Greenwood, 8-0, 6, 5-A
  7. West Memphis, 7-1, 8, 7-A
  8. North Little Rock, 6-2, 8, 7-A
  9. Bryant, 7-1, 9, 7-A
  10. Conway, 6-2, 10, 7-A


Prescott remains No. 1 in Class 3-A.

Magazine remains No. 1 in Class 2-A.

* Source, “The Associated Press”.



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Arkansas High School Football: Week 8 Results

(1)Bentonville 63, Fort Smith Northside 28
(2) Pulaski Academy 47, Malvern 16
(4) Fayetteville 47, Rogers 15
(5) Lake Hamilton 31, (3) El Dorado 24
(6) Greenwood 45, Vilonia 15
(7) West Memphis 21, Mountain Home 14
(8) North Little Rock 35, Little Rock Central 14
(9) Bryant 31, Cabot 28
(10) Conway 47, Van Buren 20

Team rankings during game in parenthesis

*Prescott 46, Bismarck 14
**Magazine 54, Westside-Johnson County 16

*Prescott is No.1 in Class 3-A
**Magazine is No. 1 in Class 2-A


Results from Friday October 21
Arkadelphia 37, Magnolia 7
Arkansas Baptist 49, Rose Bud 14
Ashdown 37, De Queen 7
Batesville 56, Blytheville 21
Benton 57, Little Rock McClellan 49
Camden Fairview 40, Hope 14
Carlisle 42, Palestine-Wheatley 6
Central Arkansas Christian 49, Hot Springs 36
Conway Christian 41, Hector 0
Dollarway 32, Hamburg 27
Dumas 26, DeWitt 14
East Poinsett County 49, Salem 7
England 56, Clarendon 42
Fort Smith Southside 28, Springdale Har-Ber 21
Greenbrier 49, Alma 17
Hazen 40, Marvell 8
Hot Springs Lakeside 37, Little Rock Christian 7
Jacksonville 9, Little Rock Parkview 0
Little Rock Catholic 48, Russellville 21
Little Rock Episcopal 31, Brinkley 28
Marion 51, Little Rock Hall 3
Maumelle 48, Bauxite 44
Monticello 26, Sylvan Hills 14
Morrilton 42, Harrison 7
Nashville 28, Pulaski Robinson 24
Pine Bluff 34, Sheridan 6
Searcy 28, Jonesboro 24
Shiloh Christian 16, Gravette 14
Springdale 53, Rogers Heritage 33
Stuttgart 41, Cave City 12
Texarkana 42, Little Rock Fair 6
Watson Chapel 53, Pulaski Mills 6
White Hall 42, Helena-West Helena 0


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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

SEC College Football Preview: Outcomes of all Week 8 Games


Outside of seeing three of the top ten teams in the nation play, this is not one of the better weekends for SEC football on paper.

The headline game of the week pits No. 19 Auburn versus No. 1 LSU. No. 10 Arkansas travels to Oxford to take on their former head coach while Tennessee tries to renew their cross-divisional rivalry with No. 2 Alabama.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt go outside of the conference in hopes of keeping their bowl hopes alive and look for their offense when they take on Jacksonville State and Army respectively.

Georgia, Mississippi State, Florida, and South Carolina are on a bye this week.


No. 19 Auburn versus No. 1 LSU

Auburn head coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn must not like Clint Mosely. For the third weekend in a row LSU’s defense will face a first time starter at quarterback when sophomore Clint Mosely takes over for Barrett Trotter under center. Malzahn hopes Mosley can add a passing attack to compliment their potent ground game.

Mosely will take on the top ranked team in the nation on the road, a team that features the fourth best total defense in the nation. Mosely replaced Trotter as the second half starter for Auburn against Florida last week. He finished the game 4 of 7 for 90 yards passing.

What Chizik hopes to gain by starting Mosely against LSU is questionable. Yes, the Tigers need better production under center but are they wise to give a first collegiate start to a quarterback against LSU’s defense?

