Arkansas Fight - Arkansas Razorbacks vs LSU Tigers - 2014Your daily source for Razorback News.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46887/expats-fave.png2014-11-20T09:30:03-06:00http://www.arkansasfight.com/rss/stream/69872662014-11-20T09:30:03-06:002014-11-20T09:30:03-06:00Panel Discussion: LSU Wrap-Up and Ole Miss Preview
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<p>Gathering our contributors' opinions on the topics of the week.</p> <h4>1. Out of Brandon Allen's 16 completions vs LSU, 9 were to tight ends, 4 were to <span>Korliss Marshall</span>, and just 3 to the wide receivers. Was this an anomaly or do you feel like the team finally settled into realizing the tight ends are the strength in the passing game?</h4>
<p><b>Mark</b>: I sure hope it's door #2. I think it is.</p>
<p><b>Josh</b>: I'm all for gameplans changing week to week to take advantage of individual matchups, but I think those numbers are what this team has been trying to accomplish since week 1. Whether they got away from that against A&M, Georgia etc because of what those defenses were taking away, I'm not sure. Henry, Derby and Sprinkle are a key component of the passing game for this team and should get 8-10 targets a week. LSU has linebackers that are better inside the tackles and struggle in coverage while their secondary was solid on the outside. Would like to see some of those short passes against Ole Miss and Missouri as well.</p>
<p><b>Graham</b>: The deep ball isn't Brandon Allen's strong point, nor is the deep threat a legitimate part of the offense this season. With those two truths looming the real question is why has it taken so long to realize it? <span>Hunter Henry</span> is a top-two round talent. AJ Derby has transformed himself and in the future should be remembered as a tight end as we all block out his quarterback experience. I like his story and hope his sacrifices to do whatever he needed to do to help the team (and keep his scholarship) aren't forgotten.</p>
<p><b>Mitchell:</b> It's hopefully a change in recognition of the fact that our two best pass-catchers are named AJ and Hunter. There are a lot of special things we can do with two awesome tight ends and players like Cornelius and Hatcher that can make some catches and stretch the field.</p>
<p><b>Devan</b>: Hopefully they continue to throw the football to the TE's. Henry and Derby probably have the best hands on the team. I do like that they are throwing in some screens to Korliss. He provides some breakaway speed and that is a perfect platform for him to be used. Until they get KJ Hill and <span>JoJo Robinson</span> on the field though, they need to continue to throw the ball to the TE's because they are the most consistent pass catchers on the team.</p>
<p><b>Doc</b>: It should be pointed out that of Korliss's four catches, at least two were on those sweeps where he runs in front of Brandon and Brandon barely tosses the ball up to him. That counts as a pass and a reception. But it feels like you have to think about it as a running play. Regardless, we've all been calling for the tight ends to get more targets all season, and it finally happened on Saturday, and we see the results. Not only did Arkansas win, but look at things like 3rd down efficiency. Unreal.</p>
<p><b>Jamie</b>: I think we've FINALLY realized that the best hands (and footwork and, and and) for receivers on the team are all on the TE squad and that they have to be a huge part of our passing game to keep 8,9,10 out of the box. When you don't have a true deep threat and you need to be able to block consistently for your primary weapon of the running game and your TEs have the best hands... why wouldn't you focus on them?</p>
<h4>2. Throughout the losing streak, we heard - particularly from Bielema but others as well - that once Arkansas broke through they will be really dangerous and great things will come.</h4>
<h4>Do you feel like the LSU win represents the turning of a corner and that Arkansas will most likely win again to become bowl eligible, or was it simply a case of one team being better than another and we shouldn't read too much into it (even if breaking the streak was fantastic)?</h4>
<p><b>Mitchell:</b> I think it is the beginning of things to come. A lot of confidence comes with finally getting that win. They knew they could play with the big boys, now they know they can win. I would look to see the Hogs take a dominant mentality into these last two games.</p>
<p><b>Devan</b>: I think we see a completely different team from here on out. The team should now believe that they can't just play with anyone in the nation, but they can also beat them. A lot of what happened over the 17 game streak was a simple belief that they could not do it. Now that they have that monkey off of their back I think we see a much better, and more energetic team.</p>
