Home games, halfway, hope and Ole Miss this week

Ah, Little Rock. Our home away from home. Six games into the 2018 campaign, Arkansas sits at a little less than anticipated 1–5.

And, after coming off what many have consider a successful attempt against Alabama, some Razorbacks fans possess aspirations of a new foundation.

Arkansas hosts the Ole Miss Rebels in War Memorial Stadium this weekend. Yes, the “Great Stadium Debate” has had better coverage than the Razorbacks secondary throughout the years, yet I will make a quick opinion here.

I love the great people across our entire state, and we share this program, however, this is essentially a road game, and in the SEC, every aspect and piece of home field advantage counts.

And to Santos Ramirez, Kevin Richardson and company, I know you read this. And in regard to my previous jab: Prove me wrong, men. Prove me wrong.

A 12-game season has reached its halfway point and I am curious, how close were you on your late-August predictions up to this point?

I’ll be the first to step up and admit I was way wrong. How wrong you ask? Let’s just state Hugh Freeze’s decision to use his university-provided cell phone for “personal business” was more right than me.

But hope rings true still with those who bleed Razorback Red through the great times, the good times, and, honestly, the last seven years. Some are even vocal on social media about possibilities due to the performance against Alabama.

I was there for this yesterday. We scored 31 points against the top team in the nation. The atmosphere of the crowd I was around was wonderful! Cheering as they walked into the locker was the best part. I❤️??! pic.twitter.com/zgwLrDLg8S

— Kathy (@kathy_tolbert2) October 7, 2018

On the central Arkansas field turf Saturday, where can we find a shimmering light to pin all of these winning desires?

The offense keeps progressing under the leadership of veteran players and first-year starter at quarterback, Ty Storey.

At the risk of sounding pretentious, I stated several weeks ago Rakeem Boyd will be needed in heavy doses to greatly compliment Devwah Whaley and create a highly respectable backfield. This kid is the future, and the Rebels will be fully aware of No. 5 by the end of this game.

In retrospect, congrats to the offense for exposing Alabama’s defense. Honestly, readers, if that does not say something about the direction in which Chad Morris has this program headed, I do not know what will.

Moving on, unless Ole Miss Head Coach Matt Luke has a receiving corps like Alabama’s, then the secondary on the Razorbacks defense will be able to focus on taking better angles to the tackle.

Along those same lines, the defensive line will feel like they are on vacation after facing what appeared to be the WWE developmental roster last week.

Even John Chavis may be more relaxed and at ease going head-to-head against the offensive coordinator for the Rebels (Phil Longo) as compared to the Nick Saban masterpiece that has scored more this season than even Wilt Chamberlain thought possible.

Interpret this comparison however you like.

I believe it was the brain trust of “The Morning Rush” who was discussing in detail that there is not a designated special teams coach at the University of Arkansas.

In fact, if you are not aware, the staff currently uses an approach which has been noted as “by committee.”

I would never tell Morris how to do his job, however, this strategy hopefully is short-term and a full-time assistant is defined for 2019. If not, look out.

On a side note, if you are not listening to the gentlemen on the aforementioned “The Morning Rush” weekday mornings from 6-9 a.m., then you are truly missing out on the best sports broadcast in all of Arkansas.

Fayetteville or Little Rock? That is up for you to decide.

We are halfway home for 2018, and the chances of a bowl game seem less possible than Caitlyn Jenner being canonized.

But hope? Yes, we can always have optimism, especially this weekend. Our boys should be on somewhat of a high, and this could prove dangerous for those wearing Oxford blues.

Quick fun fact shared to me by one Tom Turner: Storey has never lost in Little Rock.

The gist of the story is if Chad Morris wants to turn any kind of page for this program’s long-term relevance this season, the game against Ole Miss is that opportunity.

Granted, there will be strong possibilities for victories remaining in opponents like Tulsa and Vanderbilt, however, this is the Hogs best chance against name with which some will one day reflect upon the record books and deem a formidable opponent.

You might call this my weekly “UPSET ALERT:” Arkansas 34, Ole Miss 17.

Dear Mr. Hodges,

You may have a substantial lead at the midpoint of our 2018 contest, but at 48–11, I am not too far back to make like Van Halen and turn this thing around.

• (14) Florida at Vanderbilt – Gators by 24
• Tennessee at (21) Auburn – Tigers by 11
• (2) Georgia at (13) LSU – Even in Death Valley, the UG is too tough. Bulldogs by 12
• (22) Texas A&M at South Carolina – Aggies by 28
• Missouri at (1) Alabama – Tide… Who really cares by how much?

This HitThatLine.Com race is too tough for an official “Upset Alert” this week, so I may just throw out two next time.

Oh, and what was that earlier? A Van Halen reference in 2018? Well, it was either them or Bonnie Tyler, and I’ve got a Man Card to think about.

Go HOGS!!!

Follow me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS