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Too much ‘Club Dub’ led to ‘Club Flub;’ questions of Morris’ leadership

Nate Olson
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Too much ‘Club Dub’ led to ‘Club Flub;’ questions of Morris’ leadership

Chad Morris knew his team was in trouble in pregame warm-ups.

In the press conference following Arkansas’ shocking 31-24 home loss to San Jose State, the Hogs coach admitted he noticed some of his players were “too giddy” before the game against the heavy underdog Spartans.

Morris said he tried address the overconfidence, but it was too late.

San Jose State asserted itself early and often in the win, and when Arkansas got back in the game in the fourth quarter, the Spartans slammed the door with a late 75-yard touchdown drive that included more wide-open receivers and more missed Arkansas tackles — a recurring theme.

San Jose State led 24-7 at halftime and had its way with Arkansas on both lines of scrimmage. Arkansas looked disinterested and sloppy from the start, and SJSU sensed that and pounced with good execution and a tenacious effort.

When Arkansas narrowly beat Portland State, a mediocre FCS program, in the opener, Morris said he wouldn’t apologize for a win.

He didn’t apologize for the loss Saturday night, but he did take ownership … kind of.

“His guys out-played us, they out-coached us, and I was very disappointed in the effort we showed tonight,” Morris said.  “Everyone’s going to be held accountable, from me down. I’m going to hold every coach, every player, every staff member’s going to be held accountable.”

That was the right thing to say, but Morris should have thought of that when he was dancing at Club Dub after a comeback win against a Group of Five team last week.

It seemed obvious Arkansas wasn’t mentally prepared for the game. That sits squarely on the coaching staff. Morris should have addressed that with his team way before pregame warm-ups.

The lack of preparation and focus shows his inexperience as a head coach and is very worrisome to some.

He mentioned in the presser that his team isn’t good enough to look past any opponent, but he should have reminded his team that. He got caught up in the Colorado State win, and obviously so did his team.

A winning coach doesn’t celebrate narrow wins against losing teams.

If you are going to build a winning culture, you do that by not getting too high after any win and moving on to the next game.

That’s especially true in the SEC. Morris should know this especially with Arkansas having won back-to-back games only twice since 2016 — most recently beating Ole Miss and Coastal Carolina in 2017.

The effort would have been embarrassing enough if San Jose State, a Mountain West Conference member, was a good team.

They are not.

They are 4-23 in the past 27 games and were drubbed 34-17 by Tulsa at home. The Spartans also haven’t won a road game since 2006. They were also 0-6 lifetime against the SEC.

So, this is one of the worst losses in school history, and it’s squarely on Morris. It’s most likely going to be very costly.

Most thought other than the four non-conference games, there would be nothing guaranteed and a 4-8 record was almost inevitable.

Now, Arkansas is staring 3-9 dead in the face and another winless SEC campaign.

This was a game that Arkansas was not only expected to win but desperately needed to win. If they had enjoyed the Colorado State game reasonably, they could have beaten San Jose State and entered next week’s game with Texas A&M with some momentum.

They will be heavy underdogs against the Aggies at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

They won’t be favored to win another game until Western Kentucky Nov. 9 (and I wouldn’t bank on that one if Arkansas is riding a seven-game losing streak as expected).

If Arkansas had beaten the Spartans, pundits would still be leery about the prospects, but there still would have been hope that with a WKU win, the Hogs could possibly pull out a win or two in the SEC.

That doesn’t seem realistic now.

If Arkansas wins only once more this season, this game will be pointed to as the culprit and Morris as the responsible party for allowing such a terrible lack of focus to occur.

This is officially a red flag and will allow some to question Morris’ capability to lead a rebuild.

That’s a valid point and one more obstacle Morris must overcome as he tries to prove his ability and lead the Hogs back to respectability.

From fan’s view, we deserve apology from everyone after this one

Pete Morgan
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From fan’s view, we deserve apology from everyone after this one

I am angry. There is no other way to state how I feel. And by “I” I mean ‘we’.