LSU uses a tandem quarterback rotation with Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson. The Tigers also use a tandem running back set with Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. Early reports are coming out that Spencer Ware failed a drug test and may be suspended for the Auburn game. If the suspensions are enforced, sophomore Alfred Blue would receive more snaps in the Tiger offense in Ware’s absence.

Lee is the starter and the passing quarterback. Jefferson primarily runs the option when he enters the game for the Tigers; Jefferson had three pass attempts last week versus Tennessee.

LSU should have their original 2011 starting offensive line together for the first time since week three at Mississippi State.

Auburn will test the waters with Mosely and add a heavy dose of running back Michael Dyer. Auburn is already a one-dimensional team with Dyer. If Mosely cannot find his receivers this will be a long game for Dyer and the War Eagle running backs.

LSU will stack the box on defense and beg Mosely to beat them with his arm. Having already faced Oregon’s top spread option attack, Auburn’s will not fool the Tigers.

LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. the Honey Badger, is listed as a possible player to be suspended for the Auburn game as well.

LSU is too deep for two starters to cause them to be upset.

Either way LSU wins 48-14.


No. 10 Arkansas versus Ole Miss

Houston Nutt will throw everything at Arkansas including the kitchen sink to try and win this game. Nutt’s back is up against the wall and a victory over Arkansas could take some heat off of his seat. A victory against Arkansas could change the season around in Oxford as it did in 2008.

Six Ole Miss possessions against the Tide were three-and-outs or less. During those six possessions the Rebels lost yards on each drive totaling negative 26 yards.

The Rebels gained 72 yards on the opening drive against Alabama and accumulated 69 yards the rest of the game.

Arkansas better be ready to stop the Wildcat. The Hogs defense saw Auburn’s version of the Wildcat before their bye. Can they stop the Rebels’ version?

Ole Miss is short handed on defense with two starters out and a weak pass defense; DE Joey Dorsey and CB Marcus Temple. The Rebels will have to improve upon their 10 total sacks on the season to keep Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson and his receivers out of rhythm, if possible.

Arkansas has been short handed with injuries on defense. Coming off a bye week with no ranked opponent looming overhead, the Razorbacks will be fresh and ready for Ole Miss. No trap game for the Hogs.

The Hogs will rely on the pass to help the running game and put pressure on Ole Miss as needed. The Hogs lead the SEC in passing yards and are ranked 8th in the nation in passing offense with 2,021 total yards.

Ole Miss packed the stadium last week with 61,792 in attendance when Alabama came to town. That was the fourth-largest crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for an Ole Miss football game.

Ole Miss will keep it interesting but Arkansas passing attack will be too much for the Rebels.

Petrino was embarrassed by Nutt in 2008 and 2009. Don’t look for it to happen this year with a top ten ranking on the line, a possible share of the SEC West title, and a possible BCS bowl berth at stake.

The only thing that keeps the score close is if Petrino chooses to abandon the pass in the second half to further develop the running game as he did against Auburn.

Petrino proves a point as Arkansas wins 52-23. 


Tennessee versus No. 2 Alabama

Is Tennessee up to the task to stop the second ranked Crimson Tide? Last week they faltered at home against top ranked LSU 38-7. This week they have to play a night game in Tuscaloosa.

Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley has the advantage of knowing Nick Saban’s coaching style and techniques. Dooley coached under Saban at LSU and with the Miami Dolphins.

Dooley has the disadvantage of playing against Saban’s punishing defense and an offense that features the 12th best rushing attack in the nation.  

Bama’s offensive line will create holes for Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, and Jalston Fowler against Tennessee. LSU ended up with 237 rushing yards against the Vols in Neyland Stadium. The Tide averages 241.57 rushing yards per game.

Alabama has the top rated total defense in the nation. Matt Simms got his first start of the season for Tennessee against LSU last week. This week he gets his second start of the season against Alabama. Has a starting quarterback ever had to face two tougher defenses to start his season?

