Allow me to tell you about my big brother for just a few minutes. Mark is older, he was always stronger, faster, more powerful, and more athletic. To sum it up, he was better at anything and everything.
What we have Saturday when the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Arkansas Razorbacks square off against each other for the first time in football history is a classic case of little brother versus big brother. Those wearing red and black do not want to admit it, but there is a jealousy from the die-hards on the east side of the state against the flagship program.
Oddly enough, like several Red Wolves fans, most Razorback fans do not harbor any ill-will against the other program. In fact, I would state it is a safe bet each respective group of fans cheer for the other, as long as it is not in a game against each other. That’s never happened … until now.
I had a friend tell me the other day Arkansas was scared to schedule State back when the latter was good and winning Sun Belt Conference Championships. I did not have the heart to tell him that scheduling does work that way (due to it generally being years in advance), and I also wanted to mention how Frank Broyles has a “No in-State Games” policy. But I digress.
This game will be in Little Rock, which is just about the halfway point for both teams, and it may be the last time the Razorbacks travel to War Memorial. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman has been vocal in his opposition to playing a home game there each year, and even most proponents of an annual contest there cannot really justify doing so with a solid reason.
Back to my big Brother.
Mark would allow me to win from time-to-time? Why? Because he loved me, and he cared about me like a role model should. He wanted me to be successful. He would showcase mercy when he knew my pride and ego needed it.
Between these two programs, there is no love. There is no desire to see the other do well when lined up across from one another. There is no big brother compassion. There are simply two teams who see each other as a stepping stone in accomplishing their season’s goals.
Unfortunately for one, the other is far more experienced, stronger, faster, more powerful, and more athletic.
Arkansas – 34, Arkansas State – 17
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 4:00 P.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.
Random Thoughts
My brother called me while I was writing this. I told him I was too focused to talk. Is this irony or hypocrisy?
TRIVIA QUESTION: The state of Arkansas lost a dedicated servant this week in the passing of State Senator Gary Stubblefield. He also was a walk-on tackle for the Arkansas Razorbacks. For what high school did he play football?
You know the Arkansas State locker room has posted some bulletin board material. I am interested to hear what all is in there.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Gary Stubblefield did not play high school football. He graduated in 1969 from County Line High School, which does not play football.
KJ Jackson looked pretty solid last week. Having a good QB2 will be imperative at some point this season.
SEC Picks for Week 1
Since he refuses to shave his head as the losing wager for this year’s HTL Cup Chase, Andy Hodges might also not want to look at the leaderboard following Week 1. Doing so might simply cause his hair to fall out. I suppose I would stress out as well if I were the seasoned pro and a hot shot rookie such as myself were beating me in the picks contest.
(Editors Note: Pete apparently has forgotten Chad Morris won both of his season opening games.)
I have decided to shorten my pick’s summaries until we are not playing 14- to 15-games each week with 12 or so being rent-a-wins.
San Jose State at (7) Texas – Arch Manning will look more like the No. 1 pick for the Dallas Cowboys this week if he will stay away from the multiple sidearm throws. Longhorns by 42.
Utah State at (19) Texas A&M – Nothing is worse than Aggies on Aggies crime, and this could be a massacre. A&M by 38.
Kansas at Missouri – This one was a candidate for “Game of the Week” simply because it is somewhat of a rivalry, and it could also be an intriguing match-up. The Tigers are at home, and they should win this game by at least two touchdowns. Tigers by 17.
“Good Grief Game”
Austin Peay at (4) Georgia – Does the staff for the Governors not look at the caller ID before they answer the phone during scheduling season? Bulldogs by 30 + 30.
(20) Ole Miss at Kentucky – This week’s lone SEC match-up pits Lane Kiffin (whose daughter has been getting more media attention than him this past week) against Mark Stoops, who is probably coaching for the sake of beefing up his resume at this point. By default, this should be my GOTW, but I do not feel it will be close enough to earn the honor. Rebels by 17.
ETSU at (22) Tennessee – The game starts at 2:30 PM (Eastern Time). The outcome will be obvious by 3:14. If everyone gets dressed quickly, and if the bus driver will average about two miles over the speed limit, Bucky and the boys can be home in time to watch Michigan at Oklahoma. Vols by 45.
USF at (13) Florida – Do you know how the Gators have a recent history of overlooking opponents they should easily handle? This could be a repeat if they do not give the Bulls their full due. This one will be close until the third quarter. Florida by 24.
SC State at (10) South Carolina – There is not much distance between these two schools, but there is a huge gap in how much better of a football program the Gamecocks have. USC by 48.
PETE’S SEC GAME OF THE WEEK
(15) Michigan at (18) Oklahoma – No disrespect to my Sooners friends, but for countless years now, I am rarely ever sold on where OU is ranked. That’s what makes giving this only ranked contest the GOTW honors a tough decision. I simply am gun-shy on thinking Oklahoma is that much improved over last year. Maybe they are still great and the challenge of the SEC is simply too much for them.
No matter my opinion, the No. 15 Wolverines trapse their way into Norman to face Sooners quarterback John Mateer with his big arm and accuracy. His woe will be OU’s less-than-stellar rushing backfield and offensive line rush blocking which have failed to move the ball more than 3.2 yards average.
Here is the kicker: I am not a believer in Michigan’s ranking right now either. They did not look solid last week versus New Mexico. With this game being In OU Memorial Stadium, the home squad gets the advantage. Sooners by 7.
Ball State at Auburn – The Fighting Football Cardinal make the venture to the plains that will make their 31-0 loss to Purdue last weekend seem like a mild daydream. Tigers by 49.
Arizona State at Mississippi State – With this non-conference being held in Starkville, this may actually end up being one of the closest games on this list. The Bulldogs are hoping to build on their season opening win, but I am not feeling they have what it takes to pull it off over the Sun Devils, even at home. Arizona State by 10.
LA Tech at (3) LSU – Upset Alert??? Not a chance. Tigers blow out their little brother by 18.
Vanderbilt at Virginia Tech – Are the Hokies campaigning to join the SEC? Maybe by proxy? When they scheduled South Carolina and Vanderbilt back-to-back, USC must have been playing a lot worse than they are now. What probably was a good idea at the time has not panned out as they had planned. This is all subjective. Vandy is on the rise, perhaps. At least they seem to be early every season. On the road, the ‘Dores get the victory. Vandy by 3.
ULM at (21) Alabama – Should we laugh or feel conference shame following Bama’s loss to Florida State last week. Saban is gone, but anyone at the helms of an SEC program should beat the Warhawks, especially at home. Tide by 40.
Prayers for the Gary Stubblefield family. No matter upon what side of the political sphere you fall, Senator Stubblefield was dedicated to the state and its people. He was a stand-up man who loved God and cherished his family, friends, and loved ones. He will be missed.
Go HOGS!!!