Versus San Jose State — at home, mind you — we were out-played, out-hearted, and out-coached.

OUTCOACHED! Can you honestly state our level of talent is inferior to the Spartans? Please, correct me if I am wrong.

I had a bad feeling about this game all week, and I even started to mention it in my prediction for victory … but that’s not what people want to hear.

And, with all sincerity, it is the first time I felt dishonest with all of you. For that I apologize.

Now, I ask for an apology. I feel immature in a request I know will come off as entitled and self-serving. From whom you ask?

Coach Chad Morris. So many of us have supported you and bought into your “rah-rah” speak. You and your staff were out-coached tonight.

We have just as good if not better talent than San Jose State. It boils down to strategy and execution. Both of these fall into your lap.

The defense. Guys, I will never criticize players. I think doing so is a low attack at the commitment you have made to our program, our fans, and our state.

However, I am curious, how did you make it to the D-I level by not making tackles?

I am certain you all were successful in high school – was it flag football? Wrap up and bring the guy from the other team who has the ball.

The offense. I will not call out an individual player, but we were like Oprah Winfrey out there tonight: “Guess what, San Jose State defense, you get a pick! And you get a pick! And you get a pick! And you get a pick! And (surprise, surprise) you get a pick!!!”

Both lines. Hey, just watch the tape. You were both dominated.

Offensive coordinator Joe Craddock. Did you call that play at the end? If so, pony up with some expression of contrition.

Hunter Yurachek. No, our athletic director does not need to apologize, however, if he does not make some public form of statement addressing the situation and what the future expectations will be.

Honestly, I am so unsatisfied our recent performance I do not even know how to finish the statement.

Now I will apologize again to the players and staff. Yes, I am exasperated, and my words are filled with guile.

We really do love and support you, and we want the best for you not only on the field but in life as well.

We have a lot of pride in our state, and you carry a huge piece of the mantle said pride rests upon. We simply ask you feel and play with the same sense of honor.

And, yes, for clarity, whether you walk away with a win or we walk away with a loss, we are proud of you.

Go HOGS!!!

Morris: Loss to San Jose State completely unacceptable

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Arkansas coach Chad Morris didn’t bother to show his displeasure with team after debacle of 31-24 loss to the Spartans on Saturday night.

Curl, Starkel after 31-24 loss to San Jose State

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Arkansas defensive back Kamren Curl and quarterback Nick Starkel talk about the loss Saturday night to the Spartans and vow to get things fixed.

Woods, Pool looking back on Saturday night loss to Spartans

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks wide receiver Mike Woods and linebacker Bumper Pool talking with media after surprising loss at home to San Jose State, 31-24.

Razorbacks drop long exhibition game against Sooners

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Razorbacks drop long exhibition game against Sooners

FAYETTEVILLE — An estimated crowd of 6,378 were in attendance Friday night at Baum-Walker Stadium as Arkansas lost to Oklahoma, 4-3, in the first fall exhibition of 2019.

It was nearly 1,000 more than last year’s exhibition against Wichita State as fans got a small taste of what was to come in the 2020 season.

2019 Fall Exhibition Schedule
Sept. 20 – vs. Oklahoma – L, 4-3 (14 innings)
Oct. 12 – at Oklahoma State (Noon)

Junior Heston Kjerstad and grad-transfer Cole Austin each turned in two hits in the game, but Arkansas’ hitters struggled against the Sooner pitching staff throughout the night.

The Razorbacks only had one hit through the first four innings and didn’t score their first run until the fifth inning when Austin turned around a lead-off walk and a stolen base into a run driven in by freshman Dominic Tamez.

Austin finished the game with the best line of the night, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. He drove in Arkansas’ second run in the bottom of the ninth as the Hogs tried a valiant final effort to make a three-run comeback.

Kjerstad led off the ninth with a triple off the right-centerfield wall and was brought in by Austin’s single to left field.

On the mound, redshirt junior Kevin Kopps got the start, but only pitched the first inning, giving up no runs on two hits, facing five batters.

What followed was a steady dose of Patrick Wicklander, Connor Noland, Zebulon Vermillion, Kole Ramage, Jacob Burton, Marshall Denton and Elijah Trest.

Wicklander and Noland, who were each coming off all-conference seasons for the Razorbacks, took on the meat of the work, combining for four innings, but allowed two of Oklahoma’s four runs, including a solo home run in the top of the fifth by Tanner Tredaway.

The Razorbacks will continue with fall practice next week before playing its final fall exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 12 against Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

The game will be played at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium and will have first pitch at Noon.

Even if Burks, Pool out, Hogs shouldn’t have much issue with this one

Andy Hodges
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Even if Burks, Pool out, Hogs shouldn’t have much issue with this one

Injuries could hamper a couple of Arkansas starters this week, but it really shouldn’t matter that much against San Jose State on Saturday night.

The Spartans may keep it close for a quarter, but I really don’t look for it to be close at halftime.

But, then again, I thought last week’s game would be over by the end of the first quarter. That prediction was looking good until the second period rolled around.

This week, though, freshman wide receiver and punt returner Treylon Burks could miss some time with a reported hand injury. How serious it is nobody that knows is really telling anybody anything.

Although the initial reaction is to think about the offense, he’s done a pretty good job on punt returns, limiting free yards on the ball rolling, which doesn’t happen a lot with Burks back there.

Starting linebacker Bumper Pool had a sprained collarbone (which I didn’t even know was possible to say until that little nugget came out) and, of course, it’s either broken or the ligaments and muscles around the collarbone are strained.

The guess here is that shouldn’t have a major impact, either, as the depth at linebacker is good enough to handle San Jose.

“Don’t underestimate them,” center Ty Clary said this Tuesday.

Part of it are all the different looks the Spartans use defensively.

“They do a lot of really good things as far as disguising their pressures and coverages on the back end,” Chad Morris said.

In college football, though, a talent gap this large usually works itself out and likely will this week, too, although this may be the largest the Hogs have seen this year and, yes, that includes Portland State.

The Hogs will end up on the plus side of this one.

Hogs (21) 63, San Jose State 14

In our little pick contest, I was 10-1 last week going to 30-7 overall and Peter Morgan hangs in there at 29-6, but we’ll start to see some separation now that the games get interesting.

Easy pickings

Not as many quickies this week picking Alabama (38.5) over Southern Mississippi, LSU (24) over Vanderbilt (and the Commodores will be battling down to the last week to stay out of the East’s cellar).

Tennessee at Florida (14)

The Vols will have to play the best game they’ve played in a few years to even beat the spread on this one … and, yes, I’m well aware the Gators will be starting a backup quarterback.

There’s usually a defining moment in a relatively new coach’s progress with a team and the win at Kentucky last week may be that for Dan Mullen

Florida 31, Tennessee 10

California at Ole Miss (2.5)

The Rebels could be in for a little bit of a track meet in this one. Not to the level they were having them in 2015-16, but it could be interesting.

Ole Miss’ difference this year is they have a defense that’s not terrible. In their opening loss to Memphis, it wasn’t on the defense

Matt Corrall is settling in at quarterback, but it’s the play of the Rebels’ defense that has been remarkably improved this year

In my opinion, this one will be more of a win for the Rebels than some think.

Ole Miss 28, California 14

Auburn at Texas A&M (4)

The good news for Hog fans is the Aggies haven’t been able to spend much time thinking about next week’s game in Arlington … the Tigers are coming to College Station.

This is the featured game of early games in the league and we’ll find out if Kellen Mond is the answer or not … and if Bo Nix can be the answer Gus Malzahn has been desperately trying to find at Auburn the last few years.

The guess here is this one is going to come down to defense.

And Auburn’s got the best one.

Auburn 31, Texas A&M 28

Kentucky at Mississippi State (6)

Talk about two teams maybe at the crossroads of a season, this is it.

The Wildcats had Florida by the throat and, basically, let go of the rope just a few inches away from getting out of the hole.

The Bulldogs dove headfirst into the ground — at home — against Kansas State. While that may say as much about the Wildcats improving, it was still kinda surprising to see them go into Starkville and win it.

State fans have had questions about Joe Moorhead for nearly a year. They’re still wondering how you can have 4 players among the first 44 drafted into the NFL this past year and only put together a 7-5 regular season.

Kentucky had its once every 45 years season last year and, as many have predicted, they showed signs they may be coming back to the pack last week.

Same old Wildcats, folding late in a game they probably shouldn’t have won to begin with, yet still managing to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Mississippi State 24, Kentucky 21

South Carolina at Missouri (9)

The Gamecocks lost a starting quarterback early in the year and put up the good fight against Alabama last week before the inevitable happened in a Crimson Tide walkover.

Now they have to go to Missouri against a Tigers team that stumbled in the season opener, but may be starting to get a little footing.

At 2-1, they really haven’t been impressive. They did badly beat West Virginia, but they are still figuring it out with a new coach.

If South Carolina wins this, then it will be an upset.

Missouri 37, South Carolina 28

Notre Dame at Georgia (14.5)

Either way this game goes, it will have implications with the College Football Playoff coming in November.

The guess is the loser of this game — if they can avoid another slip — will be in the conversation and, indeed, the last spot could come down these two.

We’ll find out if head-to-head matters.

It’s much more possible the Bulldogs could be the one with the problem. It’s not out of the realm of possibility a loss here hurts them more than the Irish because they could go into the SEC Championship Game with this one loss.

Again, that’s all just possibilities.

Last year was close, but not this year.

Georgia 35, Notre Dame 14

Hogs should win easily, but San Jose State does have players

Pete Morgan
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Hogs should win easily, but San Jose State does have players

If you have ever woken up early enough on even one college football Saturday morning you are familiar with the phrase “not so fast, my friends.”

This tiny piece of Lee Corso’s lexicon has clichéd its way into our sports-driven hearts.

Avoid them like the plague they say, however, I have no fear of platitudes.

San Jose State rolls into Fayetteville to face our beloved Razorbacks. The Spartans approach the contest with optimism and a great quarterback. Outside of that, no one assigns them much more than miniscule odds for pulling off the upset.

If you do not believe me, check the voice of the voiceless: Twitter. Phrases tossed about by both pro and anti-Hogs fans include (but are not limited to) “cupcake,” “SEC schedule filler,” and “is it homecoming already?”

Therefore, I say to you, not so fast, my friends.

Our guests from Silicon Valley are talented, well-coached, and carry with them a top-notch quarterback … wait, who am I kidding?

Granted, while those descriptions may ring true, unless Arkansas coach Chad Morris has a great unemployment plan, the Razorbacks need not fear the Spartans.

Here are the main focuses Arkansas needs to accomplish to walk away victorious from the luscious grass of Frank Broyles Field… all given that layman’s touch of course:

• Play with confidence. My last observation calling for a lack of trepidation will be for naught if the home team in search of its new identity does not reflect the air of accomplishment they have built in the short 2–1 season, especially since the movement of Nick Starkel to QB1.

Confidence does not equate to arrogance, which leads me to my next point…

• They have to be on the same page.

Simply summarized, stay focused and remain aware the athletes lined up on the other side of the ball have a mission to prove themselves against an SEC opponent, and, in their minds, a program still recovering from a motorcycle crash provides them a consumable victim.

• The best defense is a good offense. Protect the offensive backfield with both pass protection and run blocking.

This team now has talent at several key positions, yet to enable their flairs to shine (and to swiftly pass by the bouncer outside of Club Dub) the offensive line must continue to improve on their focal points.

• Defense wins championships. Improve our tackling. Make no mistake, the Spartans really do have a tremendous asset in fifth-year senior Josh Love.

If the Hogs defense has not even mildly improved on their tackling, those in attendance may be in for a long evening within the confines of Razorback Stadium.

