Lots of gratitude, appreciation, but no win for Hogs this week

Gratitude. Appreciation. Thanksgiving. Yes, thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale we get to overindulge on a homestyle buffet yearly while we extend our recognitions to those in our lives for which we deem worthy.

Fortunately for me I have the platform to express my love and thanks publicly, and, yes, I will take advantage of this at the bottom of this piece for any who are interested.

But I digress.

As far as my work in writing opinion pieces go, I would like to state a big thank you to every single one of the radio personalities and workers who provide great content enabling us to promote their shows along with HitThatLine.com. To my fellow writers here, you guys are amazing and always supportive.

Along those lines I am also appreciative to Andy Hodges. Without him giving me a shot, who knows what opinion-piece writer with actual talent you would have the opportunity to read.

My deepest obligation of thankfulness in fact goes to you, the loyal and casual reader.

Whether you have been supportive of every piece or a critic of even just one, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We do this for you and because of you, so our gratitude falls fully into your possession.

As Razorbacks fans we also have the ability to be grateful for so many things which bring us pleasure… and heartache.

Historically, Arkansas has provided us with so many memories and triumphs. As of late, football and basketball have seemed to be more of a let-down instead of joyful entertainment.

However, let’s see what we can be appreciative of at this point.

Hunter Yurachek — I could be wrong, but this guy seems to know how to run an athletic administration, and unless it was simply banter to appease the fanbase, he may actually be in-tune with technology, utilizing it to recognize we were not happy with the situation in the football program.

Mike Neighbors — The women’s basketball coach seems to know what he is doing in engineering the building of a successful system.

The Women’s Soccer Team — Way to go ladies! What you have accomplished the past two-seasons is remarkable, and we are extremely proud of you.

The Dismissal of Chad Morris — I know, I know. I was one of his longest lasting supporters.

Confession: if you have ever seen the video of his initial arrival to Arkansas at an NWA airfield, I almost immediately worried we had made the wrong decision when he was confused about which side of the SUV to enter.

Dave Van Horn — Okay, tis not the season, however, if you are not a fan of this guy year round then why are you also mad at the world?

Eric Musselman — Even if you are worried the basketball Hogs will fade as the schedule gets tougher, one cannot deny his enthusiasm, knowledge, and the way the program is looking early in his tenure. This guy knows his stuff. Have you seen the video of him leading the Calling of the Hogs after the Georgia Tech game?

The End of Football Season — I guess this one is in the eye of the beholder. While I do love Saturdays in the fall and will miss the anticipation of each game, I will not long for the stress and frustration that comes with each demoralizing loss. I do hate it ending for the staff and the players, especially the senior class.

Nolan Richardson — We are honored for all you have done and for allowing your name to don our beautiful basketball court inside of Bud Walton Arena.

The Close to the Vest Approach in the Coaching Search — Yurachek keeps progressions in his attempt to fine a new head coach for the Razorbacks very confidential. Why is this important to me? Because it drives all of the “I have a source” message board guys nuts and keeps them at bay.

ALL Players and Staff — THANK YOU all. We know you have many sacrifices in wearing the name and logo of our state upon your uniforms, and win or lose we are extremely proud of you. Seniors, thank you, and we hope and pray for only the best as your journey through life is just beginning. To the underclassmen, stay the course and enjoy each second.

Now, onto the topic at hand.

Missouri rolls into Little Rock this Friday, and it is a game many have tried to build as a rivalry.

Unfortunately, the Battle Line Rivalry just does not have the “we hate you” feel despite there being a traveling trophy awarded annually to the winner.

Perhaps it is due to neither team tearing up the national football scene year in nor year out. Maybe it is because our lifestyles and culture are so similar.

Or it is most likely the people from Arkansas do not want to be banned from Silver Dollar City.

Whatever the reason, the closest thing we have to disliking the Tigers is Kelly Bryant being their quarterback after spurning Morris and Arkansas.

Bryant’s taking the field may draw the ire from a few of the tailgate happy Little Rock fans, yet taking into consideration Arkansas being 2-9 and Missouri finding our this past Tuesday their bowl ban will be upheld, no one seems too pumped about this contest.

One might say Barry Lunney, Jr., being the interim coach has generated some interest in this game, but I confess I am curious to how much Jack Lindsey will play, and I am excited to see him getting the opportunity he deserves given his dedication to the state and the program as well as where we are this late in the season. Good luck, young man.

Four small possible factors of the game:

As mentioned, Missouri had this game marked on their schedule as at 5 – 6 a victory would make them bowl eligible.

