🏈 Question for Terry about Arkansas

[TerryP]

Welcome to the site, Rev. Aren't you one of the <strike>regulars</strike> pain in the *&^% on hogsportstalk.net?

fify :lol:

 

[azhog10]

Here's my problem or difference with your prediction/evaluation.

Alabama looked just as bad if not worse in the run game as Arkansas did. I know you guys rushed for about 80 plus more yards but Trent didn't look impressive at all. Kent State was doing the same thing Missouri St. was and they were just packing the box and run blitzing. Now if we look at your QB's vs. ours I think it's safe to say ours are light years ahead of yours. Not saying McCarron won't be ready by the fourth game, but he has to improve a lot.

Now the offensive line. It was a concern for many of our fans and yes I am quick to say we will need a lot of work. But just like you guys were switching out a lot of folks so were we. We were running guys in and out trying to see who looks best in what situation and we had no continuity whatsoever. Obviously we still won't know how good they are till we play you, but facing Troy's DE's will be a small test before we see you.

Now, our defense. One thing you said was VERY incorrect was that our defense tired out in the 2nd half. Our first stringers didn't play hardly at all in the 2nd half and the only score they got came off a Brandon Mitchell TO deep giving them great field position. If you watch the replay or play of how they scored you will see it was just a great throw and catch and our DB was all over him, might have mis timed his jump and the guy caught the football as most WR's do. Besides that our defense gave up -2 rushing in the first half and only 18 total yards. Their only first down came on a penalty. So your description about a tiring defense may want to be reevaluated.

Do I think we will stomp you guys in to the ground? No. But I do think we have a better chance than we did in 09. One bc Wilson is more mobile than Mallett, Wilson also doesn't waste a lot of time looking down field he just finds where they blitz is coming from and hits the hot route, and lastly our defense has never been this good and unless your QB's turn the corner it could be a very fun and exciting game. I don't think it will be close to the "blowout" it was in '09. Just my thoughts.

 

[TerryP]

Great post.

Here's my problem or difference with your prediction/evaluation.

Alabama looked just as bad if not worse in the run game as Arkansas did. I know you guys rushed for about 80 plus more yards but Trent didn't look impressive at all. Kent State was doing the same thing Missouri St. was and they were just packing the box and run blitzing. Now if we look at your QB's vs. ours I think it's safe to say ours are light years ahead of yours. Not saying McCarron won't be ready by the fourth game, but he has to improve a lot.

Perception vs reality.

I'll agree. Both the OL and RB's didn't look like they should. The reality is that the offensive line Bama fields has more starts, combined, than any other team in the SEC. We're looking at the possibility of starting a left tackle—as a true frosh—when we play the 'Backs. However, there is a reason Cyrus was rated as highly as he was coming out of high school.

Add that together with what we know—Trent's ability and what we know of Eddie's as well...won't get into Jalston now—our running game wasn't in sync. However, you can't get in sync with the rotations we've had. That's how I see it. Now, we've got four weeks to get a rotation in sync vs getting up to SEC game speed. Which would you prefer?

Now the offensive line. It was a concern for many of our fans and yes I am quick to say we will need a lot of work. But just like you guys were switching out a lot of folks so were we. We were running guys in and out trying to see who looks best in what situation and we had no continuity whatsoever. Obviously we still won't know how good they are till we play you, but facing Troy's DE's will be a small test before we see you.

Last entry...

Now, our defense. One thing you said was VERY incorrect was that our defense tired out in the 2nd half. Our first stringers didn't play hardly at all in the 2nd half and the only score they got came off a Brandon Mitchell TO deep giving them great field position. If you watch the replay or play of how they scored you will see it was just a great throw and catch and our DB was all over him, might have mis timed his jump and the guy caught the football as most WR's do. Besides that our defense gave up -2 rushing in the first half and only 18 total yards. Their only first down came on a penalty. So your description about a tiring defense may want to be reevaluated.

That "tired out" quote was in quotation marks for the reason is was a quote. I should have linked it.

I still haven't watched your game yet.

Do I think we will stomp you guys in to the ground? No. But I do think we have a better chance than we did in 09. One bc Wilson is more mobile than Mallett, Wilson also doesn't waste a lot of time looking down field he just finds where they blitz is coming from and hits the hot route, and lastly our defense has never been this good and unless your QB's turn the corner it could be a very fun and exciting game. I don't think it will be close to the "blowout" it was in '09. Just my thoughts.

Counter: Your offense has never faced a back eight as good as you'll see this year. Now, we haven't faced as good a WR corps as you have either. But, I'll take my hand over yours. Coaching.

