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SEC Classic Ends In Another Arkansas Loss

Last updated Saturday, December 2, 2006 11:21 PM CST
in Razorback Central

By Alex Abrams
The Morning News

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ATLANTA -- Arkansas offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn removed his red visor, glanced back at the celebration under way and kept on walking.

Quarterback Casey Dick, meanwhile, didn't bother taking off his helmet on his way past the flying silver confetti and dancing Florida players behind him. Several of his teammates did the same.

Saturday's Southeastern Conference Championship game in front of a crowd of 73,374 proved to be an instant classic. But for the No. 8 Razorbacks, it ended in another emotional loss that included too many missed opportunities for an injured Darren McFadden to overcome.

Arkansas (10-3, 7-2 SEC) came to Atlanta hoping to win its first SEC championship in its third appearance in the conference title game. But instead the players strolled out of the Georgia Dome as the No. 4 Gators celebrated a 38-28 win and a potential trip to the national championship game.

"Somebody has to win. Somebody has to lose," Arkansas wide receiver Marcus Monk said. "Unfortunately, we lost."

Arkansas and Florida (12-1, 8-1) went back and forth throughout much of the night, running trick plays, taking advantage of each other's mistakes and trading the momentum throughout a second half that saw the two teams combine to score 42 points.

The game included everything from Arkansas defensive end Antwain Robinson returning an interception 40 yards for a touchdown to three players who aren't quarterbacks throwing touchdown passes.

The Razorbacks erased a 17-point first-half lead, only to let the Gators build most of it back up thanks to a muffed punt by Reggie Fish that led to a touchdown and a few more miscues down the stretch.

"Just a couple of mistakes here and there would have changed the outcome of the game," Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson said.

As a result, Arkansas again came up on the losing end against Florida in the SEC Championship Game. In 1995, the Gators cruised to a 34-3 in the most lopsided win in the history of the title game.

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt also lost 30-3 to Georgia in his only other appearance in the SEC Championship in 2002. This one was much closer than the previous two blowouts.

"The first time we came here (in 2002), I just felt like we were just glad to be here," Nutt said. "(But) we came to win the (SEC) trophy. Our guys came to win the trophy, and it wasn't 30-3 in the years past.

"The last two times Arkansas has played here, it wasn't a ball game. It was a real ball game tonight."

The Razorbacks were hoping to be crowned the SEC champions and earn the chance to play in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3. But instead they'll have to wait until later today to find out where they'll be playing on New Year's Day.

They could either earn an invite to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando or the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

"I just think this team deserves the best, the best available because they deserve it -- Jan. 1" Nutt said. "A Jan. 1 bowl, they deserve it."

Florida, meanwhile, entered Saturday with the hopes of improving its standing in the national championship race. And the Gators made a strong case, especially after UCLA's 13-9 win over previously No. 2 Southern California.

Freshman Percy Harvin, the game's most valuable player, gained a total of 167 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Chris Leak finally gave something to silence his critics by winning his first SEC title on 16 of 30 passing for 189 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

And most importantly, Florida's defense held McFadden to just 73 yards and no touchdowns on 21 carries.

McFadden, who could be in New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist a week from Saturday, was slowed down by an injured ankle suffered when he was dragged to the ground following an 8-yard catch early in the second quarter.

"I wasn't going to use it as an excuse ..., but ya'll know Darren McFadden wasn't the same from the first quarter on," Nutt said.

But it won't make what happened Saturday any easier for him and the rest of the Razorbacks to handle.



