TWTW: The Ess-E-Cee- Arkansas, LSU, And Auburn

((HT: KTHV-TV Little Rock))

The Razorbacks totaled 466 yards to Missouri State's 163. Head coach Bobby Petrino is now 4-0 in season openers at Arkansas and 8-0 for his coaching career.

Joe Adams tied an Ess-E-Cee record for two punt returns for scores... the first time the feat occured in a game since 2002.

Here's your highlights...


The HQ was at the Plains for the rough season opener for Auburn. Utah State only lost to Oklahoma by 7 last year, and was this/close t beating Auburn as they led by two scores with 3:30 left...
Chris Pallone tells you what happened from there...
((HT: WVTM-TV Birmingham))


Chad Sabadie got the privilege of a late newscast, so we have LSU-Oregon highlights for you... the game exposed Oregon's defensive issues that may keep them from repeating in a Bee-Cee-Ess title game. That'll happen when Cliff Harris isn't around...
LSU converted three of Oregon's four turnovers into 20 points and won its 34th consecutive nonconference game.


In other scores, Connor Shaw started and Stephen Garcia finished in their comeback win over East Carolina 56-37. Alabama had no problems with Nick Saban's Alma Mater, Kent, and Boomtown was happy for a day as the Florida Gators beat Florida Atlantic 41-3.

Something For Your College Football Weekend...

If certain insurance companies allowed parodies...

This would be at the top of the list...
((HT: TheShaggy1324))

A Younger Petrino Gets Busted

Police in the southern Indiana city of Huntingburg are saying that Dominic R. Petrino of Fayetteville, Arkansas was arrested at 12:06 a.m. Monday morning/Sunday night. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, illegal possession of prescription drugs and possession of paraphernalia.

The coach said in a text message that he and his wife won't comment further about the incident.

Here's the full text of the statement:

"Nick is our son, he is not a member of the Arkansas football team. As such, this is not a University of Arkansas issue. Instead, it is a family matter and a legal matter. My family will trust and respect the legal system and will not comment outside that process. Becky and I ask that you appreciate and respect the private nature of this issue and understand our lack of further comment."

A police report says Petrino was stopped after weaving off a roadway. Police say a blood test showed the presence of marijuana and prescription opiates. He was released on $1,000 bond.

He was booked into the Dubois ((IN)) County Jail, and when asked, a local jail officer didn't know if he had an attorney.

The Herald newspaper of Jasper, Indiana reports Petrino had been a backup quarterback in his time with the Razorbacks. He had transferred from Georgetown ((KY)) and had won back-to-back state titles with Louisville-Trinity as a junior and senior in high school when his dad coached at the U of L...

More when we know more...

Spring Game Recaps

((HT: Todaysthv.com))

The Red and White Game at Arkansas


The Blue-Gold Game in South Bend
((HT: WSBT-TV))
 

More when we have more...

Done Deal. Mike Anderson To Arkansas

As expected Mike Anderson was named the new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

It's a homecoming for Anderson who spent 17 years as an assistant to Nolan Richardson at Arkansas.

"We are extremely excited to welcome home Mike Anderson to the University of Arkansas as our new head men's basketball coach," Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said.

"Under Mike's leadership, I am confident the Razorbacks will be successful in the future on and off the court. The decision to hire Mike Anderson as head coach is based on my firm belief that he is the right person to lead the Razorback program today and in the years to come."

"I am extremely excited to once again be a part of this special University and Razorback Athletics." Mike Anderson said. "With the continued passionate support of all Razorback fans, I am confident that we will have the opportunity to succeed on and off the court and continue to build on the University of Arkansas' championship tradition."

The Razorback Foundation board has approved a contract that will pay Anderson $2.2 million a year for seven years, with a $500,000 buyout clause.

After years of stability and NCAA Tournament appearances first under Eddie Sutton and then Nolan Richardson, the Arkansas men's basketball program had been anything but stable since Richardson was let go in 2002. Razorback fans are hoping with Anderson returing to Fayetteville the program will stablize and return to it's winning ways.

Here's player reaction, thanks to our friends at KTHV-TV in Little Rock.

Mike Anderson To Arkansas, Or Not...???

Okay... this is quoting those "numerous confidential sources close to the situation..."

The HQ will check with ours to confirm...

But it looks like Mike Anderson is going to Arkansas from Mizzou...

Anderson, who played for Nolan Richardson at Tulsa and coached under him at Arkansas for 17 years, is expected to accept the head coaching job.

Chris Lincoln started the madness last night... in a Tweet...
Reports out of Arkansas say Mizzou coach Mike Anderson to be introduced tomorrow in Fayetteville as Razorbacks new head basketball coach

KFSM-TV in Fort Smith is reporting that there is a group of Hog Boosters that may be trying to stop the hire because of the association with Richardson...

From Mike Irwin's commentaries:
((KOCO-TV Sports Director Dean)) Blevins wrote that sources close to the job search at Arkansas told him that two factions are in play with different preferences with regard to Anderson.

A group of former Richardson players at Arkansas are pushing Jeff Long to hire Anderson, the source told Blevins. However, according to Blevins’ source, "long-time Razorback people of influence who basically don’t want to have anything to do with anyone connected to Nolan Richardson" are against the hire.

More when we know more...

Job Opening At Arkansas, Update Your Resume's

For those who want the head basketball coach opening at the University of Arkansas, you must go through the process.

http://hr.uark.edu/jobdetails.asp?ListingID=6488&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UARKjobs+%28University+of+Arkansas+Human+Resources%29

Tubby Smith Not Going To Arkansas, At Least Not Yet...

((HT: KFSM-TV Fort Smith/Fayetteville))

Tubby Smith addresses the idea of not going to Arkansas...

For now...

 

John Pelphrey Fired As Arkansas Head Coach

OSG Sources have confirmed that Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long informed John Pelphrey that he has been fired as head coach.

Should Arkansas receive and NIT bid assistant Rob Evans will be head coach.

This quote from Pelphrey was tweeted by Aaron Peters of Razorback Nation. "We loved every second of being here and that has not changed"

After leading the Razorbacks to the NCAA tournament his first year Arkansas has won only 46 games the last three years. More alarming is the drastic drop in attendance at Bud Walton Arena during Pelphrey's tenure.

The Razorback fan base had turned on Pelphrey to the point that they were not showing up to Bud Walton Arena anymore.

Pelphrey had put together an outstanding recuriting class for next season but with this news that class might be blown apart and every Division I head coach searching for their families phone number.

Arkansas is expected to go after Missouri head coach Mike Anderson, who was Nolan Richardson's top assistant during his 17 years as Razorback head coach. Marquette head coach Buzz Williams is also near the top of the list.

Boss Hog On Thin Ice? Pelphrey To Meet With His AD, UPDATE: He's Done...

KHBS/KHOG-TV in Fort Smith/Fayetteville, Arkansas is reporting that Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey will not return next season.

OSG sources close to the situation will not confirm nor deny.

OSG does know that Pelphrey and Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long will meet Sunday morning. OSG sources wouldn't comment if this was to inform Pelphrey he would be relieved of his head coaching duties.

After leading the Razorbacks to the NCAA tournament his first year Arkansas has won only 46 games the last three years. More alarming is the drastic drop in attendance at Bud Walton Arena during Pelphrey's tenure.

1345 UPDATE: Yep, he's done...

Arkansas finished fourth in the SEC West this season. Pelphrey has three years remaining on his contract and will be paid a negotiated buyout number.

Look for the chasing to begin with Mike Anderson at Mizzou and Buzz Williams at Marquette. Arkansas is willing to pay for a coach to play...

More when we know more...

Until then, 5News Mike Irwin gives his 67 seconds on what was happening before it happened...
((HT: KFSM-TV Fort Smith))
 

NCAA Silly Season Continues... Friday Update...

Today we can add three Alabama players- Alabama running back Mark Ingram, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and wide receiver Julio Jones say they're entering the NFL draft.

Linebacker Dont'a Hightower says he is returning to school.
Coach Nick Saban says each player made the right decision.

This adds to the total of: Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett
((HT: KTHV-TV Little Rock))


UCLA's Rahim Moore, and according to FOSG Kelin Johnson, the HQ is supposed to keep an eye on three UGA players- AJ Green, Justin Houston, and Brandon Boykin...

Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles is staying... which means the Sooners will, probably, be ranked Pre-season Number One

Newsok.com's Jenni Carlson and FOSG Berry Tramel discuss Monday's game for us instead...
((HT: Newsok.com))


Coaching Carousel: Pat Fitzgerald is NOT leaving Northwestern for Michigan and neither is Bo Pelini...