The NCAA Football deities were having none of it as an appeal to a bowl ban extending from self-reported infractions was denied.

Head coach Barry Odom may be allowing his players to check out and simply make an appearance at War Memorial Stadium. He also might be playing the “this is our bowl game” card as motivation.

Lunney is marketing this final game of 2019 as a chance to show improvement and an opportunity for the seniors to close their careers with a win.

The question then becomes are the players on board, or are they simply ready to call it a day and prepare for their next step on life’s voyage?

Missouri has slightly improved throughout the season. Granted, the Tigers were expected to do great things this year, yet they never fully lived up to the hype, their potential, or both.

Many will blame Bryant’s knee injury suffered early in the 2019 campaign. Realists will point out a large number of people hopped onto a train loaded down with buildup and less than expected talent.

Arkansas’s defense is still Arkansas’s defense, and, in all fairness, while I support the players, we struggle stopping anyone.

And by “stopping anyone,” I mean every team we have faced this season has looked like Alabama in disguise … except for Alabama who looked like Chuck Norris squaring off against the guy who plays right field for your men’s league softball team.

No matter what, we are on national television this week, and hopefully the Hogs are thirsty enough we can make a spirited effort in defeating Missouri this week.

Fingers crossed as things have gotten bad over the past two-seasons, even when compared to the previous six-seasons.

How bad you ask? Rumor has it Hunter Yurachek’s office has received 129 calls this week requesting our making homecoming appearances in 2020.

Truthfully, I want to pick Arkansas so bad to win this one … I just cannot.

Tigers, 31–17.

Short and sweet this week. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Be sure to tune in early to listen to the pre-game banter and the game itself with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff via HitThatLine.com, and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

The HTL Weekly Pick Contest is in its final week. As I announced previously I have devised a new strategy of not looking at the standings in an attempt to avoid normal picks solely to gain ground on Mr. Andy Hodges.

I will look Saturday night to see if it has paid off. Let’s finish this perfect.

Ole Miss at Mississippi State: Does anyone outside of the state of Mississippi understand why the call this the Egg Bowl? Does anyone inside of the state know how doltish it sounds? State gets this at home. Bulldogs by 7.

Missouri at Arkansas (in Little Rock): I must wonder how much longer the CBS executives will keep this as their Friday after Thanksgiving match-up. Perhaps they have a strategy regarding required appearances and holiday shopping viewing statistics of which I am not familiar. Hogs by 3. I mean, Tigers by 14.

(3) Clemson at South Carolina: It would be nice for the SEC if the gamecocks could knock Clemson out of contention late in the season. Unfortunately, this will not happen. Tigers by 24.

(4) Georgia @ Georgia Tech: The in-state rivalry will not prove to be much of a game I feel. Bulldogs by 28.

Louisville at Kentucky: The ACC Cardinals are not world beaters with a 7–4 record. They are better than Kentucky. Louisville by 20.

(5) Alabama at (15) Auburn [GAME OF THE WEEK]: If Tua were playing this would be a much simpler pick. Alabama’s defense is a little less than their normal superior status, yet so is Auburn’s offense. I feel Gus Malzahn is conservatively coaching for his job. Alabama needs a big showing for a late push into the BCS. Something has to give, and it is anyone’s guess (as usual) in the Iron Bowl. Bama by 3.

Vanderbilt at Tennessee (SLOPFEST OF THE WEEK]: I have zero hopes in picking this game. Vanderbilt is down, yet you know never know which Tennessee team is going to arrive. Luckily for the Vols the host Vandy in the final week of the regular season. Tennessee by 26.

Texas A&M at (1) I mean, (2) LSU: What a joke it is Ohio State “the” University jumped LSU in the polls. I heard the fine gentlemen on ESPN Radio’s “The Morning Huddle” discussing how it most likely a move by the committee for television ratings. Honestly, my opinion, this is very feasible. Regardless, I hope it simply motivates Ed Orgeron & Company to prove even further how much they belong in the national spotlight. Apologies to my loyal reader Kristi in Dallas, but this one goes to LSU. Tigers by 28.

Florida State at (11) Florida: Is there enough Seminole magic for Florida State to pull the upset against a very solid Florida team at the Swamp? Nope. Gators by 21.

Take these to Vegas and lock them in.

Family, friends, and loved ones, thank you for being in my life. I am also grateful for those along my career path (both past and current), people who have forgiven me for my many mistakes, and especially my Heavenly Father through whom all things are possible. Why You continue to bless me is beyond my scope of knowledge, however, I am forever in Your debt.

Find me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS

Go HOGS!!!