Those at home may bail on the broadcast in favor of “Aladdin” being shown at the three-dollar movie theater. [Spoiler alert: the protagonist is the diamond in the rough and “magic carpet ride” is not a euphemism.]

• Play from start to finish.

We saw it versus Colorado State — the lull in the second and third quarters. We might be able to handle San Jose State with a mid-game lull, yet why risk it?

Go out there and dominate for sixty-minutes … unless there is overtime, then rule the crisp Northwest Arkansas atmosphere for a little longer.

• Remember, it doesn’t get any better than this.

This is their college years, and they can never get these times back. Go out, have fun, play loose, and complete the next step in accomplishing your goals.

So, there you have it, sports fans … okay, even I have grown weary of … well, you know.

Arkansas 44 – 17.

As most of you are aware, Andy Hodges and I continue our season-long quest for bragging rights and the championship cup.

My adversary sits cockily behind his big oaken desk, his polished wingtip Oxfords propped up, and his over-confident grin ever so angled in a constant display of nonchalance.

Three weeks in, and he has me bested with a one-game lead. I wonder if he’s willing to bet his 1981 Suzanne Somers poster the tide does not change this week?

Southern Miss at (2) Alabama — The only thing that seems weird to me is the constant ‘2’s I have placed in front of Alabama this season. Tide by 42.

(4) LSU at Vanderbilt — I am curious if hosting LSU will bring more fans into the Commodore stands or if the place will be more barren than Simon and Garfunkel Reunion Concert. LSU by 34.

Tennessee at (9) Florida — Remember when this game consistently held national implications? Now we are just wondering how we all could have been so wrong about the Vols. Gators by 21.

(23) Cal at Ole Miss [UPSET ALERT] — Here is where I make my best pick ‘em move… or mistake. What did Andy pick? I think the Rebels pull it off at home by 4.

(8) Auburn at (17) Texas A&M — Who is not glad the Aggies have a big name opponent the weekend before we meet them in Jerry World? And, yes, I get sick of hearing it called that, too. Auburn is just too good to be defeated this early, but it will be close. Tigers by 7.

Kentucky at Mississippi State — I am almost at a loss on which team to pick here. Kentucky is not the horrific team we have known in the past — you know, the years when they are not on our schedule — and the Bulldogs are not as good as I had thought they would be. The latter is at home though, and that gives them just enough edge to win by 11.

South Carolina at Missouri — Kelly Bryant plays like the Tiger faithful hoped he would. Mizzou by 14.

San Jose State at Arkansas – See above (if you can grin and bear it). Hogs by 27.

(7) Notre Dame at (3) Georgia [GAME OF THE WEEK] – It is finally here, the week where we get relief from hearing how great the independent Notre Dame is. Shut them up Bulldogs. Georgia by 10.

Let the good times roll. Whoops, I did it again, didn’t I?

Go HOGS!!!

Previewing San Jose State with Mercury News’ Aquino

Pete Morgan
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Previewing San Jose State with <i>Mercury News’</i> Aquino

Each week I receive the privilege of reaching across enemy lines to gain a perspective from those almost perfect sports fans that cheer for a team other than the Razorbacks.

This week is no different as I had the pleasure of bantering with Vic Aquino from San Jose-based Mercury News.

If you ever visit the Silicon Valley and are witness to a ball getting hit, a goal being scored, an ace getting served, or even a hurdle getting … hurdled, you can rest assured Aquino is already on top of the event.

Arkansas fans are known for their loyalty (minus a few detracting warriors on ‘Twitter’) to the state’s flagship program which manages to sprinkle in the occasional successful football run.

However, when it comes to the San Jose State Spartans, you’ll find no more loyal fan than Aquino.

In fact, I would go as far to say he may be the most dedicated fan and journalist to any program in the nation, especially considering his team of choice owns a long streak of less than stellar seasons.

And, if I may stray away from the sports realm for but a second, you will not find a more courteous member of an opponent’s fanbase than this week’s participant, as evidenced by his mild praise to my ability to ask the hard hitting questions.

