VIDEO COURTESY OF KNWA
BAMA GAME: Hogs still stumbling, bumbling in 48-7 loss to Tide
Nobody expected Arkansas to come out on top against another No. 1 Alabama team on Saturday night, but Nick Saban self-imposed a mercy rule in the second half in a 48-7 win.
It was 41-0 at halftime with three interceptions thrown by Razorback quarterback Nick Starkel, who also threw in a fumble leading to 24 of those points.
Yes, it was that bad.
The Hogs couldn’t sustain any momentum offensively again, primarily because Starkel kept giving the top-ranked team gifts. It didn’t help when Nathan Parodi fielded a kickoff and stepped out of bounds on the 2.
If there was a positive in the carnage of an Arkansas team that is now 2-6 on the season and an 0-15 start for Chad Morris in SEC games, it was John Stephen Jones, who made a couple of cameo appearances in the first half of this one before somebody finally sat Starkel down.
Starkel finished 5-of-19 passing for 58 yards with three interceptions (one returned for a score) and a fumble when he couldn’t field the snap from center (which was fine) and it sailed downfield before Alabama fell on it.
By the time Jones got into any sort of rhythm, it was 41-0, but he did lead a 13-play, 85-yard drive that consumed 7:34 and ended with an 8-yard scoring pass to C.J. O’Grady.
About all it did was avoid a shutout, but it did show what the coaches talked about all August: Jones could get the team into the end zone more than the other quarterbacks.
He finished 6-of-7 for 49 yards and the scoring pass, but no interceptions and he also seemed more adept at the run-pass options this offense needs to have any shot at being successful.
It’s not important how far the quarterback runs, but that he can turn sacks into any kind of positive yardage and avoid turning the ball over.
Jones accomplished that.
The Hogs fell to 2-6 on the season with the loss and 0-5 in the SEC. They will host Mississippi State next Saturday on homecoming in a 3 p.m. game.
Another backup quarterback will keep Morris, Hogs winless in SEC play
It’s Arkansas’ luck the last few years that Alabama loses it’s star quarterback a week ahead of their matchup and it doesn’t appear there’s a thing the Razorbacks can do to take advantage.
Yeah, that may just about perfectly sum up the state of things for the Hogs these days. They are creating a new depth of bad for the SEC, not getting a league win now for a year and a half.
Tua Tagovailoa won’t be suiting up for the top-ranked Crimson Tide with an ankle injury similar to what he suffered last year in the SEC Championship game.
He really wasn’t back at full speed for the title game blowout, but Nick Saban didn’t go with Jalen Hurts in that game, which may or may not played a role in Hurts now becoming one of the leaders in the race for the Heisman Trophy this year … playing for Oklahoma.
Mac Jones will be the starter for the Tide and it will be his first start after a fine career with little pressure and less playing time.
But there’s probably nothing Arkansas can do to take advantage of it.
Alabama has enough everywhere else that it shouldn’t be close, but then again I didn’t think the game between Missouri and Vanderbilt last week would be, either … which promptly led to the Commodores winning the game going away.
Yes, it’s been that kind of year. Let’s face it, Tennessee actually made things interesting against the Tide last week until, well, they reverted to form. Let’s face it, if there’s a team that can mess up as spectacular as the Hogs’ offense it’s the Vols.
They were headed for a score to make it a one-score game midway through the fourth quarter, fumbled into the end zone and watched Bama’s Trevon Diggs take it over 100 yards to the other end zone and blow it open.
The Hogs were busy getting steamrolled by Auburn.
Alabama fans are nervous. Razorback fans are just glad this one’s in Tuscaloosa so they don’t have to make up excuses for not going to the game.
While Chad Morris, who promised fans he wouldn’t let them down if they would give him a chance when he was hired, has a large percentage who want to run him out of town.
Hey, at least when John L. Smith was filling in after Bobby Petrino flew through the handlebars the offense could move up and down the field pretty well and actually won a couple of SEC games.
Morris has coached a team last year that probably should have been at least 5-7 into a 2-10 disaster. They may be headed into that territory again.
There are some that are floating the story that Morris convinced athletics director Hunter Yurachek last year he was going to have to basically get rid of a bunch of holdover players and completely rebuild.
Apparently Yurachek agreed. Morris is coaching like someone who knows he’s safe this year. Whether his staff is or not isn’t known at this point.
A close road game in Tuscaloosa might buy Morris some breathing room, but only a week because right now the Mississippi State game on homecoming weekend looks like it should be competitive.
Whether Morris is in a position where he has to win an SEC game to keep his job or not is something I’m not sure even Yurachek even knows at this point.
What we do know is they won’t win against Alabama this week … but it might not be the blowout folks expect.
Alabama 31, Arkansas 20
Last week, Peter Morgan and I were both 5-1 (thanks to Missouri for messing up a perfect weekend), so he continues to plod along two games behind.
Mississippi State at Texas A&M (-11.5)
If there’s a team in the SEC that has a fan base that is on par with the Hogs’ bi-polar Lunatic Fringe, it’s the Bulldogs. They are ready to run Joe Moorhead out of town, mainly because they can’t figure out how they put four of the first 44 players into the NFL Draft back in April and still manage to go 7-5 in the regular season. At least the ‘Dawgs have a league win, but they won’t get another one this weekend.
Texas A&M 31, Mississippi State 21
Auburn at LSU (-10.5)
Back in August, nobody figured this game would see LSU with this big of a favorite position, even at home. Auburn somehow managed to not impress many people with a 51-10 win over Arkansas last week, but that probably says more about the Hogs than Gus Malzahn’s team. How crazy is this year? LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is the leader for the Heisman.
LSU 34, Auburn 27
South Carolina (-4.5) at Tennessee
Good grief, even the Vols have managed to win an SEC game this year and they are terrible. Of course, they are in the East, which helps there. South Carolina beat Georgia, somehow. Now they will go to 3-3 on the season. None of this is helping Morris’ case at Arkansas, by the way, because most fans figure being as good as the bottom feeders in the East isn’t THAT hard to accomplish.
South Carolina 27, Tennessee 24
Missouri (-10) at Kentucky
Well, two weeks ago you figured this game was a leading contender to go into the Easy Pickings section, but not after Kelly Bryant led the Tigers to a loss against Vandy. The Wildcats even have a league win, beating Arkansas using a wide receiver at quarterback, but he won’t win this week … unless Missouri is really that bad.
Missouri 31, Kentucky 20
Hogs won’t win Saturday, Alabama’s ‘smarmy’ fans, SEC predictions
This is the toughest piece I have ever had the pleasure to create. I have thought of so many angles including (but not limited to):
“Remember when you were a child and you knew you were in so much trouble that a brutal spanking was eminent? Each minute crawling by in dreaded anticipation.” Too soapy. Too politically incorrect.
“Alabama is playing their back-up quarterback. Here is how we can win this thing.” Remember Kentucky?
“Recruiting and decommitments could take a complete 180 if we can upset Alabama.” Even Fairy Godmothers would not buy into the drivel. O the
So then I thought, what could Razorbacks coach Chad Morris do (within the confines of our current situation and characters) to even come close to keeping the game respectable on the score board?
Natural thought processes lead me to pontificate on what I would do if I had the opportunity (or misfortune if you will) to stand in Morris’s shoes this Saturday as the Hogs travel to Alabama to give No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide the Razorbacks’ best shot at an upset.
Be sure to listen to the game at 6 p.m. 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.
Now that I have made my plug, here are my thoughts on what I would do to motivate the team as only a psychological advantage can be altered at this point:
• John Anderson’s dismissing comments on Sportscenter. Can players be motivated by being overlooked? Absolutely.
If you have not already seen or heard ESPN’s John Anderson’s smarmy “The FPI gives the Hogs and Idle about the same chance against the Tide” comment in his interview with Greg McElroy, feel free to check it out at the 40-second mark, given one can stomach seeing McElroy’s face once more.
You guys remember Greg, he was the classy Alabama quarterback who performed a certain hand gesture to the Auburn fans in 2010.
If I were as desperate as Morris for an SEC win, I would definitely pull the team in early for a pre-game hype video including these remarks and the nonchalant passive lack of concern in Alabama playing Arkansas.
• They’re playing without Tua Tago… Tagung… Tango… Two years in and I still cannot get his name right.
Regardless, everyone from the Hogs staff and locker room knows who this guy is, but this week it is not as important. Mac Jones will be the starting signal caller, and the Razorbacks defense had better know his name and number.
We know what Kentucky can do with a fourth-string wide-receiver transplant. Morris needs to remind this team redemption is needed and ever so desperately now. In short, we can beat anyone’s back-up quarterback.
Start the chants, Chad!
• Bama’s press is clamoring to see the younger Tagovailoa. In case you’ve been busy taking Xanax to celebrate the recent success of the Razorbacks, Tua’s little brother Taulia plays quarterback for Alabama as well.
