This season we're resurrecting an old feature charmingly called Reasons to Hate. As a public service to you, the Hog fan, we'll be providing a handy pre-game cheat sheet detailing why you should hate each one of the Razorbacks' opponents this fall. Some weeks will be easier than others...
1. The SEC Mandates That You Hate South Carolina. Way back in the early '90s, when the SEC added Arkansas and South Carolina to its roster, the league office determined that the Hogs and Cocks should be rivals and play each other every year. Failing to support this league-enforced rivalry is subject to fines or possibly even suspensions under code 341.5 (c3) clause 92 in the conference rule book. So, start hating South Carolina dammit.
2. Those "Cocks" Hats. Granted, it's been approximately one million years since I was in college, but back then (and possibly still now) the frat boy accessory du jour was a faded "Cocks" hat. Not so much because of any loyalty to or interest in the school or teams, but because of, you know, Cocks. Get it?
3. Steve Spurrier. The Ol' Ball Coach isn't the feared or loathed figure that he was at Florida, and his rapier wit has been dulled by the fact that his teams aren't dominating anymore (it's hard to crack on Tennessee when they're beating you by double digits, for example). But, for old times' sake, let's work up a little animosity towards him...makes the game so much more fun that way.
4. Hootie. Yeah, the heyday of Hootie & the Blowfish was a long, long time ago (sensing a theme here?), but the school that spawned one of the most terrible rock bands ever still deserves to pay for its crimes.
5. Their Philandering Politicians Are More Creative Than Our Philandering Politicians. Thanks to a certain multi-term Governor and President, Arkansas enjoyed a long run at the top of the prestigious Adultering Politician power rankings. But, with Mark Sanford's now-legendary "hiking the Appalachian Trail" excuse, there's a new leader on the board and, frankly, we're a little resentful of that.