<p><b>Jamie</b>: I really do think it's a turning point. All of those "almost wins" going back to last year's LSU game (even the Rutgers game last year) just seemed like a team who was desperate to pull one out, but the pressure to do so, and not having done it in so long, just seemed to cause late game cramps that blew things up. I'm probably being overly positive, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see us win both of these last 2 and finish up with a pretty damn strong 7-5 season all things considered.</p>
<p><b>Mark</b>: Both. I think we were better than LSU and I think we could win out. But we could also lose out. Both Ole M(P)iss and Misery have a lot to play for. My money's on us getting bowl eligible, though, starting Saturday.</p>
<p><b>Graham</b>: There are still two awfully competitive matchups on the schedule for the Hogs to prove that they can be dangerous. It's definitely a corner turned even if we don't win another game. Can you imagine the narrative all summer long if an SEC win hadn't come this season?</p>
<p><b>Josh:</b> Reading too much in to streaks and trends is what we are accustomed to doing. It's either the greatest thing ever or the most terrible in history. For the players and team as a whole there is a lot less pressure after beating LSU. They are still the same team that played with Miss St, Alabama, A&M, and Auburn for a half, can that translate into more wins, who knows?</p>
<p><b>Doc</b>: The win eliminates continuing to be associated with that streak and any worry that we'd spend the next 10 months dealing with 0-20. That's a big deal, but it doesn't guarantee any future wins. I do think bowl eligibility is a big enough motivator that the team will continue going full throttle this week.</p>
<h4>3. The win was so great, we haven't really seen any criticism of anything that happened. Did anything happen that you thought was concerning?</h4>
<p><b>Josh</b>: Nope, defense was dominant, offense put enough points up to win.</p>
<p><b>Devan</b>: Not really. I hate to nag on a guy but I am not sure whether Bielema told the kicker to do kickoffs the way that he did, or if they kicker was just skying the kickoffs because of the weather. But nevertheless, it didn't hurt the team so I'm not going to nag to much about it.</p>
<p><b>Doc:</b> I'm pretty sure that was the kickoff strategy. I didn't like that Arkansas attempted a pass on 3rd and 2 late in the game when they were trying to run down the clock. If disaster had struck, there would've been a lot of focus on that.</p>
<p><b>Mark</b>: To answer this one requires some nitpicking. BA still locks on a little, but I thought he managed a great game. WRs dropped a couple. Of course, it's the level of competition, but it'd be nice to see a RB break one. Been a while, it seems. But again, this is nitpicking.</p>
<p><b>Graham</b>: Korliss Marshall had only one rush. Maybe Bielema was still trying to get his message across that Marshall isn't bigger than the team and whatever he did (or didn't do) won't be tolerated with some sort of punishment. I would like to see him get a few more touches in the coming weeks.</p>
<p><b>Jamie</b>: I know he was just back from his mysterious suspension, but with rested legs, where was Korliss Marshall in the run game? Perhaps his role now that he's back will be more in the short passing game to supplement his returns?</p>
<p><b>Mitchell:</b> With Williams' and Collins' production you have to wonder if teams are starting to build a better game plan at stopping our rush attack. To combine for under 100 yards is startling, frankly. Hopefully it was an anomaly or a reflection of the game itself and doesn't become a trend. We are only competitive as long as our running game is scary.</p>
<h4>4. Are you concerned that Arkansas might not handle this bit of success very well and may come out flat against Ole Miss?</h4>
<p><b>Devan</b>: That is one thing I am not worried about at all. If Bielema and his staff could keep the team rolling and playing hard as hell week after week, and still coming up short every time. I'm not worried about a LSU hangover. I think they come out focused, and play hard to try to clinch that bowl berth.</p>
<p><b>Mitchell</b>: Not really, no. I think a win will only make this team hungrier. They're playing for a bowl game at this point so I don't expect to see them take their feet of the gas. I think the LSU had rejuvenating properties that will be the driving force behind us winning out this season.</p>
<p><b>Josh:</b> This team has struggled long enough to understand it is a new week, I would bet that was one of the first things Bielema addressed was moving on to Ole Miss.</p>
<p><b>Graham:</b> Being back at home this week helps. I feel as if the talking points this week have all been how this is only the beginning of what is to come. Hopefully they take that message to heart. There is still plenty for this team to fight for and knowing that a bowl game is in the cards should give them any necessary motivation.</p>