Let’s begin.

HitThatLine.Com: San Jose State has a 4–23 record under third-year coach Brent Brennan. Even the most adept football fan may have forgotten the Spartans were a long-time college football powerhouse.

Is Brennan the guy that can right this team back to national prominence, and with how much enthusiasm are his players behind him?

Victor Aquino:  Thanks Peter, great questions. The jury is still out if Brennan is the right football person to bring the program back to prominence.

Especially with it being his third year, this season will be telling if he cannot pull out at least 3 to 4 wins minimally.

On the flip side, there is a definite vibe within the organization as everyone from players to majority of the administration stand behind him as he is actually a very genuine guy.

He is certainly a player’s coach, but, as everyone knows, it takes much more of the “it” factor than that to create a winning program.

HTL: Spartans’ fifth-year senior Josh Love has really progressed each season calling the plays under center.

Last year, the San Jose State offense ranked in the top 25% of all FCS schools. Arkansas’s defense is in a state of repair and allowed Colorado State far more points than anticipated by most.

Can this be enough of advantage to keep the game closer than expected (based upon the line from Vegas) and even sway it into San Jose’s favor?

VA: Even with your defense in a “state of repair,” is having Josh an advantage in and of itself? Simply, no.

Although, watching him against the Oregon Ducks last year he shined when most thought he could not or would not on the road in such a dynamic environment and against a higher tier team … and that was with a weaker offensive line.

If Josh cannot at least shine against you guys, the Spartans will not have that great of a chance at all.

HTL: The Spartans are traveling all over the nation this season, which must be a wonderful experience for the players.

As odd as this may sound, does the 2019 schedule of extensive voyages impact the team in any capacity?

Does it possibly place a chip upon the shoulders of the team?

Or perhaps can it foster the building of camaraderie and unification which might strengthen this group of athletes?

VA: One key thing everyone says and emphasizes here is brotherhood. A common claim of course, so the only real chip on their shoulder I could confidently say is they all back and support each other like family.

Again a really common thing to hear, but I have seen and felt it first-hand, so they will be falling back on that when they enter your big beautiful stadium and crowd!

That said, the amount of travel like that for college players is taxing regardless of what anyone says. If pros get taxed with their entourage and such, think about how it is with college athletes.

HTL: Why will San Jose State leave Fayetteville with its second victory this Saturday?

VA: Realistically? They will not. Fantasy-wise? If Josh Love and the running game totally kick in, AND if the defense can keep you guys notably under 500 yards of offense, then there is a good chance.

HTL: Why will Arkansas win this first ever match-up at home?

VA: Reputation, culture and program for one. Even in whatever state Arkansas may be in, there is a talent gap where the Razorbacks have the advantage.

Plus, relatively-speaking, Colorado State is roughly the on the same talent level as San Jose State. Both were predicted  to be towards  the bottom of their divisions.

HTL: Score prediction?

VA: 49-17, Razorbacks. I’m horrible at score predictions.

HTL Bonus Question: Pick a favorite — Dick Tomey or Mike MacIntyre?

VA: I’m partial to Dick Tomey. He left a great legacy here, and the SJS program really cherished him. He was around the program up to his last days. RIP and God rest his soul.

Also, on the aspect of MacIntyre, many of his players spoke highly of him as a great coach who prepared the players well.

SJS’ only biggest winning season this century so far was under McIntyre when the Spartans were 11-2.

I’d personally like to thank Mr. Aquino for his gracious persona, his time, and his professionalism. It truly was my honor

And you state you are horrible at score predictions, however, this Hogs fan hopes you are your most accurate on this one.

Best of luck to your team on the game this Saturday as Arkansas hosts San Jose State in Razorback Stadium at 6:30 p.m., although I did notice your tribute for the outstanding quality of my questions faded pretty quickly.

Find Mr. Aquino on Twitter, show him some love, and give him a follow @vicaquino22.