 

[azhog10]

You say perception vs. reality but it's not perception. You give reasons/excuses for why thigns happened they way they did and apparently it's justified because Trent has done well in the past. I disagree. Also I agree and have nowhere stated that our OL is as good as yours. I will not dispute that fact. But I do think that with Tyler Wilson we do not need as great of an OL as years past to protect him like we did Mallett. All we need is some improved run blocking and backs who aren't afraid of contact. I think we have a great thing in Kody Walker our true freshmen. He's 240 lbs and finished every run (except the TD run) on his stomach and the tackler on their back.

Your back 8 are good actually they are great. However our 5 wide set will give you guys problems and I have no doubt about that. Our WR's are the best in the country and that's why this game will be so fun to watch on both sides of the ball. Coaching will play a roll, but I think it will come down to the players and mistakes and TO's. I think Petrino will protect Wilson enough, I think he gets sacked a few times but also makes enough plays for us to keep it interesting and hopefully win.

Each of us have three games to get us ready, Penn St may prepare you better, but I think we both know that the best preparation will come from practice. Bama will not face a better team than Bama and Ark will not see a better team than Ark before we play each other.

Great post.


Perception vs reality.

I'll agree. Both the OL and RB's didn't look like they should. The reality is that the offensive line Bama fields has more starts, combined, than any other team in the SEC. We're looking at the possibility of starting a left tackle—as a true frosh—when we play the 'Backs. However, there is a reason Cyrus was rated as highly as he was coming out of high school.

Add that together with what we know—Trent's ability and what we know of Eddie's as well...won't get into Jalston now—our running game wasn't in sync. However, you can't get in sync with the rotations we've had. That's how I see it. Now, we've got four weeks to get a rotation in sync vs getting up to SEC game speed. Which would you prefer?



Last entry...



That "tired out" quote was in quotation marks for the reason is was a quote. I should have linked it.

I still haven't watched your game yet.



Counter: Your offense has never faced a back eight as good as you'll see this year. Now, we haven't faced as good a WR corps as you have either. But, I'll take my hand over yours. Coaching.

 

[WizardofhOgZ]

Just joined and making a brief note here just to get started.

I don't have a significant "take" to post at this time; still too much time until the game and too little information on the two teams based on the cake walks they had in week 1.

But I will have more to say about it as the game draws nearer.

For now - good luck against Penn State.

 

[TerryP]

Just joined and making a brief note here just to get started.

I don't have a significant "take" to post at this time; still too much time until the game and too little information on the two teams based on the cake walks they had in week 1.

But I will have more to say about it as the game draws nearer.

For now - good luck against Penn State.

Thx.

Welcome.

 

[doemasters]

welcome and jump right in :a:

 

[JoshB]

While I don't think there is a better defensive coach in college football than Nick saban and I respect his 3-4 under more than any scheme we will have to face this year, I would like to point out that the 2009 Alabama Defense fielded 4 1st-2nd round NFL athletes in their front 7 and 2 off the front 3 of the D Line (Cody, Dareus, McClain, Arenas)
.

I dont really understand where that argument is going, its kinda hard for this defensive unit to field ANY 1st round players...they're still in college...but with that said this unit has 4 potential first rounders on it right now (Upshaw, Hightower, Kirkpatrick, and Baron) with several others that could go in the first 3 rounds whenever they come out (Chapman, Nico, Lester, Mosley).

 

[TerryP]

To add to Bird's post...

Returning 18 of our top 22 tacklers...

Tit for tat.

 

[azhog10]

Terry Arkansas is returning 16 of it's top 19, actually 17 of top 20 except one of those moved to TE and is not playing on the defensive side of the ball. Not to mention a few different guys playing that weren't here last year. Just food for thought.

To add to Bird's post...

Returning 18 of our top 22 tacklers...

Tit for tat.

 

[HoggyStyle]

While I agree with you that it will be tough to replace the two starting Tackles that Arkansas lost last year; I think it is just too convenient to point out the flaws it creates by having to replace players for both teams. I could just as easily look to the 4 interceptions thrown by your quarterbacks last week vs a Kent state team as to an advantage towards Arkansas.</SPAN>

There are pro’s and con’s to not having to face any major competition leading up to the Alabama Game for Arkansas. The con is obvious that we will not have faced a challenge on our Offensive front even remotely comparable to what Alabama will have to throw at us. The pro is that we will have spent an entire off season, spring, and three weeks of the regular season preparing both offensively and defensively for Alabama. The pro to Alabama playing Penn state is that it gives Alabama a salty road game ahead of their SEC opener. The con playing Penn state is that they have to take a week to prepare for the intricacies that the Penn state football team brings to the table which leaves them with less time to prepare for what Arkansas will be bringing. </SPAN>

 

[JoshB]

The first time u see Hightower and Upshaw book ending that D-Line going against those new tackles you'll see how tough that is...

