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Kentucky 41, Arkansas 29

Demoralizing In Every Way

Last updated Saturday, September 22, 2007 11:28 PM CDT
in Razorback Central

By Alex Abrams
THE MORNING NEWS

FAYETTEVILLE -- As the final seconds ticked off another missed opportunity late Saturday night, thousands of disgruntled Arkansas fans let their frustrations be heard.

They booed as the players walked off the field, their heads down following a second consecutive heartbreaker that could have gone in their favor.

The fans also booed Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, who is undeniably back on the hot seat following a 42-29 loss to No. 21 Kentucky in front of an announced crowd of 74,015 in Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Some fans could even be heard calling for Nutt's job, and their boos didn't miss their intended target.

"I heard them. I've been booed before right here. It's all right," Nutt said, looking clearly frustrated afterward. "If that's what they want to do, it's all right. They paid their ticket, so they can do that."

A season that began with high expectations and a No. 21 ranking devolved even further for the Razorbacks (1-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference), who are off to their worst start since the 2005 season.

Arkansas blew a 10-0 lead, failed to capitalize on several Kentucky mistakes, and for the second consecutive week, couldn't get a late defensive stop to preserve a win.

"We went out there and stopped ourselves again. I feel like we had the game won, and all we had to do was just keep it on them," Arkansas running back Darren McFadden said. "We had our foot on their neck."

So did the Razorbacks simply shoot themselves in the foot with too many careless mistakes?

"I think we blew our foot off," Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs said.

Statistically, the Razorbacks were the more dominant team.

McFadden and fellow running back Felix Jones combined to rush for 306 yards and one touchdown -- despite suffering from heat exhaustion that caused Jones to vomit and McFadden to need intravenous fluids at the end of the first half.

Arkansas outgained Kentucky's high-powered offense in total yardage 495-435 and held the football for nearly 10 minutes longer. But the Wildcats (4-0, 1-0 SEC) scored three touchdowns over the final eight minutes to leave the Razorbacks bewildered.

Afterward, Nutt told his players to ignore the criticism that will certainly come after blowing a 29-21 lead with 11 minutes, 40 seconds remaining.

"I told them they've got to hang in there. It's going to be tough right now. They'll hear a lot of negativity," Nutt said. "I told them, 'Hey, just blame it on me.' And just go forward."

The loss dropped Arkansas into a 0-2 hole in the SEC with games against Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU still on the schedule.

For the time being, though, the Razorbacks talked about Saturday's loss as if it were a wakeup call and a character-builder rolled in one.

"We don't know what's going on with SEC titles, but we're going to see this week who really wants to be a part of the team," Arkansas running back Michael Smith said.

Making matters worse, Arkansas wide receiver Crosby Tuck will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his right elbow. It was another tough blow for a team whose confidence was already shaken following last week's 41-38 loss at Alabama.

McFadden missed the final minutes of the first half, as Arkansas athletic trainers Dean Weber and Eric Linson examined him on the sideline.

McFadden walked to the locker room with 1:28 remaining in the first half, and he didn't return until four minutes into the second half. He was certainly missed. The crowd roared upon his return.

Smith helped fill in late in the first half during McFadden's absence, and he fumbled the ball as Arkansas tried driving downfield to add another score.

Kentucky cornerback Trevard Lindley scooped up the football and returned it 66 yards to cut Arkansas' lead to 20-14 at halftime.

The Razorbacks missed several opportunities to add to their lead and possibly put the game away. They settled for a field goal early in the second quarter after a 73-yard run by Jones gave them first-and-goal at the 6-yard line.

Arkansas also came up empty when it recovered a fumbled kickoff return at the Kentucky 36 with around 11 minutes left in the first half.

"We had plenty of opportunities to beat Kentucky tonight. As an offense, we couldn't capitalize," Luigs said. "We couldn't roll the 6s (touchdowns) that we like to (and) had to settle for field goals.

"You can't win football games like that in this conference."

And so far, they haven't.



Reader Comments (53 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.

Dallashogfan wrote on Sep 23, 2007 1:32 AM:

" Show some class. Sure there were mistakes made, but the players played their hearts out. We did a lot of good things out there against a good Kentucky team. Hopefully, we will see all the players and coaches get on the same page and start winning some games. Go Hogs! "

hog wild wrote on Sep 23, 2007 2:43 AM:

" Please, lets spread out the blame. Yes, HDN is ultimately to blame, however, we have a few others to blame as well. Reggie Herrings defense is largely to blame. Our pass protection is horrible. Lee's play calling did not lose this game. I'm not saying we don't need some changes w/our head coach and I'm not saying we do. I will say we have the best two backs in the country and we're losing. Our QB is horrible, not to mention our receivers. When they do catch a pass it is due to their own effort as casey hasn't hit the blind side of a cow all year. I would like to see Nathan out their. In defense we are missing a couple key factors in our offense...Ben C. and Marcus Monk. Ultimately, I'm going to say our defense has lost the past two games! "

hog wild wrote on Sep 23, 2007 2:45 AM:

" Yes, I should have proof read my commengts better...but its late "

clucknot wrote on Sep 23, 2007 4:21 AM:

" I wonder if Kentucky gave Dick the game ball... "

12247 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:58 AM:

" We won the time of possession by 9 minutes, we rushed for 338, we led by 8 in the fourth, our Heisman hopeful racked 173 and a TD, all things necessary to win. Oops, we couldn't pass a lick. We gained 373 in 1st. half, Ky. only 131. We gained 122 in 2nd., Ky. 296, zero half time adjustments. Scored 1 offensive TD with best runners in Nation. Kentucky came to town and explained why you need a passing game to compete in football. Anyone with a brain larger than a golf ball surely can now see why. Nutt told his players to just blame him, as if there was someone else to blame. Nutt chose his coaches, handpicked his OC, approved the formations and picked the plays, the blame is 100 percent his. A team probably no better than 6th. in the SEC handed us our hat AT HOME with a credible passing attack and enough running to show some balance. I feel really bad for the players, they deserve better. Nutt picked Lee because he knew he could run over him, now let him pay the price for his arrogrance. This situation is actually worse than I thought it would be and I knew in January it would be bad. I was thinking 8-4 back then, now I'm thinking 4-8. "

BCR wrote on Sep 23, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Our problem is simple. We have a good defense, a mediocre offense that depends entirely on the talents of two strong running backs. Every opponent knows that if they can stop McFadden, they'll win the game. We have a QB that can't run or complete two passes in a row. What's worse is we don't have a back-up with any better talent. "

bubba72704 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 9:15 AM:

" I agree with BCR... if our offense could have made two or three more first downs in the fourth quarter we would have won the game. To 12247's point, Kentucky's halftime adjustments were effective. Ours, if we even made any, werent. Kentucky ran 51 plays in the 2nd half while Arkansas ran only 28. No wonder our defense was so gassed. If our offense could just be a little more consistent maybe our defense wouldn't be put in such a bad position. Just a sincere opinion. "

chiefrazor1 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 9:17 AM:

" I hate to hear that Tuck is out, he looked like he could have been a very good player at some point. At the end of the day, Nutt's probably going to have to go. The negativity created by some, probably has more to do with it than Nutt, but its over now.. "

Swinehunt wrote on Sep 23, 2007 9:17 AM:

" All of you posters know that I have been a staunch Nutt supporter thru all things. I do not hate anyone----but I have the "guts" to change my position. IT IS NOW TIME to remove coach Nutt and spend the money it takes to hire a top-tier coach. All I need to say is the Hogs have lost five of the last games. That is UNACEPTABLE! "

Swinehunt wrote on Sep 23, 2007 9:20 AM:

" That is "five of the last six games" "

Bighog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 9:40 AM:

" Most of these posters historically offer little objective insight, rarely providing insight based upon knowledgeable experience of D1A foooootball ... however, as a fan and former player and a backer of the Razorback Program I'd have to agree that UNLESS Coach Herring (with whom much of the blame for this season's poor start should rest) and Coach Nutt can turn it around and win ALL of their remaining regular season games - then it's time to replace them as leaders of the football program. Vicious attacks upon them as person's and coach's will escalate, and the mindless hate typically experienced in 3rd world countries will have so galvinized against them, coaching at Arkansas will prove impossible. Yet, if the team is able to untrack, stop the mental errors, and produce at the high level required to win in the SEC, winning against UT, USC, AU, LSU, etc., then they should remain at the helm. It is rather sickening to observe the crass comments aimed at the kids though ... student/athletes (18-21 yr olds) SHOULD NOT have to endure hateful diatribes (like Robert Johnson and Reggie Fish did last year)! All the little mitch lovers should agree, and not demonstrate a level of hypocrisy currently seen in their berating of Casey Dick - who threw on 1st, 2nd, 3rd downs - who hit open receivers who dropped the ball for the 2nd straight game - who made good checks at the line, etc. Grow UP! "

reddog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 10:02 AM:

" Big Hog I'm a BIG MITCH lover and 8-0 has a starter should say something for the kid. Frank is getting everything he desiveres on his retirement for hiring this cat.... Now we know why they don't play ARK State NEVER NEVER coach in your home town...... "

chattycat wrote on Sep 23, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Yep...as time goes on we are reaping the benefits of our excellent coaching staff...hope mitch and damian are laughing their tails off in CA! "

12247 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 11:07 AM:

" How about lets don't berate the players that stayed or the ones that left. Little Mitch as he is referred to here left because he knew Nutt wouldn't play him and even if he did, he would get to throw 10 to 20 times per game, max. I never blamed the passing type skill people for leaving. They would always be second fiddle in Nutt's scheme, no matter how well they developed and development would be slow when you don't use the method. Remember, Casey was starting over 8 game winner Mitch the end of last year. At the expense of the team, Mitch was being taught to not berate the coach, period. By now surely the Nutt supporters can see the 10 wins last season was in spite of Nutt, not because of him. Defenses thought we might pass last year, now they pray we will. I truly believe Herring will improve this defense, but the offense is vintage Nutt. Last year Malzahn was the unknown factor, for 3 years before that, it was Matt Jones. Not even Jones knew what he would when the ball was snapped. Unless Casey can improve on his own, this offense has no place to go but down as we wear out the only thing we got, 5 and 25. We fans complain, but the real losers here are the players who give it all they got and lose. "

ac360 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 11:14 AM:

" Get it right Alex. The fans were booing Houston Nutt NOT the players. It's irresponsible to suggest such. Everyone in those stands are there because they love the Razorbacks and what they have stood for over the years. We love the players and know how hard they work to make the team better. Houston Nutt and his staff are a disgrace to this institution. It's time that you sport writers tell the truth and quit assuming the fan base dislikes the players. "

razorrod wrote on Sep 23, 2007 11:14 AM:

" "swinehunt" all I can say is welcome to the dark side. Glad to have you aboard. Unfortunately there are still too many that are giving Nutt the benefit of the doubt. Look on the bright side. Now that you expect HDN to not ever grow up, change his system, or put a better product on the field it doesn't hurt quite as bad when they screw it up. It still hurts, but you come to expect it. "

razorrod wrote on Sep 23, 2007 11:19 AM:

" "bighog" King of the huggers I guess I will call you. Your post started with bashing fans that have been sick of Nutt. You my friend are the one on here that was saying wait and see after KY and Bama. Guess what? I waited and I saw. You are the big d-1 experience guy on here. You make it a point of telling us everytime you criticize our posts. Who was more accurate about what would happen in both those games? OOPS I was right on both accounts. You want some objective insight. One offensive touchdown against Kentucky of all people. Thank heavens for d-mac and felix, or we probably lose by 30. One punt return for a td and one fumble return. Defense probably can't top a pass because they have never seen one in practice. "

razorrod wrote on Sep 23, 2007 11:21 AM:

" calling all huggers come in huggers calling "dfwhogfan" calling"hawgcowboy" calling "lrhog" come in huggers. Hey waiting on you guys to come tell me allllllllllllll the reasons we lost the last two games and how none of it is the head coaches fault. "

pulled_pork wrote on Sep 23, 2007 11:50 AM:

" Considering we will be in another mediocre bowl, and McFadden's chances of winning the Heisman go down after every game we blow in the fourth quarter, it only makes me look forward to basketball season. "

LRHog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Wow..the QB is bad. We cant do it with him. Maybe D-Mac could play QB the whole game? Dick is starting to make the interceptions during the first 8 games lastyear seem ok as long as m-mac could pull the game out. Now without C. Houston we are hurting. Can anyone else play QB? "