<p><b>Jamie:</b> Besides the first half of the Georgia game, I have yet to see this team begin a game unfocused and unprepared for a game. I have faith they'll be ready until I begin to see a trend that would convince me otherwise. I think that's a huge indicator of a well coached team to be able to have your team ready to go every Saturday regardless of situation, and so far this staff has done that very well.</p>
<p><b>Mark</b>: This staff has managed to keep the team positive through most of a 17-game SEC losing streak. We have a lot to play for ourselves, and with the added incentive of Senior Day, I'd be surprised if we're flat or have no juice in the tank.</p>
<p><b>Doc:</b> Like I mentioned, I think the bowl eligibility is more than enough to keep them hungry. Look at how they raced to that trophy when the game was finally over Saturday night. They want to really win something. Plus it's Senior Day. Now, if the team wins the 6th game this weekend, will they be as motivated for the game against Missouri? That may be a bigger question. Hopefully Tennessee beats Missouri so the Tigers won't be playing for a division title next week.</p>
<h4>5. Ole Miss is basically coming off two bye weeks (Presbyterian and an actual bye week) so this is their first real game without Laquon Treadwell. Do you expect them to have much new to surprise Arkansas with or do you think they'll stick to what they've been doing (and hold anything tricky for next week's biggest Egg Bowl ever, which they're hopefully looking ahead to?)</h4>
<p><b>Josh</b>: They are going to do what has gotten them to this point, throwing quick screens to WRs, taking shots downfield at times and running plays at a fast pace. Like they did last year, if there is a play that works Freeze will run it over and over again. Losing Treadwell will make the job for the Arkansas secondary a little easier. The Ole Miss offense is not really a concern to me, I think Robb Smith will have another solid gameplan to confuse Dr Bo, but they may give up a few big plays.</p>
<p><b>Graham</b>: All season for Ole Miss has been which <span>Bo Wallace</span> will show up. As exhibited in Baton Rouge, he can be easily rattled by a few bad throws or by a taunting student section. He and the weapons he has around him, sans Treadwell, are still good enough to beat Arkansas. I'm not as certain the Rebel defense can stop the run without older brother Nkemdiche though.</p>
<p><b>Devan</b>: I'm not sure how good Ole Miss' offense can be without Treadwell. Plus Arkansas' defense has just steadily improved all year. Both defenses are pretty stout. I don't know if Ole Miss can come out and surprise Arkansas with too much. They haven't been overly impressive on offense this year anyway. Hugh Freeze said this week that it is impossible for them to prepare for what Arkansas will be doing because of the way the Rebels play. Based on that alone if anyone has the advantage it is Arkansas. But I think this is another low scoring affair. Something like 17-13, and that may be a little generous. If they get caught looking ahead Arkansas will win this game.</p>
<p><b>Jamie</b>: I could definitely see them looking ahead to Mississippi State. And I think you nailed it with the first real game without Treadwell. Missing Denzel Nkemdiche will be big for the Rebels attempt at stopping our run game. I'm not one to call Vaught-Hemmingway a tough place to play, but I'm glad this game will be at our place just in case.</p>
<p><b>Mitchell</b>: I think there definitely is a lot of looking ahead to Mississippi State going on, but I don't think Ole Miss is going to completely overlook us. We are still a 5-5 team with a pretty straightforward game plan. They will either be able to hand us or not. Our defense is playing at a level that will keep us competitive in most games. This Ole Miss team is good, but not great. The Rebels get eliminated from West contention Saturday.</p>
<p><b>Mark</b>: Well, the Egg Bowl means nothing if they don't win in Fayetteville. Expect some wrinkles.</p>
<p><b>Doc:</b> I don't think they'll be looking ahead too much. They haven't played an SEC game in three weeks and they've still got a shot at winning the West if Ole Miss wins out and Auburn beats Alabama. I think they'll be ready to go. It's an interesting matchup just because no one knows how good they'll be without their best weapon, and their defense wasn't impressive without Nkemdiche against Auburn. Hard game to predict. Looking forward to it.</p>