But Dan Mullen's staff takes a huge hit as Manny Diaz leaves Miss State and moves over to Texas to be DC for Mack Brown...
((HT KXAN-TV Austin))

Longhorns introduce DC Diaz: kxan.com

More when we know more...

TWTW Bowling: tOSU Breaks SEC Losing Streak In Sugar Bowl

The HQ placed a phone call to New Orleans early in the first quarter as the Buckeyes took a 7-nothing lead against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl.

We knew Brother Martin was in attendance ((pictured with HIS brother Mon-tee, thanks to Marty his own self)) and he actually got to see a good one. A game that tOSU seemed to win despite itself- and Ryan Mallett's poor fundamentals driving for the winning score in a 31-26 loss to Ohio State.

Solomon Thomas dropped into coverage and picked Mallett with under a minute remaining to seal the win.

At times, the Buckeyes had to play defense with freshmen out on the field since their depth was tested with injuries- both temporary and permanent...

Like Chimdi Chekwa's broken wrist...
((HT: ESPN/Youtube))


And here's coverage from New Orleans, thanks to our friends at KTHV in Little Rock...


Going into the game, Ohio State had lost its last nine games against the SEC dating back to the Sugar Bowl loss against Alabama in the year 1728...

You know...??? There was a Hall of Fame bowl loss to Auburn in there, too...???

It was a big game for the "Tattoo 5..."

Four of those Buckeyes made huge plays during the contest. DeVier Posey caught a touchdown pass and Dan Herron ran for a score as Ohio State built a 31-13 lead. Arkansas (now 10-3) raced back and had a chance for the win after a blocked punt turned over the ball at the Buckeyes 18 with 1:09 remaining.

The Mallett pick was the next play...

And we figured we'd only post one other photo of Marty spelling "O-H-I-O..." You know, all he really needed to do was one "O" and just copy the work from the first time... congratulations to the Vest and to the Flying Dzurenko Brothers...

TWTW: Arkansas Makes Their BCS Case Over LSU

((HT: KTHV-TV Little Rock))

Ryan Mallett threw for 320 yards and three TD's as 12th-ranked Arkansas won 31-23 over 6th-ranked LSU.

Mallett was 13 of 23 passing and had touchdown passes of 85, 80 and 39 yards for the Razorbacks (now 10-2/6-2 in the SEC). They won their sixth straight game and finished second in the SEC West.

Mallett now has 60 touchdown passes in two seasons at Arkansas.

LSU (now 10-2/6-2), which was outgained 462-299 by Arkansas, never led. Jordan Jefferson passed for 174 yards and ran for 39 for the Tigers.

Here's your highlights...

TWTW: Razorbacks Need Six Quarters For Win Over Miss State

((HT: KTHV-TV Little Rock))

Ryan Mallett threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner to Knile Davis in the second overtime, as 13th-ranked Arkansas beat 22nd-ranked Mississippi State 38-31 in a game a lot of folks wanted "mutually assured destruction" as their favorite outcome.

The Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game in the second overtime, but Chris Relf was hit hard as he tried to complete a fourth-down pass.

Davis rushed for 191 yards and two scores as Arkansas (9-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) won its fifth straight. Vick Ballard rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns for Mississippi State (7-4, 3-4).

Here's your highlights with a lot of color commentary...

TWTW: Arkansas Beats OBC 41-20

((HT: WSPA-TV))

In a game that meant absolutely nothing in the Gamecocks race to be the SEC Eastern Conference champion.

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett threw for 303 yards, Knile Davis ran for three TD's and 17th-ranked Arkansas gave 18th-ranked South Carolina its worst home loss in five years.

The Razorbacks, now 7-2/4-2 in the SEC, won for the fourth time in five games.

The Gamecocks, now 6-3/4-3, hadn't been beaten like that since a 48-7 win by Auburn back in 2005.

They can still get to their first league title game by beating Florida at The Swamp next week.

South Carolina is 0-12 in Gainesville, Fla.

Good luck with that one...

Todd Summers is still in front of a monitor indoors...

TWTW: Arkansas Beats Ole Miss In An Empty Stadium

((HT: KTHV-11 Little Rock))

There's a certain sense of irony when a game is delayed twice by lightning...

And you have to finish it 90 minutes later than you would have liked...

Arkansas wins 38-24 as sophomore Knile Davis ran for 176 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs. The Razorbacks improve to 5-2 (2-2 in the SEC) and the Rebels drop to 3-4 (1-3 in the SEC).