One more time; night game in Tuscaloosa… good luck Tennessee.

Look for similar results as last week. Bama does not throw much and Saban will not purposely run up the score against Dooley.

Bama’s rushing offense will make the final score look like Saban was out for revenge.

Alabama wins 42-7.


Jacksonville State versus Kentucky

This game could point out how bad Kentucky really is this season. The Wildcats are 2-4 entering the weekend with a light schedule the rest of the way.

If Kentucky wins they still have a shot at making a bowl game this season. If Kentucky loses the season is over for the Wildcats.

Jacksonville State is a Football Championship Subdivision school with a 5-1 record. Their lone loss was to Chattanooga on the road. 

Kentucky ranks last in the SEC in passing yards, 10th in rushing yards, and 11th in total defense. Can the Wildcats assert their will to win over the Ohio Valley division leaders?

The Gamecocks average 31.33 points per game.

Last season Jacksonville State took Ole Miss into overtime in Oxford and beat the Rebels 49-48.

Kentucky is the only BCS team on Jacksonville State’s schedule. Look for the Gamecocks to be pumped up for this one.

Jacksonville State is coach by former Arkansas Razorback coach Jack Crowe (1990-1992).

Kentucky is coming off a bye. Did they prepare for Jacksonville State or for the Mississippi State game next weekend?

For the sake of the SEC and for Kentucky’s pride they need to beat Jacksonville State.

Jacksonville upsets Kentucky at home 21-13.


Army versus Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s defense has been SEC caliber all season. The offense has been disappointing.

Last week the Commodores rushed for 200 yards against Georgia and nearly pulled off the upset before losing 33-28. Has Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin finally found some form of an offense?

Army’s defense ranks 70th in the nation allowing 392.83 yards per game.

Vanderbilt’s defense ranks 26th in the nation allowing 329.83 yards per game.

Will Jordan Rodgers or Larry Smith start at quarterback for Vanderbilt? Neither player adds much to the passing attack.

Rodgers is a junior and Smith is a senior. Will Franklin get a head start on next season by taking Smith out of the starting lineup in favor of Rodgers?

Look for Franklin to use both players throughout the game.

If the Commodores are not let down by last week’s loss, look for Vandy to improve to 4-3 on the season.

Vanderbilt wins 28-18.



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SEC College Football Preview: Can Ole Miss Beat No. 10 Arkansas?


The 2011 college football season has not been kind to Houston Nutt. The Rebels are 2-4 overall and 0-3 in the Southeast Conference with three ranked teams left to play on their schedule and the annual Egg Bowl showdown.

Coming off a lopsided 52-7 loss to second ranked Alabama, Ole Miss must host tenth ranked Arkansas this weekend. Can Mississippi beat the Razorbacks?

Through all of the difficulty Houston Nutt and his team have endured during the 2011 season they still have a chance to beat Arkansas because Nutt likes coaching against the Razorbacks, there is talent on campus, and a win against the tenth ranked team in the country could salvage their season.

Ole Miss has had their share of suspensions, injuries, and shuffling of quarterbacks causing the offense to lack continuity. More importantly they have lacked production. The Rebels rank 117th in the nation in total offense out of 120 FBS teams by averaging 251.83 yards per game.

Senior running back Brandon Bolden has underperformed due to injuries and playing behind an offensive line that has not been the force Mississippi fans expected beginning the season. Bolden has rushed 23 times for 105 yards on the season after posting 976 total rushing yards in 2010 with an average of 6.0 yards per carry.

The rushing duties have been left to sophomore scat back Jeff Scott. Scott leads the team in rushing yards compiling 361 yards with six touchdowns.

Entering the Arkansas game the Rebel rushing attack is eleventh in the SEC with 606 total yards in six games; barely averaging 100 rushing yards per game.

Barry Bruneti, Zack Stoudt, nor Randall Mackey has been productive under center for Mississippi. Ole Miss is 10th in the SEC in total passing yards with 905 total yards. The combined four passing touchdowns ranks last in the SEC. Their touchdown to interception ratio is 1-2 having thrown eight interceptions this season.