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https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/20/7249925/arkansas-fight-panel-discussion-lsu-wrap-up-and-ole-miss-previewArkansas Fight2014-11-19T17:24:31-06:002014-11-19T17:24:31-06:00Arkansas Football Takes Out Full Page Ad In The Traveler<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/gsbordelon/status/535109332187504641">Arkansas Football Takes Out Full Page Ad In The&nbsp;Traveler</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>The Traveler is the UA student newspaper, for which our own Scottie Bordelon is the sports editor. We have an inside track on this type of thing.</p></p></div>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/19/7251193/arkansas-football-takes-out-full-page-ad-in-the-travelerDoc Harper2014-11-18T17:26:21-06:002014-11-18T17:26:21-06:00Arkansas' Players From Louisiana Pose with The Boot Trophy<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFBRec/status/534811126395969536">Arkansas' Players From Louisiana Pose with The Boot&nbsp;Trophy</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>I thought this was pretty cool. I'm sure this was extra sweet for these guys.</p></p></div>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/18/7243953/arkansas-players-from-louisiana-pose-with-the-boot-trophyDoc Harper2014-11-18T08:30:02-06:002014-11-18T08:30:02-06:00Arkansas vs LSU: Final Grades
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<p>One for the win column!</p> <h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p>It's been said over and over this season, but we finally got an example of how <span>Brandon Allen</span> can be an effective leader without winning this game through his arm. Allen threw just 2 times over the "sweet spot" of 25 attempts and completed 16 of those 27 passes for 169 yards. Those are not sexy stats at all, but with no major mistakes it resulted in a big win. Allen hit his targets, was sacked only once, didn't turn over the ball, and had some great looking throws while rolling out. Aside from one forced check down that a defender nearly picked off, Allen had a great game.</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: B+</p>
<h4>Running Backs</h4>
<p>I think this game speaks volumes for how far our team has come, and how complete this team is. No longer does the game hinge on the success of the run game. The running backs didn't accumulate anywhere near the yardage we've become accustomed to seeing, but Arkansas leaned on other team strengths and won a game against a good opponent. <span>Jonathan Williams</span> was the best RB out there, and still had a relatively slow night with just 55 yards on 18 carries. Additionally, Williams' fumble deep in Arkansas territory was nearly disastrous, but fortunately it went out of bounds.</p>
<p><span>Alex Collins</span>' numbers were slightly below Williams'. The team barely cracked 100 rushing yards, and if you include <span>Brandon Allen's</span> sack yardage, the team finished with just 95 yards. It was enough for Arkansas to beat LSU but how many games can the Hogs expect to win with those numbers?</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: C</p>
<h4>Receivers</h4>
<p>Thank God for our two tight ends. Arkansas may be TEU before we know it. <span>Hunter Henry</span> and AJ Derby combined for 8 grabs and 90 yards. The athleticism and toughness that they show on the football field makes me a very happy Razorback fan. It would finally seem that our team has figured out the formula for effectiveness through the air.</p>
<p>We still had great blocking from this group, led by Hatcher who may be earning some love with scouts for that reason alone. A good blocking WR is hard to come by. I must also recognize Cornelius' outstanding catch in the 4th on third and long. That play was the beginning of the end for LSU.</p>
<p>A final note on drops. They didn't get out of hand, but after seeing Sprinkle and Hollister drop good passes on 3rd down I was really starting to worry. If WRs need wonder why they don't get more looks in a game they can look at inconsistent play that has unfortunately followed all but Hatcher.</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: B+</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<p>Man do I feel for Big Dan Skipper. Guy can't catch a break. I can see getting flagged for cleaning up around the pile when you drill a guy in the back, but it seems linemen pick on him constantly with no retribution. I like Skipper's moxie. It's like having a goon in hockey. We need a tough guy to set the tone, stand up for BA, and show these defenders that they won't be having their way with our O-line. That being said, I don't mind a scrap here and there, but Skipper needs to understand the game situation and avoid those personal foul flags.</p>
<p>Now for the praise. I love our line. They played solid, kept BA mostly upright against a tough defense, and I thought they played well opening up holes. I think LSU's speed on defense was a factor because those holes didn't stay open for long. However, I don't think you'll meet a single person that will tell you our guys didn't win in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Keep up the good work boys. Stay nasty, Skip.</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: A-</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<p>Talk about dominating the line of scrimmage! I tell you what, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arkansasfight.com/">Razorbacks</a> looked strong and mean. Arkansas' lineman got to the ball carrier multiple times while being blocked and hold him up long enough for a linebacker to clean him up. That is what we need. While the Hogs didn't have many tackles (Wise led with 3 tackles, a sack, and TFL) they made an impact, totaling 3 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss. <span>Darius Philon</span> did what LSU defender's couldn't in recovering the fumble. They held the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/">Tigers</a> to 36 yards on the ground on 32 carries. Talk about building a wall. If there was one group I had to say we won because of, it would be these guys.</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: A+</p>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<p><span>Martrell Spaight</span> is crushing it. Spaight led the team with 10 tackles, a sack, a TFL, had a FF and even got another opportunity to lay out Jennings. He looked like a man not satisfied till he was included in every stat column - and he nearly was! Spaight led the charge with big contributions from <span>Braylon Mitchell</span>, and Brooks Ellis, who each had a TFL, and 9 and 5 tackles respectively. Our linebackers did work and were a huge part as to why LSU was shut out and held to under 150 yards of total offense. What a fun performance to watch!</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: A+</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<p>Despite not playing for half of the game, Gaines was 4th on the list with 5 tackles. His absence didn't seem to effect the team though as <span>Josh Liddell</span> played well filling in. <span>Jared Collins</span> led the secondary with 7 tackles and 4 - yes 4 - pass break-ups. Despite DJ Dean taking a punishing hit from an LSU running back, there wasn't a single time when the Razorbacks didn't look like the best players on the field.</p>
<p>Robb Smith has himself a defense in Fayetteville. What a job he has done with this team. I've never known a Razorback defense that could go out there and outplay a team for 4 quarters till Saturday. Next move is to lock Robb down for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: A</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<p>Solid work from everyone. No big mistakes. <span>Adam McFain</span> made his only field goal attempt on the opening drive and made both PATs. Sam Irwin-Hill had a huge punt at a key point in the game in the fourth quarter. <span>Jared Cornelius</span> returned a couple of punts for 13 yards. Since LSU was shut out they only kicked off once and it was a touchback.</p>
<p><b>Grade</b>: A</p>
<h4>Final Thought:</h4>
<p>Well, this is what we've been waiting for. Doesn't it feel good to wake up Monday morning with a dominant victory over LSU? I'm going to ride this high all week. This team is getting hot at the right time. The gears are turning, the team is clicking and I think they're going to set a tone for the next couple weeks. These is a Hog team reborn and eager to make some teams look weak. If I was a gambling man I'd put my money on the Hogs to beat a team with an identity crisis and a defense named after a pretty mediocre beer. Ole Miss has begun to fizzle. Let's put them out of their misery, snub them out, and move on to Mizzou. WPS!</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/18/7237363/arkansas-razorbacks-vs-lsu-tigers-final-gradesMitchell Alexander2014-11-17T20:45:49-06:002014-11-17T20:45:49-06:00Dan Skipper Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c2RgmYjRpV1r0a5e3ZtqvVE6P_E=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/360606/B2rvM2cCEAAH2Uh_jpg_large.jpg" />
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https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/17/7238727/dan-skipper-named-sec-offensive-lineman-of-the-weekDoc Harper2014-11-17T20:42:59-06:002014-11-17T20:42:59-06:00Martrell Spaight Named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vkUofnndGqZzUgkKEOJ0bZbapkU=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/360600/B2ruvkaCAAALgXK_jpg_large.jpg" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Spaight led the Hogs with 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 quarterback hurry against LSU Saturday night. Spaight's been awesome all year. Wish he wasn't a senior.</p></p></div>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/17/7238707/martrell-spaight-named-sec-co-defensive-player-of-the-weekDoc Harper2014-11-17T14:28:50-06:002014-11-17T14:28:50-06:00Bielema Press Conference Tweetcap - November 17th
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<p>Bielema met with the media to review the LSU game and look ahead to Ole Miss.</p> <p><span></span></p>
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<p>Arkansas MVPs for the LSU win: <span>Sebastian Tretola</span> (offense), <span>Martrell Spaight</span> and <span>Jared Collins</span> (defense), <span>Sam Irwin-Hill</span> (special teams)</p>
— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/status/534406205548924930">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Applause, applause, applause. Plause, plause, plause, plause.</p>
<p><span><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>BB: Cameron was with us yesterday. Nobody should be out for this weeks game. <span>Kendrick Edwards</span> was on a one week suspension last week</p>&mdash; Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/534406691455266816">November 17, 2014</a></blockquote></span></p>
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<p>Everybody is available? Such a rarity this time of the year. Definitely great news.</p>
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<p>After the win, Bielema said "reality slapped us in the face pretty quick on Sunday" when Arkansas began preparing for Ole Miss.</p>
— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/status/534407135522590720">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>These ain't your Coach O Rebels. Time to get back to work.</p>
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<p>Coach B: Never seen a player make as much improvement as Martrell Spaight in how he approaches the game. Called out LSU's first play</p>
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/534409257446154241">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Feels like he just got here. This must be what Kentucky basketball fans feel like all the time.</p>
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<p>Bielema on <a href="https://twitter.com/Budda03">@Budda03</a> A.Collins' pass pro: Goes flying across formation, hits a guy who's probably 50lbs heavier & rocks him into next week.</p>
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMurphyADG/status/534409355324436480">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Coach B: The aforementioned play was one that ended up being a 29-yard pass play to <span>Hunter Henry</span></p>
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/534409840303427584">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>That's good football right there. Big blocks and big tight end passes. it's amazing what happened when the tight ends were targeted so much more frequently, isn't it?</p>
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<p>Coach B: We might re-named by call-in radio show to The Sebastian Tretola Show.</p>
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/534410422955167744">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Done and done.</p>
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<p>Bielema said he told his players on Thursday "you've earned the right to win this game." Usually says earned right to play in this game</p>
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMurphyADG/status/534410641369341952">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Note to self: let's just say this every week. "To win" seems to work better than "to play".</p>
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<p>Coach B: The win helps with recruiting, national respect and awareness of the program</p>
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/534411312453804032">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Woo hoo!</p>
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<p>Coach B: We didn't miss a beat when <span>Josh Liddell</span> came in for <span>Rohan Gaines</span>, who was ejected. Had 1 bust. Prepared-Clay Jennings had him ready</p>
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/534412238371569664">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Coach B: Gaines will have to sit out first half of the Ole Miss game because of the ejection.</p>
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/534412655918731264">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Awesome that Liddell played well. There was a lot of concern about what would happen when Gaines had to leave.</p>
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<p>BB on Rebs def: I think they are opportunistic. Number 9 is a very intelligent player. Have to be very good with football.</p>
— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/534411065279643648">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Been afraid of their defense all year. Concerning they've essentially had two bye weeks coming into the game.</p>
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<p>BB: got a text from commissioner Slive congratulating us on our first win.</p>
— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/534411831851630593">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Awwwwww</p>
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<p>Bielema: Calls DC Robb Smith a "hidden commodity" when hired. Knew Rutgers was trying to hire him back. Has interesting tackling philosophy</p>
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMurphyADG/status/534414308684226560">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>The tackling philosophy of Robb Smith was discussed at 3:30 a.m. in hotel room. Security had to come up to ask them to keep it down</p>