12247 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 12:45 PM:

" Let us remember that Houston went alllll the way to the big time to bring in our current OC, that after having made a biiiiiggggg mistake hiring highschool who could only help us to 10 wins last year. This OC is also the QB coach and as you can see, couldn't train an infant to mess its pants. If Nutt is a good coach like many posters believe, then Casey has to be execellent QB material. Remember, Nutt replaced a #1 national recruit with Casey. I won't set still and hear about my negativity being more harmful to the team than Nutt's coaching and play calling. This man has damaged player after player for near 10 years because he had not the ability to coach them anywhere near their potential. He was never the quality of coach necessary to produce at Arkansas. This all blowed up to the public when he MISLED, thats right, MISLED, Malzahn and several players as to what is offensive intentions were. Heck, he misled us fans too. Even at the expense of losing everything, Houston Nutt was not going to share the spotlight with anyone, certianly not some fly by night highschool coach. It would trouble me to hammer Nutt so bad, but he had every opportunity to correct these mistakes and he thumbed his nose at every opportunity. He should be fired today for mismanagement, but we have no one to replace him. "

chattycat wrote on Sep 23, 2007 1:33 PM:

" I wasn't berating ANY player...only our coach...or lack therof. We have a lot of talent on the team. We just don't have anyone who can coach them! I feel for the players who gave all that they had the last couple of weeks, but are handed bad play calling. "Please football coach gods, give us a coach!" "

CO-Hog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 2:21 PM:

" I've checked this blog, as well as several others, and the majority of statements are exactly what the fans booed and shouted at the game last night: "Fire Nutt!" There are also postings that try to detract from the reality of this already lost season, who blame those who criticize Nutt as being the problem rather than accepting any other possibility. Hogs will be 5-3 going into November, and all those Nutt lovers will proclaim "see HDN can coach; we're going to a bowl; watch out LSU; blah, blah, blah ...". Come November however Hogs still have to play South Carolina, Tennessee, Miss State, and LSU. Hogs will lose at least three of those last four games and finish, at best, at 7-5. Those same Nutt lovers will then proclaim how wonderful it is the hogs are going to Shreveport or Las Vegas for a bowl. Those bowls are acceptable if you're Kansas or Colorado State. They should be unacceptable to a team and a state that deserves better. I'm sure Broyles won't fire Nutt before he leaves. Come 2008 however there will be a new coach at UofA. "

NEW TULSA FAN wrote on Sep 23, 2007 2:21 PM:

" Yes, after 50 years of being a devoted fan, I now have Tulsa season tickets (actually I've still a fan of the Arkansas players, just not the coach). Yes, I'm from Springdale. I couldn't stomach what the Huckster did to Malsahn so I followed Malsahn to Tulsa. Of course, I have it on good authority that the hurry up no huddle offense will not work in Division One. The BYU coach might disagree and Stoops might also since Tulsa was still worrying him in the third quarter. Tulsa average 22 yards a pass against BYU and 15 against OU and still managed to run the ball a decent amount of times (unfortunately TU doesn't have a DMac or a Felix). Yeah, Oklahoma destoyed TU in the end but Tulsa doesn't have the athletes of OU or even Arkansas. I keep wondering what Malzahn could have done at Arkansas if the Huckster would have turned him loose. I think the Huckster with the Truckster (ever see the movie Vacation) should have read the blasted book. "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 3:39 PM:

" First off, I am no Nutt lover, just check my previous posts and you will see that. Any coach that feels that he not only is larger than the program but feels that he is the program is a problem. I will try to not bring up things like the Mustain situation, Tavaris Jackson, etc. etc. etc. because that is water under the bridge and it can't and won't be changed. My heart does break for the awesome athletes, best that I have seen as a Razorback fan for 25 years. They play only on heart effort and hustle. Their technique develops somewhat but we get out gameplanned regularly. McFadden is the best athlete that has ever put the Red and White. We have more talent than either of the teams we have lost to, but the offensive system of being predictable by running the horses until they bust a big play on shear athletic ability does one major thing. It wears the horses down and it wears your own defense out. Everybody who wants to blame the defense needs to look at 2nd half time of possession. Those guys are gassed by he end of the game. Don't put to much blame on Casey, he is given a junior high game plan and Casey doesn't have the arm to overcome. Most of the "drops" yesterday were underthrown passes as well so ease up on the receivers. "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 3:50 PM:

" Bottom line is that we are getting what I expected. The University's decision last year to extend Nutt only told him "Job well done, take more control because we believe in what you are doing." I guess I don't even blame HDN, I do blame the powers that be for keeping him going into last season. That team with Butch Davis, may have won a National Championship. Razorback fans, that is not Hyperbole. Until we get an attitude/Athletic Director and therefore coaches, that want to be a competitor for National Championships and will come out and say thats what there here for, this is the best that we will get. We built the facilities that are competitive on a national level. We are getting the talent here to play for us, now we just need the coaches to close the loop. Go Hogs, I still have faith. "

razorsmaq wrote on Sep 23, 2007 4:27 PM:

" Casey Dick is a 20 year old kid who is not a D1 QB. That is not his fault! I am sure he is doing the very best he can with the talent and skills he possess. He also has a family who is also not at fault, who I am sure love their child very much. As a father who also has the kind criticism he has received. That being said, the responsibilty rests with one person and one person only, Houston Nutt. He recruited Casey, and he and his staff were responsible for developing him into a effective QB at the UofA. The problem is that Nutt has never developed a QB since his arrival at Ark. Joe Furgeson developed Clint Stoerner, and Matt Jones never fundementally got any beteer as a QB during his entire four years on the Hill. The responsibilty of the problems that exist falls into Nutts lap only (who is also responsible for hiring the assistant coach's that teach each position). After 9 seasons, it should now be readily apparent to everyone that this guy will never win an SEC championship. "

HawgCowboy wrote on Sep 23, 2007 4:57 PM:

" I say HOUSTON NUTT NEEDS TO BE FIRED. His gameplan to beat Kentucky was based on running over and over Darren McFadden.....and this just a week after Darren had the concussion against Alabama. As coach, you shouldn't fool around with the brain of one of your young running back players, because more damage on top of a concussion can lead to a serious longterm injury. If Nutt had any talent as a head coach, he would have devised a new gameplan that didn't almost totally depend on McFadden. If the Hogs practiced passing during the week, then they could complete more passes during the games. And our defense would defend better in games if they had more practice during the week against our own receivers. It's time for Nutt to go. We'll never be able to develop anywhere even close to a balanced attack with him as coach. NUTT NEEDS TO BE FIRED!! "

howard wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:15 PM:

" Any time you have the talented backfield we have, march down the field, get within 10 to 20 yards of scoring and throw on your next three downs. You get what you deserve. Nutt needs to put D Mac, Jones, and Hillis all in together and run it til they stop us. If they could stop us!!!!!!!!!! "

HawgCowboy wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:26 PM:

" FIRE NUTT! The Arkansas team is a case in point of a team that only practices passing a small amount of time in comparison to the time they spend practicing on the running plays. Then that team is in trouble when the time comes that only passing will keep you in the game, or even just running out the clock. It's not the players' fault (QB and receivers) that Nutt doesn't allow much time for practicing passing during the week. With Nutt nearly everything is about running and blocking, and as a result our opponents know what is coming...and they stop us even though we have the greatest college running back in America. Nutt is to blame 100% for our two losses this year with his predictable game plans. "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:31 PM:

" While I long for the days when we have another field general. I think we need to look back at the Stan Heath firing with the associated fiasco of finding and hiring a new coach. We need to go ahead with this year and hope for the best with the coach we have. Firing HDN now would not help the program. It would not be fair to a new coach to try to put into a system or modify what HDN has. That being said, Mr. Long has a job to at least begin putting together a short list just in case HDN gets an offer from a bigger school (tounge is firmly in cheek). I don't want an immediate fire after nine years he should coach the year out no matter how painful it is to us. After this year, McFadden will be a top 5 pick, Jones will be a Day 1 pick and Arkansas will have to really reload, although McFadden may be a once in a program type of athlete. The next coach will have to be really special. The future is really hazy right now. I guess my thing is I am going to try to block out HDN best I can so that I can enjoy McFadden. I suggest all do the same. Don't let the hatred of HDN obscure the joy of watching DMAC run. "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:34 PM:

" Now if DMac gets hurt...... "