 

[RollTideinGA]

WOW, page 4. Do you guys get this riled up over every little comment about Arkansas? Relax its just some guys opinion on a web site.

Can anyone honestly analyze what any team is capable of after week one? If so I guess we should just give the BCS trophy to Boise State or LSU now and save us all some time and frustration. :lance: Or actually I'd give it to Baylor. LOL

 

[TerryP]

WOW, page 4. Do you guys get this riled up over every little comment about Arkansas? Relax its just some guys opinion on a web site.

Can anyone honestly analyze what any team is capable of after week one? If so I guess we should just give the BCS trophy to Boise State or LSU now and save us all some time and frustration. :lance: Or actually I'd give it to Baylor. LOL

There's one of the reasons I like Arkansas.

 

[Razorback Reverend]

Welcome to the site, Rev. Aren't you one of the regulars on hogsportstalk.net?

yEP... Thanks joe...

Yes Terry, we have skirted around the issue quite a bit. I see nothing in your analysis that would honestly be incorrect. My opinion of where We have been and were we are presently has changed a bit over the fast 10 years... We were a middle of the road SEC team.. .now I believe we are in the top three of the SEC and can closly remain there. Perhaps not every season but in most with the coaching staff we presently have.

Now.. our weakness is definitely the outer O Line... We are young, inexperienced for sure.... If we do not hold back some RB's or get help in blocking Wilson will see the ground more than I hope... However, he is not RM by any means... Cant throw the ball 60 yards on a zip, but can definitely get around in the pocket, or pick up short yardage downs by running a bit. I hope this helps us keep a little balance against you. Our WR's imho are the best group in the SEC. Our Qback is more than capable of putting up huge numbers. Our RB depth worries me a bit if Wingo doesnt pick it up, or Curtis doesnt pick it up... Dennis Johnson is more than capable but is nursing a Hammy.... and Hammys can definitely cause problems is not taken care of. We rushed very little agaisnt MO State... but only because the box was stacked, over and over and over... so throw we did... The return game, special teams... Is indeed awesome... ok, just a bit to consider... WPS!@

 

[Razorback Reverend]

WOW, page 4. Do you guys get this riled up over every little comment about Arkansas? Relax its just some guys opinion on a web site.

Can anyone honestly analyze what any team is capable of after week one? If so I guess we should just give the BCS trophy to Boise State or LSU now and save us all some time and frustration. :lance: Or actually I'd give it to Baylor. LOL

And I am soooo thankful for that.... :nopity:

 

[TerryP]

yEP... Thanks joe...

Yes Terry, we have skirted around the issue quite a bit. I see nothing in your analysis that would honestly be incorrect. My opinion of where We have been and were we are presently has changed a bit over the fast 10 years... We were a middle of the road SEC team.. .now I believe we are in the top three of the SEC and can closly remain there. Perhaps not every season but in most with the coaching staff we presently have.

Now.. our weakness is definitely the outer O Line... We are young, inexperienced for sure.... If we do not hold back some RB's or get help in blocking Wilson will see the ground more than I hope... However, he is not RM by any means... Cant throw the ball 60 yards on a zip, but can definitely get around in the pocket, or pick up short yardage downs by running a bit. I hope this helps us keep a little balance against you. Our WR's imho are the best group in the SEC. Our Qback is more than capable of putting up huge numbers. Our RB depth worries me a bit if Wingo doesnt pick it up, or Curtis doesnt pick it up... Dennis Johnson is more than capable but is nursing a Hammy.... and Hammys can definitely cause problems is not taken care of. We rushed very little agaisnt MO State... but only because the box was stacked, over and over and over... so throw we did... The return game, special teams... Is indeed awesome... ok, just a bit to consider... WPS!@

I've considered all of that rev. On the majority of your bullet points here I'd agree with you.

I've always seen this conference—since the expansion—as one that ends up being divided into thirds. Last season, and this one as well, I'd call the 'Backs up of the top third.

That said, even with the validity of your thoughts there are counterpoints that favors the Tide in almost every category. As example, I'll wholeheartedly agree that your WR corps is the best in the SEC. It's in the top 5 nationwide. But, it's going against a back eight that is the best in the conference and a secondary that is widely considered to be the best in the nation. I believe it was Phil Steele who made light of the gap between our secondary, he had ranked one, and the second ranked group in the nation.

I do have some concern about your special teams play. I can see you guys catching us there a time or two. We'll have a better grasp on that area after this weekend.

All I can say at this point is I don't have any anxiety about our match-up. I don't think that'll change between now and that weekend. More than likely it'll be a bit more charged after this weekend.