Reader Comments (35 comment(s))


The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

HogFan, Mistakes, Mistakes, Mistakes, Mistakes wrote on Dec 2, 2006 11:55 PM:

" Hogs make too many mistakes, mistakes, mistakes and focus on the wrong gameplan, instead of passing and keeping the Gators offguard, Nutt and the great coaching staff decide to run the ball for the first 20 plays, which leads to another RB gets hurt in Atlanta, Hill/DMac. Clearly a very conservative gameplan and one that did not fool anyone. His special teams were terrible again and the kicking game with Davis/Skinner, what can I say? Halftime should have been 10-10. Then we catch the ball in the endzone and let Florida have an easy TD!!!!!! Again a very sad day for the Hogs and the UofA.....very disappointing!!!!! However, we have a hard time in prime time and going to the SEC Championship game, 0-3!!!!!! However, I am sure that a lot of you fans really enjoyed the game and were just glad to be in Atlanta. I know we had a great season? We will be better next year.........we were not the same team without Peyton!! I have Houston all the credit. "

gurdonark wrote on Dec 3, 2006 2:33 AM:

" The Razorbacks' season showed improvement in all the ways that anyone could hope this season. I am impressed that Coach Nutt made the adjustments and offense changes this year after two years in the wilderness. I feel badly for Mr. Fish, whose error shifted the momentum so decisively. I think it is very important for the Razobacks to win their bowl game, for recruting purposes. I am glad to see that Arkansas will once again be a good place for an offensive player to go, and not merely a school for in-state stars and would-be linebackers. "

NCHogfan wrote on Dec 3, 2006 6:20 AM:

" They had a great season, in the title hunt for both the conference and nation. It could have been so much better. I suspect Hillis is going to leave the team, I have NEVER heard of a thigh bruse lingering this long to keep a player out. The offense clearly missed him and the lack of a vertical passing game. Last night the coaches or players had more faith in D. Mack throwing long than in Dick throwing down the field. Next year will be better. "

Comma wrote on Dec 3, 2006 7:08 AM:

" 3 Reasons we lost. 3)Special Teams! 2)DMAC slowed and Peyton Hillis injured. 1)Nutt so quick to pull Mustain against S. CAR and refusing to go to him when Dick is struggling - because Mustain is one of Malzahn's boys. You've got to have a passing threat to win the big games and Dick does not deliver. The touchdown pass before the half was underthrown by 10 yards allowing Monk to catch it after being held the entire time of the ball flight. Yes, even the TD pass was way off the mark. "

Good point...... wrote on Dec 3, 2006 8:03 AM:

" Casey is a fine young man, but has the arm strength of my high school freshman. He underthrew most of his passes. Monk and the receivers have been open all year, but the ball is late or off target. Do we ever throw a pass where a receiver has to go get the ball!! "

hawgtime wrote on Dec 3, 2006 9:29 AM:

" exactly! Dick is a good player but Mitch is a little better than him at thia point AND has the "IT" factor. no matter how BAD he played in those 7 games he WON.... HE WON THEM. "

mumbles wrote on Dec 3, 2006 9:58 AM:

" Its one thing to have the title of "Coach" and quite something else to BE a good coach. Folks, all we have is someone with the title. Look at Stoops at OU, lost his quarterback, lost his Heisman running back, and still gets his very young team to win. Thats a good coach. Why can't we get one, huh Frank? "

Loonatikjenn wrote on Dec 3, 2006 10:06 AM:

" I think the turning point was when Florida was successful on their fake punt on fourth and long. It was a stupid desperate call by the gators. If it had been stopped, which it should have been. Arkansas would have had the ball on the florida 30, and probaby scored again. Reggie Fish`s ill fated punt return would have not have happened. "

Freshman answer call for Florida wrote on Dec 3, 2006 10:35 AM:

" Houston, where were our freshman like Florida? we knew that the freshman was going to get the ball....Reggie, where was your defense. Chris Houston is not ready for the NFL, you better talk to the young man. This team needs to return everyone..... Also, I have just learned that Arkansas will not be offered a bid to the Capital One Bowl....what an insult. Howevew, I would rather go to Texas and the Cotton Bowl. "

RazorRik wrote on Dec 3, 2006 10:54 AM:

" It's the same old song and dance, from 10-1 to 10-3 in 8 days. Almost every year in which the Hogs are doing ok thru the season ends up one of three ways in the last games: 0-3, 0-2, or 1-2. It's pretty much been this way for the last 25 yrs or so, even in the old SWC days, but it's all you can expect when you have the worst head coach in the SEC. You know you're in trouble when a first year division 1 asst. coach (Malzahn) is better than your head coach. Do you suppose Nutt's IQ even reaches 100? Maybe not, but his ego sure does. He would rather lose than let a true offensive minded coach actually take 100% control of the offense, especially when he probably feels that hiring Malzahn was forced upon him. It's hard to believe that Nutt was actully a QB in his younger days. His evalutation of QB's is so bad it borders on pure ignorance. Thank God he's not a brain surgeon (like that could ever happen). How bad does Dick have to be before Nutt lets Mustain take over at QB? Apparently even worse than he already is (at this point, feel free to retch). Any armchair QB can see that Dick ain't got what it takes. He is mediocre at best -- at best! -- and mediocrity won't win the big ones in the SEC, not ever. "

Mike the Tiger wrote on Dec 3, 2006 11:03 AM:

" Your pigs need to learn how to win a big game. Nutt and the pigs perform well against sorry non-conference opponents and has been Mississippi State football programs, however, when facing a traditional upper level program, you all choke. I see a replay of the 1995 meltdown where you guys are rolling, lose to LSU, lose to Florida and then North Carolina embarasses you all and the pigs fall out of the rankings. I do not enjoy dwelling in this muddle of your team, however, the disrespect that the pig fans have shown to LSU befor and after our victory in the hallowed groung of LR makes me gloat. I have listened to excuses- we did not beat you, the superior team, you all always beat your self. Win an SEC title and I might give this average program some credit! "

RazorRik wrote on Dec 3, 2006 11:15 AM:

" To Mike the Tiger: It's hard to argue with your point, but you and all LSU fans have got to love Houston Nutt. In 8 days time he was able to get your team into the Sugar Bowl (providing Florida gets the championship bid they deserve). Congratulations on having the best coach that ain't really yours (but we'd be glad to give him to you). "

basshawg wrote on Dec 3, 2006 11:18 AM:

" It's not the players...it's the Nutts. Meyer rebuilt Fla. in Two years. Took Stoops 2 at Ok....Houston's working on 9....We are always outcoached in big games....period. And we have gotten so used to losing that we are willing to accept mediocrity. Not at $1.3 mill....let's go get a real coach and give our boys a chance. "

Mike the Tiger wrote on Dec 3, 2006 12:02 PM:

" To RazorRick: Thanks- we will keep hoping Saban returns! Butch Davis would be perfect for UA, however, Gov. Broyles wants a yas sir boy. However, the hogs did much better- but the state deserves more! Geaux Tigers "

Not So Quick To Blame wrote on Dec 3, 2006 12:16 PM:

" Maybe someone should check with the medical personnel regarding a quarterback that hurt his shoulder by horseing around with his roommate prior to the USC (east) game. Rotator cuff or shoulder injuries make it difficult to throw effectively. "

Defense-YES! wrote on Dec 3, 2006 2:58 PM:

" You're kidding, huh? Defense kept us in the game. Great coaching job and thanks to all the players who stepped it up when injuries gave them their chance. It was an excellant game and the fans who were there ALL seemed to be having a grand time. I, for one, want to thank the coaches and players for giving me more than my $$$ worth this season. No matter where our bowl game takes us my family and I will be there. Go Hogs! "

texhog wrote on Dec 3, 2006 3:23 PM:

" Headline: Broyles Retires, Nutt gets Desk Job, Gus fills Head Coaching Slot "

Bowl game??? wrote on Dec 3, 2006 4:01 PM:

" Even though some people are spreading rumors, I find it hard to believe that the Capital One Bowl would not offer Arkansas at this point. I'm gonna need to see some proof on that one. Who in their right mind wants to go back again to the Cotton Bowl? I would take the Outback Bowl before I would the Cotton Bowl again. But to be honest, I'm sick of hearing about Big 10 superiority this yr.. Yada ..yada..yada.. Michigan and OSU are better than everyone else, etc.. etc.. Of course they're better that everyone else in November. They only played like 3 tough games all year, they're healthier than everyone else also. I think Florida will give OSU a good game, they have the kind of offense that can score with them, and they have a quick enough defense to make some plays on that side of the ball. As for Arkansas, I'm sure their speed will be able to keep them in the game against that passing offense of Wisconsin, and Orlando is a much funner trip than Dallas, so I would take that in a minute over boring ole Dallas. I mean what's their to do in Dallas other than the game, atleast in Orlando you got Disney, Sea World, Universal, you can make a week of it there. "