12247 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:36 PM:

" Truth is, Casey Dick could improve with solid teaching and lots of practice. So would the rest of the team, o-linemen and receivers. These next 2 gimme games, we should make every effort to get a decent lead and then practice passing 50 throws each game if possible. We need 2 or 3 QBs involved. We need our great backs catching well thrown passes to get them out of harms way more often. I have preached for years about our middle school passing attack and our telegraphed running attack. Check it out, we rarely beat teams with equal or better talent than us. These 2 losses were done with coaching, not better talent. Go Nutt Go, right out the door today. "

CO-Hog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:38 PM:

" By the way, the New york Athletic Club has NEVER awarded the Heisman Trophy to a player in a losing program - thanks Houston. I'm sure the McFadden family thakns you too. "

razorrod wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:50 PM:

" "hawgcowboy" You and I have argued until we couldn't type on here anymore, but I am SO VERY GLAD TO SEE YOU HAVE FINALLY GIVEN UP ON HDN. Problem is we need all you guys that supported him and gave him more chances than I thought he deserved to rally with the rest of the darksiders. That is what it will take to get a new head coach. You would think after this week everyone would be on board with a firing, but there will still be some that blindly support hdn. Anyway. Good to have you aboard and wish you had been earlier. You are now though so that's what counts. We better have a new coach before the first game next year. "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:55 PM:

" We should have a new coach before the first day of next year, as in Jan 1 2008 "

kyborn wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:59 PM:

" Quarter back, why? Nutt all the time thought if he played Franks game, RUN RUN RUN RUN, then when Frank retired he would get the AD job to replace Frank. Now thats not gonna happen and Nutt should have the selfrespect and just resign now. Herring sould go as well. Let Lee or someone handle it to the end of the season, and in the meantime look for a good coaching staff for next year. What have we got to lose, we can't go on like this. GO HOGS "

CO-Hog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 6:29 PM:

" I wish so VERY much that HDN would have the decency to resign - like this week. He won't however, he likes that one million plus dollars way too much. He will wait till seasons' end and then he will resign just before being fired (Long will give him a choice, privately). It's a SERIOUS SHAME though when one man (excuse me while I laugh) puts himself ahead of the program he is/was supposed to be the care taker of. FIRE NUTT BROYLES - SHOW THE NATION YOU HAVE SOME INTEGRITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

doublereedhawgcaller wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:04 PM:

" HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!!! "

CO-Hog wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:04 PM:

" To quote the "Caveman" chief, - uh, what? "

doublereedhawgcaller wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:05 PM:

" Feel bad for dmac hopfully he'll get a championship in the pros. "

doublereedhawgcaller wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:10 PM:

" On another thought hope the kid (dmac) has some insurance. Going to need it with the play calling nutt is doing. "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:25 PM:

" I rarely get called out but since someone apparently seemingly is addressing most of my points here we go. I didn't want to dredge up stuff as it helps noone, but if you are going to dispute, I'll put out some facts, no opinions. Tarvaris Jackson, it is possible to redshirt a kid like this while developing him on the bench, so that when or Matt Jones or whoever the QB of choice is graduates or gets hurt you have a guy who works. For that matter, why don't you figure out what everybody else did, Matt Jones is an NFL Wide Receiver and Tarvaris Jackson is an NFL Quarterback. Part of the biggest responsibilites of a coach is to figure out where the players athleticism fits best. As far as the Florida and LSU games, do you remember the numbers that the passing game generated. If not look back, I am not going to I remember. DMAC almost won those games for us by himself. I didn't say that we would've won the National Championship, I said if they hired Butch Davis they MAY have won it. Look back to last year, going into the LSU game we were being discussed as a team that could get there if USC lost and we won out. The Florida game we still nearly won with the poor passing game and a fumbled punt at the goal line. "

12247 wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:33 PM:

" I remember Nutt saying that Lee was suggesting that they play Matt Jones more at QB. They tryed that and sure enough, Matt worked out better in Nutt's scheme. Meaning, we don't pass much and Matt can run the ball from any position, others can't. Had Jones been used at flanker and put in motion behind most any QB, he could have thrown and/or run on most any down, causing defenses serious trouble. Think about that, 2 runners and 2 passers on every down. That would have given defenses something hard to defend. Matt Jones could have been our first Heisman winner if used correctly. And I said that years ago, not just today. Matt Jones, just another great player wasted at Arkansas. Last year, both LSU and Flordia were ripe for the taking, we were out coached in both games. They were both execellent teams, but we had the makings to be there too. They both have good coaching staffs, we didn't then nor do we now. In fact, our coaching staff is much worse than last year. By the time we got to LSU and Flordia last year, the threat of passing was long gone, thanks to coach Nutt. Nutt supporters say we nay sayers are ruining the program, what ruined the team in 04 and 05, or is 9 wins in 2 years just wonderful? "

tnew wrote on Sep 23, 2007 7:39 PM:

" As far as the Lawsuits,"M and M Debacle" and the rest of the stuff, (opinion alert) he did have some responsibilty for all of that. He mishandled most of those situations by allowing them to get public, and even taking them public in many cases. I know what happened on the Damian Williams situation. While it started as an immature athlete, NEWSFLASH, major college coaches handle them everyday. He allowed it to become personal. As far as the Mustain thing, HDN took a quote that an 18-19 year old made and rather than burying it, exploded it. the "if any player wants a transfer, I'll grant it" public statement was a challenge for those guys to get out. He can say that close doors and face to face but that is not the public statement. I have no hatred for the man, I just don't want him to coach my team. I bleed red and white, so much so that even given my opinion of him, I believe in my heart that firing him today would do the University more long term damage. With Long new to the team he needs to come across organized, together with vision. This is just two losses. HDN could still turn this train wreck around an roll off 8 wins. We have the talent to do it. If he does, he stays, if not, see ya. "

Swinehunt wrote on Sep 23, 2007 8:46 PM:

" razorod, I have not joined any "darkside", I HAVE JUST CHANGED MY OPINION,after being loyal to the program giving it every chance. HawgCowboy, I see that you have also changed your opinion with a wait and see attitude. Also this problem goes back to Frank----Nutt had to do it Frank's way or lose his job. "the jig is up" for Nutt! "

Swinehunt wrote on Sep 23, 2007 8:55 PM:

" Late last season we lost Hillis, which hurt, a lot. Now, with Monk out AND now Crosby Tuck out for the season we have no dependable recievers. And not having Ernest Mitchell in the line up also hurt our chances. It's time to try Nathan Dick at QB, or [someone], it couldn't be any worse. "

razorrod wrote on Sep 23, 2007 9:12 PM:

" "swine" guess you don't get it. The opinion yours changed to is exactly the opinion many of us have had for a long time. Im sorry some of us are slower than others in picking up on things. I see you are already making excuses. Every team has injured players. It's a shame our coach and qb have only thrown to one guy the last few years or it might not hurt so much losing monk. get a grip dude. You know how many injuries Kentucky had.??? "

Westcoast Hawg wrote on Sep 24, 2007 12:22 AM:

" I definitely hope that by 10:20 PM PACIFIC TIME THAT HOUSTON DALE NUTT HAS BEEN FIRED! "

Swinehunt wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:04 AM:

" razorroder, everyone knows that you are a "self-made-expert", except you! "

razorrod wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:20 AM:

" "swinehunt" if that comment came from someone that obviously had an inkling of what they were trying to discuss it might hurt my feelings. You however had your head in the sand blindly following your boy HDN. Somehow the kentucky loss jolted you out of your dreamworld and you realized that some of us self proclaimed experts...lol had been right all along. Hey I would have loved for you to have been correct and your savior HDN and wonder wizz david lee were undefeated going into LSU. Guess what? They aren't. Im sorry if you can't take the heat after you repeatedly slammed every poster on here that didn't share your love affair with our coaching staff. "

razorrod wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:22 AM:

" "swinehunt" All I was doing was stating the facts as well. Those facts are you are already looking for more excuses and a way to keep old Dale around. Heck why change from a bone head coach now. Lets keep him forever. "

Swinehunt wrote on Sep 24, 2007 3:38 PM:

" razorrod, this bickering does no good so lets not argue, that dosen't help the problem. I'm sure the end is near for HDN. Our real problem is Frank and we need to put the heat on him and not each other. He is the only fan in the state [fan?] holding up progress. I am calling for a truce with you razorrod. "


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