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomMurphyADG/status/534414442323116035">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>I need to know more about this 3:30 am tackling discussion. Were they enacting tackling in the room? Is that what was so loud someone called security on them? I need more details.</p>
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<p>BB on Smith: I think you hire good coaches. Probably should have saved some of the articles you guys wrote on "who is this guy?"</p>
— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/534413105426870272">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="http://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/2/8/5393656/robb-smith-named-arkansas-defensive-coordinator-razorbacks-new-coach-bret-bielema" target="_blank">Here's our post on his hiring</a>. I'm especially proud of the lines "Not going to pretend he's the people's choice. Fans don't seem particularly excited by him." Both Ryan Higgins and Josh Goforth had nice pieces on him last winter, however.</p>
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<p>BB on Smith: he has a philosophy he believes in and doesn't waiver from it. It has been a lot of fun.</p>
— Razorback Nation (@RazNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazNation/status/534414104501690368">November 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Tons of fun! So much fun fans are ready to give him a nice raise and extension. Bielema was able to hold on to Sam Pittman a couple years ago after making it clear part of his attraction to Arkansas was having the money to keep his assistants. Seems safe to say Arkansas should do what it takes to keep Smith, and losing him to anything other than a head coaching position or the NFL would be a huge disappointment.</p>
<p>WILL MUSCHAMP IS AVAILABLE, EVERYONE ELSE. LEAVE ROBB SMITH ALONE</p>
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https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/17/7234907/bret-bielema-press-conference-tweetcap-november-17thDoc Harper2014-11-17T10:20:03-06:002014-11-17T10:20:03-06:00Finally, A New Chapter
<figure>
<img alt="That's a good sign, right there." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tX03A6ernvaIfEojpLwtLnOuDso=/1900x460:3630x1613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44168086/20141115_gma_bv1_281.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>That's a good sign, right there. | Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Saturday night was a moment significant to this state in far reaching ways. And it was the beginning of a new chapter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Really, what’s there left to say? Doc, Adam and Trent covered it perfectly, <a href="http://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/15/7227947/arkansas-razorbacks-17-lsu-tigers-0-finally-1-0">here</a>, <a href="http://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/16/7228183/box-score-breakdown-a-time-to-win">here</a> and <a href="http://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/16/7229975/feel-the-rhythm-lsu">here</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will say this – Don’t know what it feels like to be adrift on the open ocean, to be lost on foot in a vast desert. But with all due respect to anyone who has (and with the reminder that is just sports analogy), I imagine Saturday night felt something like that first drink of water.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On an emotional, even something of a spiritual level, the Hogs’ 17-0 jawbreaker to the face of Mike the Tiger was one that will live on in the annals of Razorback lore.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was thorough, it was fun, and it was no fluke.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Funny how three of our most historically satisfying wins -- and the only ones to result in a field rush -- had nothing riding on them that could be easily discernible to anyone outside of the Razorback family:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>1981 – the Hogs, coming off a shocking loss to then lowly TCU, crush No. 1 Texas in Fayetteville, and do it in a 42-11 rout that perhaps wasn’t as close as the score indicates.</span></li>
<li><span>1999 – Stoerner to Lucas to Redemption. Family members will of course need no further explanation.</span></li>
<li><span>And now, 2014 – The hump is cleared. Release. Validation. </span></li>
</ul>
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<p>To say the unfolding of events in the fourth quarter was satisfying would be to apply new meaning to the term "understatement."</p>
<p>LSU fans, pundits (and coaches) will bemoan their fate: "We gave it to ‘em, we stink," they’ll say and I’m sure are thinking still.</p>
<p>And that’s to be expected, I suppose. This certainly is not a vintage LSU team. But it was a team ranked 17th in the nation (17 was a significant number Saturday), and like much of its conference brethren would be a contender if not runaway champ in any other league. I firmly believe that.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, did Arkansas benefit from the open week while the Tigers were forced to recover on the fly from a physically and emotionally exhausting home OT loss to Bama? Sure. But hey…welcome to the life in the SEC, Tiger fans. Excuses are for losers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the first time in what seems like a bizarre parallel universe ago, <i>we’re not SEC losers</i>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And welcome, SEC, to the new Arkansas Defense (the capitalization has been earned like a Medal of Honor on the battlefield). Seriously, 123 total yards? 36 rushing yards? If Robb Smith doesn’t win the Broyles Award…(of course, I could name 3 or 4 on staff who are deserving.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These guys don’t look like the same players. I’ll roll with Ellis and Spaight all night long, and the DBs….oh that wonderfully gritty and tenacious secondary. <span>Jared Collins</span> looked like he’s ready to play on Sundays. <span> </span>And what can you say about the D-line? Jennings was under pressure all night long, whether we sent extra bodies or not, and by the fourth quarter he seemed ready to pack his bags for home. Well done, <span>Trey Flowers</span> & Co.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The offense was up against what remains a fairly stout defense, let’s remember, but it was efficient and smart. And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">clutch</i>. Third and 8? Why not? I’m now less nervous on third and long than I am on third and 2.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My hat is tipped to <span>Brandon Allen</span>, whose bad night in Starkville two weeks ago seemed only to strengthen his resolve. Is he the "answer" at QB? Well, right now, yeah, he is. That young man is tough, physically and otherwise. As much as any individual player, he deserved Saturday night. Drink it in, BA.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And Jim Chaney, whose play calling admittedly has elicited exasperation….well done.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Hunter Henry</span> and AJ Derby – not to mention <span>Jeremy Sprinkle</span> -- are matchup nightmares, and we took advantage. (And Jared Cornelius is a star in the making.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Special teams play seems to have recovered nicely from a midseason hiccup – I could even imagine Cornelius taking one back. The kickoff strategy, by the way, was brilliant.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Transcending the physical on Saturday night at Razorback Stadium, however, was a team and a fan base that had bonded through adversity, perseverance and affection.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If there’s a connection stronger than the one between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arkansasfight.com/">Arkansas Razorbacks</a> and the students of the UofA and the people of this state, I’d like to know whose it is. That connection was on full display after the offense lined up in Victory formation and the final seconds ticked away. A raucous, vocal 70,000 that braved the cold and thrived in it helped pull their team across the finish line.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a night of lasting images: the LSU player giving the double fisted bird to the east stands; the Hog fan walking in behind his tiger tail-adorned wife with a sign that read "House Divided"; <span>Dan Skipper</span> drumming to the crescendo of "In the Air Tonight" during pre-game warmups; sadly (and perhaps more than a little nitpickingly), the pre- and in-game scoreboard promotion that listed "LSU-Arkansas" instead of the other way around, much like we’ve allowed Bama to be "UA" in our own stadium…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And of course, Victory formation itself. Players sprinting across the field to claim the Boot like kids welcoming back a parent from deployment; fans basking in euphoria after the outcome became readily apparent, then joining players on the field, one community huddled around and clinging to the Boot in a scene reminiscent of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Divorce">CS Lewis’ vision of Heaven in The Great Divorce</a>….</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a football team improving its record to 5-5, but it was a moment significant to this state in far reaching ways. And it was the beginning of a new chapter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next week.</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2014/11/17/7230261/arkansas-defeats-lsu-finally-a-new-chapterMark Carter