Apparently the crack reporting staffs covering the Crimson Tide see this week as an opportunity to obtain the underclassmen some game time experience. One even went so far to ask during a recent presser with Nick Saban, which brings me to my next point.
Saban, admittedly or not, holds us in the same regard as Charleston Southern.
Have you ever noticed when Alabama plays a viable foe, Saban takes even the most ludicrous questions from reporters in stride, obviously keeping himself focused on the task at hand void of any overly emotional expressions?
Not so much when his team is playing a cupcake and he is asked a similar question.
In fact, his comments on the game this Saturday reflected upon how well we competed against them last season and even hinting at what flaws we exposed in his and his staff’s strategies.
When asked the aforementioned question about Taulia Tagovailoa, Saban, in his traditional “this will not be an easy win” fashion responded with a rant, most likely to inspire his players. I would show this to the entire team if I were earning millions as the Head Hog.
• Gus Malzahn. He has nothing to do with this week’s game. I simply cannot stand the guy and wanted to ensure everyone was reminded.
• Bowl Eligibility. Why not throw out a token reminder if the players want to take Club Dub on the road for a weeklong festival, losing this game only permits a 4–0 finish to close the season with that possibility?
Beef up your store security guards, Belk, we are coming straight for you.
• They chose this game to celebrate the 2009 National Championship Team. Look the Razorbacks right in the eye, coach, and remind them that Alabama has had a pretty easy non-conference schedule, yet they chose this game to bring everyone together to celebrate past successes while enjoying a game in the background.
We are an AFTERTHOUGHT!
• Bama fans are jerks. In formulating a collaboration with an Alabama writer, I nonchalantly asked them their thoughts on Chad Morris.
Their reply, “I have no thoughts on the man. I do not know anything about him as he is of no concern to me.” My retort: “We are done here. God Bless.”
I would like to justify their attitudes by stating they are only this way because they are the cock with the walk, however, let us be honest, they have ALWAYS been conceited lurches, even in their lean years.
Coach, tell the team that 100,000 pretentious jackasses will be looking down their noses periodically to see if we are still on the sideline. It’s time to shut them up.
• We can spoil their homecoming. We are officially the Johnson County Westside of the SEC. Say nothing other than this, Chad. Say nothing other than this.
Maybe I am wrong. I have been in the past. I will be in the future.
Perhaps tugging at strings will only lessen the fire in the “hearts of the Razorbacks” as this season continues to fill our once bright hopes with disappointment. It’s all about confidence.
Coach Morris, just tell these young men we love them, and we support them. How the scoreboard continues to play out will dictate our sentiments towards you and your staff.
Alabama downs an inspired Arkansas, 38-17.
Be sure to listen to the game at 6 p.m. 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 cresting the hill. Andy Hodges continues to show his prowess (and sympathy) while holding firmly onto his lead.
I usually go with the pick I feel the most accurate, yet soon I may have to begin venturing onto the proverbial limb.
This week I stay loyal to my senses and will attempt to gain a game or two. With only five games in the greatest conference, it may be tough.
• Mississippi State at Texas A&M: I have tried to recall earlier thoughts from the off-season. I am certain I expected Mississippi State to perform better in 2019 than their current results.
Maybe I am just getting old, and my memory is failing because I also seem to remember several pundits possessing expectations of A&M being more competitive.
Either way, this once promising scheduled game is now forgettable.
Aggies (because they are at home and slightly better) by 14.
• (9) Auburn at (2) LSU [GAME OF THE WEEK]: Auburn had better thank every friend they have at CBS for ensuring this was not a night game in Death Valley.
Yes, the Tigers (from the Yellowhammer State) are a great team, yet the only major advantage — the ONLY major advantage — they have going for them is LSU might be looking past them in a looming date with a Tua-less Alabama.
Honestly, I think LSU is focused and better, and Bo Nix (who I believe originally signed to play for Hayden Fox) will once again face an atmosphere which will test the true freshman. LSU will win this with special teams play and defense.
Bayou Bengals by 11.
• South Carolina at Tennessee: Look, I could talk about how up and down of a season both of these two SEC foes are having in 2019.
Truthfully, I’d be happier if Arkansas could have even a single one of either of these two teams’ “ups” … last season, this season, or probably even next.
We are in troub… Wait, this is a prediction. I think USC is better, but Tennessee gets the nod at home. This one earns a “Slopfest of the Week” honorable mention.
Vols by 7.
• Arkansas at (1) Alabama: See above. I dare you to put yourself through the intriguing dialogue once more.