The Alabama game proved to be more than a loss on the scoreboard for Ole Miss. Two of their players, senior defensive end Wayne Dorsey and senior corner back Marcus Temple, were lost to season-ending injuries. Temple fractured his ankle during the first half and Dorsey broke his arm in the fourth quarter. Both players were team captains for the Rebels.

Safety Charles Sawyer left the game with a back injury against Alabama and did not return to the game. He is not expected to miss game time and could see action at a corner position against Arkansas on Saturday.

To make matters more difficult for the already short-handed Ole Miss squad, they cut ties with troubled junior wide receiver Melvin Harris on Monday. The dismissal comes a couple of days after Nutt suspended running back Brandon Bolden, wide receiver Philander Moore, center A.J. Hawkins, and guard Alex Washington for violation of team rules for the Alabama game.


Reasons for Ole Miss fans to believe

During Nutt’s 10 years as head coach at Arkansas his must win game was beating his old college coach and mentor Lou Holtz when Holtz was the head coach at South Carolina. Nutt was 7-3 against the Gamecocks while at Arkansas. Now his must win game is beating the Razorbacks, a team he currently holds a 2-1 record against.

Nutt has proven to be a great motivator throughout his coaching career. He routinely wins games when his team is not favored to win. Most famously in 2007 when Arkansas beat top ranked LSU in three overtimes 50-48. With Ole Miss, Nutt’s unranked 2008 team beat the eventual national champion Florida Gators in the Swamp 31-30.

In 2008 Nutt knew the strengths and weaknesses of his former players and used that knowledge to his advantage. Struggling with a 2-4 overall record, much like this season, he took the Rebels into Fayetteville and won 23-21. The win ignited Ole Miss eventually leading to a 9-4 season culminating with a Cotton Bowl victory.

In 2009 Nutt waited until the seventh game of the season to unleash running back Dexter McCluster against the Hogs. McCluster finished the game with career-highs in rushing yards with 123 and receiving yards with 137 with one touchdown.

During the game the rested McCluster appeared to be a step ahead of everyone else on the field as he was rarely used before the Razorback matchup.

Former Mississippi quarterback Jevan Snead also set a career high in passing yards against the Razorbacks with 332 in 2009.

The game was not without controversy when the officiating crew was suspended after several bad calls that went against the Razorbacks.

In 2010 Bobby Petrino held the wild card with running back Knile Davis. Davis slowly asserted himself as the Razorback’s leading rusher three games prior to the Arkansas versus Ole Miss showdown. Davis finished the game with the first 100-yard rushing game of the 2010 season for the Razorbacks. He rushed for 176-yards and three touchdowns.


Which Ole Miss players could be the breakout player against the Hogs this season?

The Rebels have had three consecutive recruiting classes ranked in the top 20 per Rivals.com. The 2008 class was a ranked a respectable 29th. The talent is there to play against the Razorbacks.

True freshman Nickolas Brassell (Batesville, Mississippi) could make a difference for the Rebels. Nickolas played a reported 30 snaps on offense and 30 on defense for Ole Miss against Bama. He finished the game with four catches for 104 yards and five tackles.

Another true freshman, Tobias Singleton (Madison, Mississippi), is starting to make a name for himself as a kick returner. Against the Tide he had five returns for 131-total return yards.

Watch out for the four previously suspended Rebel players; Bolden, Moore, Hawkins, and Washington. The timing of their suspensions could not have been better for those players.

Nutt’s decision to rest or suspend key players before a personal game against Arkansas is not out of the realm of questioning.


Key in-game matchups

Ole Miss running attack versus Arkansas run defense
Look for Ole Miss to run their version of the Wildcat offense, the Wild Rebel, early and often. Arkansas will have to limit big play opportunities on the corners.

The Hogs gave true freshman Tevin Mitchell (Mansfield, Texas) his first start at corner against Auburn. Greg Gatson got his second career start at corner against Auburn.