The four quarter was well worth the price of admission alone...
Provided you were around to see it and hadn't gotten tired of hanging around by then...

Jeremiah Masoli may be finding his sea legs for Houston Nutt as he threw for three scores for the Black Bears...

Here's your highlights and a lot of discussion during them...

TWTW: War Cam Eagle! Auburn Survives Hogs In Auburn

((HT: KATV-TV Little Rock))

TBH was at another Auburn game on the Plains, and frankly, we're shocked she has a voice or any hair left on her head...

108 total points- an SEC non-overtime record...
65 points for Auburn- an SEC record besting a 63-point output in Gainesville forty years ago...
And another 300-plus yard game from Cam Newton ((running and passing))

This is one the HQ couldn't believe was happening as it was happening...
Here's your Robert Petrino, Esquire postgame...
And your boatload of highlights...


Next up for Auburn... a game against The Hat...
Next up for Arkansas... game with the Black Bears... and wondering whether or not Ryan Mallett remembers who he is at present...

Here's a post game report from Don Hawes. (Thanks WVTM-TV Birmingham, Alabama)




Photo Courtesy: Hal Yeager, The Birmingham News

TWTW: Mallett Wins Southwest Classic Over Texas A&M

((HT: KATV Little Rock))

And, as TBH said, we know Jerry Jones HATED giving that trophy to Arkansas after winning the Southwest Classic in his place...

Mallett finished 27 for 38 passing for 310 yards, most of that in the first half.

Arkansas is now 4-1 on the season after winning 24-17.
The Hogs play at Auburn next Saturday.

Really, that's all we need to say about this one...
A&M is blatantly average, even if Jerrod Johnson is a tremendous athlete.

Here's your highlights... enjoy the play-by-play...

#1 Alabama Wins Again Defeating Arkansas24-20, The Tide Is Really Good

I think now we know the Alabama Crimson Tide are pretty damn good. The game against Arkansas didn't start off that way for Alabama. Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett torched the Crimson Tide secondary in the first half. Tide quarterback Greg McIlroy tossed threw two picks in the second quarter as Alabama was down 17-7 at halftime.

Things changed in the second half. Alabama's secondary adjusted, the defensive front was pressuring Mallett and Alabama's running duo, Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, were running pretty much at will.

"First of all great job by our guys in the second half." Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. "We told the players when we came here we were going to have to change the way everybody thought. We were going to have to go out there and work and earn it and it would take a tremendous amount of intensity and enthusiasm and energy to do that and we did not have that in the first half. That was really not a good half of football, and I really don’t want the players to put it behind them. I want them to remember what it’s like to not play the way you’re capable of playing."

Arkansas meanwhile couldn't get pressure on McIlroy, couldn't stop the run, didn't run the ball in the 2nd half and couldn't get key third down conversions.

Mark Ingram finished with 157 yards and two touchdowns. Trent Richardson added 85 yards rushing and 25 yards receiving. Richardson has to lead the nation in broken tackles. How many Razorback defenders had Richardson in their grasp yet slipped away?

Arkansas' Ryan Mallet threw for 357 yards and a touchdown but the three interceptions killed the Hogs' chances and was a blow to his Heisman campaign.

The running game didn't help Arkansas either with only 64 yards rushing. After a hot first half the Razorbacks could close the deal against the reigning national champions.

"We started off really good." Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett said. "We just came out in the second half and forgot to finish. We should’ve finished that game out and had a win right now.”

“We just couldn’t find a way to win in the 4th quarter." Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said. "We had the opportunity and just couldn’t get it done.”

Chris Pollone of WVTM-TV Birmingham has the game story from Fayetteville. (Thanks WVTM-TV)




More post game sound from Alabama DB Robert Lester, RB Mark Ingram and QB Greg McIlroy




Photo Courtesy: Jason Ivester/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Going Hog Wild In Athens

OK allow me to be a homer if you don't mind but I haven't felt this good about the Arkansas Razorbacks in a long time. It was a huge win for Arkansas defeating Georgia 31-24.

It was the first time the Razorbacks have won a game "Between the Hedges" in Athens, GA since 1993. Ryan Mallett won his first road game as Arkansas' quarterback as well.

It was a thrilling game with Greg Childs catching the game winner with 15 seconds left.

Check out the highlights below with the Voice of the Razorback, Chuck Barrett. (Thanks KATV Little Rock, AR)