PETE’S PICKS: Recapping history of upsets by both schools plus winner this year

On ESPN Radio the other day, Clay Henry mentioned the other day that being a Razorbacks football fan is like a roller coaster, or perhaps he said the team itself is like a roller coaster. I am getting older and my memory has slowly started to hold onto things for a much shorter time than in my younger days.

Speaking of memories, it’s an odd array of matchups when you look back on the Arkansas vs. Auburn football series. Unexpected big plays happen. Upsets are common. And sometimes extra time is needed. Let’s travel that lane — perhaps better defined as a roller coaster rail — for a brief time, about a few key moments in the history of the series.

2001: (17) Auburn at Arkansas – As I sat in the corner of the endzone, Jermaine Patty came running right at me. He had an 88-yard interception that ranks as the 10th longest interception return in Razorbacks history. Oddly enough, without a web search, one could speculate the return was the most yards covered in one play in all of football.

Again, that’s a pure guess. Petty’s reception went backwards, forwards, and backwards again, from one sideline to the other, until it seemed he was gassed and then knocked into the pylon by an overzealous Tigers player, completing the Pick 6. Arkansas won the contest 42-17, and the Bobby Hopper Tunnel was filled with the non-stop sounds of car horns headed home.

2006: Arkansas at (2) Auburn – This was a game for the books as the undefeated Tigers hosted Arkansas in front of over 87,000 in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Felix Jones and a guy named Darren McFadden combined for 249-yards on the ground while Auburn averaged less than 2 yards per play rushing by gaining 60-yards on 31 attempts.

Despite it being our first season without the great Paul Eells on the microphone, even listening to the game on the radio was pure magic that day. The Hogs pulled off the upset with Houston Nutt at the helm and were cast into the national spotlight with a 27 – 10 victory.

2015: Auburn at Arkansas – Brandon Allen, Alex Collins, Hunter Henry, Drew Morgan. Each of these players had over 50-yards of production (not to mention a key touchdown by Jeremy Sprinkle and 8-points by kicker Cole Hedlund) in a long game at Razorback Stadium which took five overtimes to settle.

Arkansas jumped out early with a two-touchdown lead, but the Tigers would fight and claw their way back as the tying score came late in the fourth quarter with a Daniel Carlson field goal for Auburn. On the first play of the fifth overtime, Brandon Allen found Drew Morgan for 6, and Kody Walker caught another Allen pass for the 2-point conversion. The Tigers were only able to gain 1-yard on their subsequent four plays, and struggling Razorbacks team walked away with a 54 – 46 win.

This year looks to be like another great battle as the two teams come in well-matched. That’s my opinion of course. Oh, and here is another opinion …

Arkansas 42-38

Random Thoughts

Players receiving NIL from the school should be obligated to play in all bowl games if healthy.

Did you know Sam Pittman has the second hottest coach’s seat in the nation right behind Billy Napier? I wonder if the people who determine that list took our current coaching staff into consideration for that list.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Which Arkansas coaching staff member is returning to his alma mater for the first time this weekend when the Hogs visit Jordan-Hare.

I feel people blew Hunter Yurachek’s “$1,200” comment out of proportion and/or took it out of context. I think he was just speaking in mathematical terms to indicate how easy it could be to accomplish if more fans pitched in.

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TRIVIA ANSWER: Arkansas Defensive Coordinator Travis Williams both played at and coached for Auburn. He also has the coolest 1990’s era hat. I like it. I ALMOST miss those. Maybe if I had a better shaped head, I would wear one again. I wonder if The Athlete’s Foot still sells them.

Williams is also a proficient rapper. Check out his work.

If my memory is still accurate, the great Jermain Petty is the defensive coordinator at Greenland High School now. Love that guy.

Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 2:30 p.m. via HitThatLine.com and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs, and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

SEC Picks for Week 4

Andy Hodges sometimes hits things right on the head, so when he commented on a Vanderbilt game purely as “Oh, good grief,” I decided to pay tribute to my rival by dubbing the least enticing game on the schedule each week as the “Good Grief Game” (3G). I know … I know … Andy sees me more as a tiny yapping dog interferring in his daily routine, but even David slayed Goliath, the Continental Army defeated the British Army, and The Citadel downed Arkansas in 1992. Let’s rock!

Florida at Mississippi State – This game will be either one coach’s last game, or one coach’s invitation into the athletic director’s office to seriously discuss the future. Gators by 10.

Ohio at Kentucky – Speaking of rollercoasters, Mark Stoops must feel like he is unable to satisfy even the mildest Wildcats fan. Calling for his job after taking Georgia down to the wire? I guess I can see why they are upset. Kentucky by 22.

UCLA at LSU (16) – The Tigers wrap up their “California Conference” slate this weekend. They do not have to win via a solid victory, but it sure would make their program look more stable. Tigers by 30.

Arkansas at Auburn – A highly offensive game by two teams needing a win to jumpstart their conference season. The Tigers are favored, but not by much. History says this will either be super close or a blowout. I am wagering it will be close. Razorbacks by 4.

Vanderbilt at Missouri (7) – Vandy had to Vandy last week against Georgia State, and out the door went their hopes for a great season. I am certain they are used to it by now. Tigers by 21.

Akron at South Carolina – The Gamecocks made last week’s game against LSU interesting. If they can zip the Zips (and other games go in their favor), they may make their way a little closer to the Top 25. USC (Yeah, I said it, Trojans) by 42.

Bowling Green at (25) Texas A&M – Yeah, this one should be fun … right? I may watch it. Who wants to bet the broadcast mentions the yell practice from the night prior? Also, water is wet. Aggies by 21.

GAME OF THE WEEK

(6) Tennessee at (15) Oklahoma – Finally these two teams will be tested. I mean, do not get me wrong, the Sooners had their hands full with a lowly Houston team, but, in spite of the fact that was a game they should have easily won, everyone has their off-nights. The Vols manhandled NC State, hence the jump in the rankings.

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I would love to see a brutal battle here, so physical Tennessee is not able to recover enough during their bye week to be fully healthy against the Hogs the following week. OU will be at home, but unless they play lights out, they are not as talented as the Vols. Tennessee by 10.

Georgia Southern at (5) Ole Miss – The Eagles may not be the same school that beat Vanderbilt last week, but their name is close enough. Get our conference some revenge, Rebels. Ole Miss by 45.

ULM at (1)Texas – “Good Grief Game:” The poor Warhawks must wait until 7 p.m. to get their feathers spanked off by a Longhorns program which has not been ranked No. 1 in 16-years. Texas by 40.

It appears No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama both needed the week off to prep for their battle next week on primetime. You cannot convince me those who pull the scheduling strings had no agenda in doing this.

Regardless of what happens on the Plains this Saturday, we have the most beloved program in the country, whether the coaster is on its way up or down. Let go of the safety bar, keep your hands high callin’ the Hogs, and enjoy the ride.