• Missouri at Kentucky [SLOPFEST OF THE WEEK]: Who knows? Who really knows? God knows. No one else knows. Everyone thinks.
Rumor has it this week Kentucky signed some cat they call ‘The Colonel’ to quarterback. I feel a Brent Musburger drinking game coming on.
Yes, that was lame, but this game is so uninspiring there is nothing better to say. Maybe I am just depressed about sports due to the Razorbacks.
Tigers by 18.
Just like last week, no matter what happens, we are still Razorbacks to the bitter end? Right? Right? Hey, has anyone seen my goldfish?
Find me on Twitter @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
Jones, Bailey pace Razorbacks to 78-51 win over SW Oklahoma State
FAYETTEVILLE — Adrio Bailey was 7-of-7 from the field and Mason Jones scored a game-high 22 points to lead Arkansas to a 78-51 exhibition victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State on Friday night at Bud Walton Arena.
Bailey, who finished with 15 points, did not miss a shot in two exhibition games. He was 9-of-9 from the field and had a plus/minus of 35 in the two wins.
Jones was 8-of-12 Friday, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range, in scoring his 22 points. The junior also had six rebounds.
Reggie Chaney just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Overall, five Razorbacks scored in double figures with Jimmy Whitt Jr. and Desi Sills each chipping in 10 points.
The Razorbacks struggled from 3-point range, making just 5-of-23, but out-rebounded the Bulldogs 49-26. More impressive, Arkansas only allowed SWOSU to grab three offensive rebounds while holding the Bulldogs to 31 percent shooting (15-of-48).
Arkansas opens the 2019-20 regular season on Nov. 5 (Tuesday) versus Rice. Tipoff at Bud Walton Arena is set for 7 pm.
FIRST HALF: Arkansas 40 – Southwestern Oklahoma 27
• SW Oklahoma scored the first points, a 3-pointer.
• Jimmy Whitt Jr. scored the Razorbacks; first points to make the score 3-2 and Desi Sills drained a 3-pointer to cap an 11-2 run and force a SWOSU timeout at 16:31.
• The Bulldogs answered with a 6-0 run tie the game, 11-11.
• An Adrio Bailey dunk at 4:27 capped a 9-0 run and gave Arkansas its largest lead, 15 points (31-16).
• SWOSU worked its deficit back down to seven (33-26) after a pair of free throws at 1:57.
• Arkansas closed the half on a 7-1 run, including a 3-pointer and layup by Mason Jones, to take a 13-point lead at the break.
• Mason Jones led the Razorbacks with 13 first-half points (5-of-6 FG) and four first-half rebounds.
• Adrio Bailey was 4-of-4 from the floor and scored eight points. Jimmy Whitt Jr. added eight points.
SECOND HALF: Arkansas 0ut-scores SWOSU 38-24 in second half
• A dunk by Adrio Bailey at 15:11 gave Arkansas its first 20-point lead (52-32).
• From the 11:45 mark to the 7:35 mark, Arkansas went on a 12-2 run to take a 70-40 lead.
Game notes
• This was the second time Arkansas hosted Southwestern Oklahoma for an exhibition game. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs, 103-58, in the teams’ first exhibition of the 2015-16 season.
• Arkansas’ starters were Isaiah Joe (G) – Adrio Bailey (F) – Desi Sills (G) – Mason Jones (G) – Jimmy Whitt Jr. (G).
• Arkansas has won 32 consecutive exhibition games dating back to 2003. The Razorbacks have won 26 straight by double digits.
• Desi Sills was the only Razorback to score in double figures in both exhibitions, getting 12 versus Little Rock and 10 versus Southwestern Oklahoma.
• Sills was also the only Razorback to have a plus/minus over +20 in both games. He was +20 versus Little Rock and +29 versus SW Oklahoma.
• Not only did Arkansas dominate the boards, but the Razorbacks also scored 44 of their points in the paint, doubling their point production in the first exhibition.
• Arkansas scored at least 20 points off turnovers in both exhibition games.
• Arkansas led for 37 minutes and 30 seconds versus UALR and 37:36 versus SWOSU.
Musselman still not happy with turnovers in final exhibition
Videos from HitThatLine.com, your source for daily news, information and entertainment for the Razorbacks and sports in Arkansas.
Jones, Bailey recapping Hogs’ 78-51 win over Bulldogs on Friday
Arkansas players Mason Jones (22 points, 6 rebounds) and Adrio Bailey (15 points, 4 rebounds) talk about the team’s improvement from the win over Little Rock last Sunday.
