Man, it feels like it's been forever since I've done this.
First and foremost, I'd like to thank Doc again for reaching out to me with the opportunity to help him run the site. He gave me my first shot a few years back after I wrote a crappy little column/story on Hunter Mickelson's time at Arkansas, and I owe him a lot for giving me a chance at this. Secondly, thanks to everyone who's contacted me and made me feel welcome again. I'm ready to get this thing going.
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It is becoming more and more the norm for coaches and college football teams to have a feel-good moment during their spring games. Why? Who knows, but if done right can be downright awesome. Exhibit A: Canaan Sandy rushing for a touchdown a couple of years back.
But Exhibit A of that kind of thing going sour is last year as sideline reporter Laura Rutledge was on the receiving end of a "trick play" that completely fooled the spring game record crowd of [pick a big number]. While I guess it was neat to have her in on the play, she completely blew it and dropped the ball in the end zone. Nice hands, feet.
So all of this got me thinking about what could happen this year. I've got a few ideas, and if you have any, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. If yours is better than one of mine I'll probably substitute it without saying anything and claim it as my own.
1. Brandon Allen returns to throw a touchdown pass
While Brandon Allen's senior season was one of the best an Arkansas quarterback has had in quite some time, I couldn't help but remember his last pass in DWRRS. The game against Missouri was out of hand, and the rain just made Missouri's 28-3 deficit feel two or three times bigger.
For all of the haters Allen shook off in his final two seasons, really, those who still don't like the guy will always be able to hold onto the fact his last pass in Razorback Stadium was an interception against a 5-7 team to a defensive back who hadn't picked off a pass all season until that point.
But, Arkansas has a chance to redeem itself here, and send Allen out on a high note. It's also totally possible this could happen because he's going to be in town Saturday hosting a football clinic with the Boys and Girls Club. Go sign up if either you or your kid are between kindergarten and seventh grade.
Also, it would give GMs and scouts one last look to put any doubt they may have to rest.
2. Bret Bielema plays a series on the defensive line
You know, I've often wondered why the media isn't allowed to take in more practice time than it does. It really makes you – well, especially me – wonder what's going on in there that maybe no one needs to know about.
I hatched a theory a while back and largely kept it to myself, but I wonder if on days when the offensive line is lighting up the defensive line that Bielema just says, "To hell with all this," suits up and drops into a 0 technique, immediately closing down practice to everyone, even Razorback Foundation members. I mean could you imagine a four-man front with Bielema, McTelvin Agim, Bijhon Jackson and Deatrich Wise? Scary, man.
Bielema getting in full uniform, taping up his fingers and smearing eye black all across his face would be incredible. It'd be the most engaging thing we've ever seen and will ever see. And once he records a sack, which is inevitable, we get to check out his celebration dance. I've got $10 that says he'll dab.
Make this happen.
3. Re-creation of the Mississippi Miracle
It's one of the most improbable things I've ever seen. There's no question the play is right up there in "WTF" with the Kick Six and Prayer in Jordan-Hare, and any other incredible moment. So why not re-create the play and actually score on it this time?
Who knows if all of the Arkansas players involved with the play would come back and do this, but it never hurts to stick it to Mississippi one more time because, well, you know. Brandon Allen is in town, Hunter Henry will be as well, as he receives his Mackey Award, which he essentially wrapped up after making the diagonal heave. All we'd need is for Alex Collins to house it this time.
Alright, tell me what you think.