Fans, you can watch the game on the SEC Network while you listen to it online at HitThatLine.com or on your favorite HitThatLine.Com radio affiliate.

Writer’s note: Arkansas’ vs Arkansas’s? See the “Arkansas’s Apostrophe Act of 2007.” You are welcome.

Go HOGS!!!

Find me on Twitter @PeterMorganWPS.

Colorado State win worth celebrating, offers hope for Hogs

Nate Olson
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Colorado State win worth celebrating, offers hope for Hogs

There was a time when an Arkansas football team wouldn’t celebrate a win against a Group of 5 program, let alone a win over such team that took a strong fourth quarter to pull out the win.

But this is a different chapter in Hogs football. It’s a time that includes the challenge of getting past hitting rock bottom.

So, last Saturday when the Hogs beat Colorado State 55-34 with 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, many of those players didn’t act like they had been there before as some critics suggested because they hadn’t.

After all, it’s only Arkansas’ fourth win in two years. Pardon them for being a little excited and wanting to party down at “Club Dub” as coach Chad Morris has tabbed the locker room celebrations following wins.

While I wasn’t keen on Morris declaring that he “wouldn’t apologize for a win” against FCS Portland State in the opener, I see nothing wrong with celebrating this win.

The Portland State victory was disappointing for some because it was hard to see any tangible improvement from last season.

Fans know with the difficulty of the SEC West schedule, improvement may not be seen in the 2019 record, but a bashing of an inferior opponent would.

When that didn’t happen, alarm bells sounded … and for good reason. It was reasonable to wonder if this team was any better than last season.

But the improvement could be seen last Saturday at home against CSU. A year ago, the Razorbacks faced a similar tight fourth quarter at CSU and wilted.

This time, Arkansas responded.

Senior tight end CJ O’Grady’s improbable tackle-shedding run after the catch for a 62-yard touchdown broke things open. The fact that Arkansas was tied with Colorado State after three quarters is alarming, but the ability to win the game with authority in the fourth quarter shows a positive difference between now and a year ago.

I know that CSU played a good portion of the game with its backup quarterback and the Hogs’ defense gave up a bundle of points, and it’s clear that the Rams’ defense is putrid.

Still, Arkansas showed maturity. As a whole, it has improved since the first game.

That’s the important thing this season — get better each week.

If those steps are big enough, it could lead to a couple of wins that aren’t expected. If it doesn’t, at least the team needs to be better than last year and ready to take a marked leap next season.

But Morris cannot afford  a repeat of last year’s hapless season.

Arkansas has a chance for another feel-good win and “Club Dub” celebration Saturday night with a home game against a struggling San Jose State team.

Arkansas is a heavy favorite like it was against Portland State in the opener. At this point in the season with junior Nick Starkel firmly entrenched as the starter, Arkansas needs to dominate the Spartans.

That means a lopsided score with the benches clearing by the third quarter, including the rotation of three quarterbacks.

Fans are clamoring to see talented freshman K.J. Jefferson in game action and his appearance would definitely be a highlight.

In fall camp, it looked like the Hogs defense had the advantage over its offensive mates. All of a sudden, with Starkel under center, the offense is turning a corner.

They will have another shot to score 50-plus points Saturday night. I’ll be taking a hard look at the defense. It hasn’t shown the improvement it needs to help Arkansas contain SEC opponents. The unit needs a strong showing against SJSU to gain some confidence that may have been lost the past two weeks.

If the offense continues its explosive ways, the defense doesn’t have to shut teams down, but it does need to make big stands and force turnovers.

Arkansas was all smiles last week and will celebrate back-to-back wins this week.

It doesn’t matter if the opponent is inferior or if the Hogs may get a dose of reality against Texas A&M next week. Progress is being made, and that’s worth enjoying and celebrating for  the moment.

Fantasy Football Friday — w/ Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News

Tye Richardson
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Fantasy Football Friday — w/ Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News

Tye & Vinnie discuss when to make trades during the season, the best position to draft, Aaron Rodgers and more!

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