Mitchell was out of position against Auburn that led to a 55-yard Michael Dyer touchdown run. Ole Miss will look to exploit their inexperience if possible.

The Razorback defense could benefit from the bye week with the return of starting cornerbacks Isaac Madison, Darius Winston, and defensive lineman Robert Thomas from injuries. Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson may rest his banged up players if the game dictates that scenario.


The Razorback rushing attack versus the Rebels rush defense

Look for the Hogs to establish a running game against Ole Miss to set up their play action passing attack. Since the second quarter of the Arkansas versus Texas A&M game the Hogs have ran the ball effectively. Against Auburn they ran for 171 yards.

Bobby Petrino’s running game came to life this time last year. If the Hogs can find balance between their established passing game and their budding running game, they will be tough to beat for the rest of the season.

Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams could receive a couple more carries against the Rebels. Adams broke a 92-yard touchdown run against Auburn. His speed and ability in the open field gives the Razorbacks an added dimension to their running game.


Inside the Numbers

Arkansas offense: 39.17 points per game, 17th in the nation
Ole Miss offense: 20 points per game, 103rd in the nation

Arkansas total offense: 466.17 yards per game, 23rd in the nation
Ole Miss total offense: 251.83 yards per game, 117th in the nation

Arkansas scoring defense: 21.33 points per game, 34th in the nation
Ole Miss scoring defense: 29.17, 80th in the nation

Arkansas total defense: 389.50 per game, 64th in the nation
Ole Miss total defense: 442.83 per game, 106th in the nation

Arkansas rush defense: 188.67 yards per game, 95th in the nation
Ole Miss rush defense: 225.67 rushing yards per game, 115th in the nation

Arkansas pass defense: 200.83 yards per game, 33rd in the nation
Ole Miss pass defense: 217.17 yards per game, 56th in the nation

3rd down conversion defense
Arkansas: 34.41 percent, 37th best in the nation
Ole Miss: 46.34 percent, 101st worst in the nation


Analysis

Houston Nutt will throw everything at Arkansas including the kitchen sink to try and win this game. Nutt’s back is up against the wall and a victory over Arkansas could take some heat off of his seat and change the season around in Oxford as it did in 2008.

Ole Miss offensive coordinator David Lee will have a couple of trick plays or misdirection plays for the Hogs.

Nutt will have his team fired up for this game.

Ole Miss came out of the gate against Bama scoring first. The 72-yard drive was highlighted by a 59-yard pass from Mackey to Brassell with Jeff Scott scoring on a one-yard run. Six possessions against the Tide were three-and-out or less.

The Rebels did not have sustaining drives until the second half when the Tide had removed their starting units.

Arkansas better be ready to stop the Wildcat. The Hogs defense saw Auburn’s version of the Wildcat before their bye. Can they stop the Rebels’ version?

Ole Miss is short handed on defense with two starters out and a weak pass defense. The Rebels will have to improve upon their 10 total sacks on the season to keep Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson out of rhythm if possible.

Arkansas has been short handed with injuries. Coming off a bye week with no ranked opponent looming overhead, the Razorbacks will be fresh and ready for Ole Miss. No trap game for the Hogs.

The Hogs will rely on the pass to help the running game and put pressure on Ole Miss as needed. The Hogs lead the SEC in passing yards and are ranked 8th in the nation in passing offense with 2,021 total yards.

Ole Miss packed the stadium last week with 61,792 in attendance when Alabama came to town. That was the fourth-largest crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for an Ole Miss football game.

By proximity, Oxford is the closest SEC school to Fayetteville. The Razorback nation travels well. Look for another sell-out crowd this weekend.


All-Time Series History
Arkansas 31 wins, Ole Miss 25, 1 Tie.

Last Meeting: October 23, 2010
Arkansas 38, Ole Miss 24


Outcome
Ole Miss will try to make it interesting with their rushing option attack. Arkansas has been susceptible to trick plays.

Ole Miss will keep it close initially but the Razorback passing attack will be too much for the Rebels.

The Rebels will score one special teams touchdown on a return.

Petrino has been embarrassed twice by Nutt in 2008 and 2009. Don’t look for it to happen again with a top ten ranking on the line, a possible share of the SEC West title, and a possible BCS bowl berth at stake.

The only thing that keeps the score close is if Petrino chooses to abandon the pass in the second half to further develop the running game as he did against Auburn.


Final Score
Petrino proves a point as Arkansas wins 52-23.  


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Monday, October 17, 2011

HogManInLA’s Heisman Watch: Top Performers of Week 8

Trent Richardson vs. Ole Miss
17 rushes for 183 yards with four touchdowns
2 catches for 30 yards

Kellen Moore vs. Colorado State
26 of 30 for 338 passing yards with 4 passing touchdowns and no interceptions

Tajh Boyd vs. Maryland
26 of 38 for 270 passing yards with 4 passing touchdowns and one interception
11 rushes for 37 yards

Andrew Luck vs. Washington State
23 of 36 for 336 passing yards with 4 passing touchdowns and one interception

Landry Jones vs. Kansas
29 of 48 for 363 passing yards with 3 passing touchdowns and one interception
2 rushes for 9 yards

Brandon Weeden vs. Texas
23 of 41 for 218 passing yards with one passing touchdown and one interception

Russell Wilson vs. Indiana
12 of 17 for 166 passing yards with one passing touchdown and no intercetions
2 rushes for 42 yards

Montee Ball vs. Indiana
14 rushes for 142 yards and three touchdowns
1 catch for 46 yards


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SEC Football: Razorbacks add 20th Verbal Commitment



Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach Bobby Petrino added junior college linebacker Mark Wilson to his list of verbally committed recruits over the weekend.

Wilson (250 pounds) plays for Fullerton Community College in California. Out of Lincoln high school in Tallahassee, Florida, Wilson originally signed with Illinois as a 3-star recruit (rivals.com) in 2010.

Wilson was listed at 6’ 2” 225 pounds with a timed 40-yard dash of 4.6 seconds while in high school. He was ranked the 85th best outside linebacker in the 2010 class.

Arkansas’ football team is currently ranked 33rd in the nation in recruiting by Rivals.com, 28th by Scout.com, and 26th by ESPN.com. The Razorbacks have a four-star recruit, 17 three-star recruits, a two-star recruit, and one unranked junior college transfer (Wilson).

Here’s a list of the 20 Razorbacks recruits:

  1. OG Cordale Boyd, Memphis, TN
  2. CB Ray Buchanan Jr., Suwanee, GA
  3. WR Jalen Cobb, Warren, AR
  4. CB Jared Collins, Tulsa, OK
  5. WR D’Arthur Cowan, Olive Branch, MS
  6. CB John Gibson, Missouri City, TX
  7. QB Robert Gregory, Chicago, IL
  8. WR Keon Hatcher, Owasso, OK
  9. WR Eric Hawkins, Longview, TX
  10. DE Brandon Lewis, Memphis, TN
  11. DB Defonta Lowe, Bearden, AR
  12. ATH Nathan Holems, Port Arthur, TX
  13. RB Donovan Roberts, Norman, OK
  14. TE Jeremy Sprinkle, White Hall, AR
  15. LB Jakarri Thomas, Tallahassee, FL
  16. LB A.J. Turner, Lepanto, AR
  17. OG Jeremy Ward, Pottsville, AR
  18. LB Mark Wilson, Fullerton, CA (Junior College Transfer)
  19. DE JaMichael Winston, Prichard, AL
  20. DE Deatrich Wise Jr., Carrolton, TX

Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:

Offensive line: 2
Tight ends: 1
Defensive line: 3
Linebackers: 3
Secondary: 4
Running backs: 1
Wide receivers: 4
Quarterbacks: 1
Athletes: 1
Kickers: 0

All verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed. 



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