I spent the past few weeks trying to relate the current state of the Arkansas Razorback Football Program to any of my own life experiences.
Nothing really stood out by comparison, but then it finally hit me.
For those who do not know me, I have a day job that actually pays me money. You, like my editor, are probably thinking, “Well, after reading you takes, we understand your need for gainful employment.”
All ridicule aside; I am reminded of changes in my department which left many of us in a sense of limbo.
This uneasiness began to take a heavier load following a tenured director leaving our team.
Why she was removed from her position, for this story, is irrelevant. I will state, however, team morale was at an all-time low, spirits were dwindling. and dread became our constant companion throughout each workday.
Was she a hateful person? That is subjective, but I can objectively declare she had lost her team’s support.
Enter the new boss. She was creative, had a good personality, and, perhaps more importantly, she let us do our job with minimal interference.
Her experience was also more prominent than our previous director, so when she did speak about ways to enhance our performance, her speech was innovative and, truthfully, she sounded like a leader.
In summary, with new leadership came fresh ideas and a different approach. Mix these with less micromanaging and a focus upon the big picture fostered better frames of mind.
It is often said that attitude reflects leadership. The people on my team were soon to realize this was the truth. Work was fun again, and we became a far more productive and successful team.
Almost nothing turns around 180-degrees instantly.
As interim Arkansas Razorback coach Bobby Petrino already knew when he took the helm for his first game against Tennessee.
That said, many of us were immediately mindful and hopeful for the possibility that his fresh, new ways way of holding practices and being engaged with the team would improve their efforts, their morale, and most importantly to fans, their performance on the field.
It goes without saying, Petrino has been our head coach in the past, so I am not going to rehash it.
But listening to his first press conference, I was reminded of how his words sound more like a coach speaking than we had heard in the Sam Pittman era. That’s not a knock on Pittman at all. That’s just now how his approach was.
Petrino is simply more of a descriptive, “Hey, I know what I am doing here. I know what I am talking about. Now let’s go get the players to buy into it.”
It reminded me of the conferences Petrino gave during his very successful first tenure. It was refreshing.
Can his new approach equal to success on the field and get him started in the right direction for being named the full-time head coach at Arkansas again?
That remains to be seen, but, despite the loss to the Vols in Knoxville, 34-31. But how Arkansas performs against Tennessee this past Saturday seemed phenomenally better on both offense and defense.
How the Hogs perform against Texas A&M and Auburn in the next two weeks will go a long way in getting a jumpstart in Hunter Yurachek’s mind on who will fill the vacant spot as he will be making his decision sooner rather than later.
Injuries for the Razorbacks will be a problem. At my last check, Arkansas has nine players out for Saturday, including multiple wide receivers, tight ends, and defensive linemen.
Tennessee has two not playing, but both of them fall into the “superstar” category. Running back Le’Veon Moss and safety Bryce Anderson are listed as “out” and “inactive” respectively.
The bad part for Arkansas is the Aggies have such depth, the next up on the depth chart is not that much of a step-down.
But if there is anyone on the Fayetteville campus who can make the adjustments necessary to get the team ready and in the best position to win, it’s Bobby Petrino.
Unfortunately, that may be too tough to overcome and win the Southwest Classic even with one of the best football minds in the nation.
Texas A&M – 38, Arkansas – 31
Random Thoughts
Have you ever noticed how much Pittman ran the team like a business compared to Petrino, who runs it like a competition fueled by emotions?
Trivia Question: Bobby Petrino’s contract as offensive coordinator pays him $1.6-million. He now serves as the interim head coach. Who was the last full-time coach to be paid a lesser salary?
If you guys aren’t listening to hit that line, broadcast teams throughout the day, you are missing out. They are some exceptional guys doing an exceptional job.
To everyone in the media and those who care about Arkansas Football, please stop mentioning the past. We want the future to be successful, but hypocritically harping on the past is not going to help.
Trivia Question Answer: In 2012, Petrino’s successor John L Smith made a mere $865,000. Prior to that, Petrino himself made $1.9 million base salary, and Houston Dale Nutt’s pay from the university was a meager $389,644. Both of the latter two were paid from other sources, but Nutt’s top earnings were $1,251,144 in 2007, his last season at Arkansas.
Am I the only person in the friendly states of the SEC who has not had Joey Freshwater slide into their DMs? I am almost insulted. Perhaps I should lose more weight.
I took last week off because Andy was so far behind in our SEC picks competition that I needed to give him free games simply in an attempt to catch up.
I still did not think he was anywhere near me, so I gave him another shot last week also as our family welcomed my wife’s and mine first grandbaby into this world.
Eddie is bright-eyed and will be watching his first of many Arkansas Razorbacks games this weekend.
Be certain to join and Eddie and listen to the game Saturday at 11:00 A.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.
Go HOGS!!!