Not So Quick To Blame wrote on Dec 3, 2006 5:45 PM:

" As I mentioned, maybe someone should check on a certain quarterback's ability to throw. It is very likely that he cannot throw effectively after roughhousing with his roommate before the South Carolina game. His shoulder (rotator cuff??) might not allow him to execute the passing part of the game if he did come into the game. Sometimes, things are not as they appear to be and the answer is not apparent. "

Capital One Bowl wrote on Dec 3, 2006 6:15 PM:

" Excellent....Hogs headed to Capital One Bowl!!!!!! This is very positive!!!!!!! Go Hogs Go... "

mumbles wrote on Dec 3, 2006 6:33 PM:

" OK Not So Quick, tell us all about MMs shoulder. And by the way, I don't think a QB change is the answer. Need to sub a little higher up. "

hogfan in texas wrote on Dec 3, 2006 7:02 PM:

" The Stoops comment was hilarious. Yes, OU lost the QB before the season and Peterson early in the season. But, OU didn't win because Stoops is some genius. OU won because they have Texas Tech, Baylor, Colorado, Nebraska, A&M, Missouri, Iowa St., etc. on the schedule. A question for Mike the Tiger: you argued that Arkansas didn't win a big game this year. What big game did LSU win? Florida? Nope. Auburn? Nope. Your team was second-best in the SEC West. Congrats!!! "

mumbles wrote on Dec 3, 2006 8:05 PM:

" Hey hogfan in texas, I'm glad I amused you. Never said Stoops was a genius, don't really know alot about him but every commentator on TV seems to think he did a heck of a job with what he had, but I guess you know more than they do. I think I remember seeing 5 or 6 "doormats" on the Hogs schedule too. "

okiehawg wrote on Dec 3, 2006 8:55 PM:

" When, oh when is James Shiebest going to be relieved of his Special Teams coach duties? Four plays decided this game: Missed field goal, blocked punt, successful fake punt run against them, punt returner trying to field the ball on the 3 yard. That's the difference in the ballgame in a nutshell right there folks. "

Bowl Game wrote on Dec 4, 2006 8:29 AM:

" Nutt should be fired! One reason D Mac has been so successful is the threat of the pass. When you have NO PASSING GAME and MM sitting on the sidelines, well you have a loss to LSU and FL! Nutt needs to let Malzahn coach!! I know with Mitch playing, we could at least bring back the threat of the pass. I am not taking anything away from D Mac...he's awesome!! We love the hogs, but can't tolerate the coaching!!! "

Mike the Tiger wrote on Dec 4, 2006 8:45 AM:

" Hey hog fan in Texas, who did you all beat- Auburn, that is it. What was your top 10 record this year? I believe we did better in that category. I think we beat you all in LR, also? Win a big game when it counts and then talk noise. Do you know the overall series record between the Tigers and pigs? Do you all know how it feels to play in a BCS bowl? I guess you can take pride in the SEC West title, that will be all that you pigs can have after Wisconsin beats you all in a clutch game, and 1995 ringing any bells????????????? "

Mike the Tiger wrote on Dec 4, 2006 8:59 AM:

" Hog fan in Texas- Do you know where we are this year for the post-season- that is correct, again, in a BCS Bowl. Take pride in a tainted SEC West title after losing to second place LSU and then Florida! I will be thinking of you while sipping drinks in New Orleans playing in our third BCS bowl in the last six years. Again, have you all been to the BCS? "

Hogfan in Texas wrote on Dec 4, 2006 9:50 AM:

" Other than money-- which the SEC splits up among all 12 teams-- what is the difference between a non-title BCS bowl game and every other bowl game? The only bowl game that counts is the BCS championship game. The other bowls are nothing but an exhibition. If LSU had any other coach than Les Miles, the Tigers would be playing in the National Title game. LSU has incredible talent. I'm not doubting that. Going to the Sugar Bowl is an underachievement for that team. As for the "tainted" SEC West title, what was Arkansas' league record and what was LSU's? I'm not sure, but I'm fairly certain that LSU's record was worse than the Hogs. "

Hogfan in Texas wrote on Dec 4, 2006 9:53 AM:

" A few years ago, Mack Brown and Texas were down to Les Miles and Ok. State and Mack was very worried and then he looked across the field and was relieved. Why? Because Les Miles was on the other side!!! The Big 12 coaches were sad to see Les Miles go, because they knew he was a baffoon. How long before LSU fires Miles? "

Hogfan in Texas wrote on Dec 4, 2006 12:09 PM:

" Interesting- typical of a non-BCS team. The reason we have so much talent is because we go to BCS bowls. However, when you think Shreveport is a good place to go, I see your inferior view. Answer my question- what is the series record of LSU v Ark? Les Miles has won at least 10 games each two years. How many 10 win seasons do you all have in the last twenty? You all have the west title, what are we ranked? Compare schedules and you will see why we have 2 losses- one of your two is AGAINST LSU IS NOT IT? "

Mike the Tiger wrote on Dec 4, 2006 12:09 PM:

" Sorry- I was responding to Hogfan in Texas, the above is my post "

Hogfan in Texas wrote on Dec 4, 2006 6:02 PM:

" Mike the Tiger -- quit trying to be me and come on over from the dark side. :) LSU has a good program no doubt. Heck, La. HS football is a talent gold mine, but even you'll have to admit the Hogs are rising fast. I'm disappointed in going to the Citrus Bowl (I'll never call it the corporate sponsored game b/c I hate those TV commercials) but I'm glad to have 8 offensive starters (plus Felix Jones) and 8 defensive starters (please stay for 1 more year Chris Houston) coming back. I think the Razorbacks are going to win 2 more SEC West titles, an SEC title and a national championship over the next 2 years. Hey, I live in Austin, TX and I've heard LSU gumblings about Les Miles. It may be just me but he seems to have a little Gerry DiNardo in him. LSU will always have a good program, but for the next few years, LSU's place in the SEC will be behind Arkansas. "

BigHawg wrote on Dec 5, 2006 11:20 AM:

" Hey, Mike the Tiger, all the best for finishing 3rd in the West. Yes, that is right, 3rd!!!!!!!!!! I will agree that you got the breaks this year, but wait till JR leaves. I can't wait!!! Also, best of luck in the Sugar Bowl. You will be able to drive your Van to New Orleans. I know that you will enjoy the hour ride. Go Hogs....... "

the Mighty GATOR wrote on Dec 5, 2006 11:47 AM:

" Life is good, isn't it? Be careful what ya'll wish for, could always be worse, instead of better. Spurrier always drove us nuts with his coaching decisions, and we lost some big games because of him. But, then, we got Ron Zook, and things got WORSE! Even Meyer gives us headaches - all that talent and an offense condenses the field and slows down the play. Seems like every game we played this year was a close game, that could have gone either way. Anyway, I think the Capital One Bowl will be a great game, and I sure hope the the Hogs can put a knot on Wisconsin. Y'all came damn close back in 98-99 Citrus Bowl against Michigan. I was at that game, and I intend on being at this year's game, too. Mainly because I can't afford the mega $$$$ for the National Championship game. I really enjoyed tailgating with the other Hog fans, the ones I met were good people. "

BigHawg wrote on Dec 5, 2006 2:03 PM:

" To the Mighty GATOR, GATOR and the GATOR Nation, I also enjoyed the game except for the major mistakes, but all in all, Florida deserved the win in the SEC CG!!!! The gators came to play and your speed is deadly....all the best and bring back the NC for the SEC!!!!! Go Gators, Go Hogs and GO SEC teams!!!! "


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