Arkansas

Pittman Must Develop Killer Instinct At Arkansas Before Another Season in the SEC West

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2022

Pittman Must Develop Killer Instinct At Arkansas Before Another Season in the SEC West

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Standing annoyed on the sideline of the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Razorback head soccer coach Sam Pittman switched on the discuss perform of his headset and laid into Arkansas offensive line coach Cody Kennedy.

Kennedy’s line wasn’t performing as Pittman thought it ought to, so he hauled off and unleashed a flurry of alternative phrases that he would later publicly apologize for throughout his postgame press convention.

“I must apologize to Cody Kennedy as a result of he took just a few lashings – I imply he took just a few unhealthy feedback on the headsets tonight – and I see we rushed for 400 yards, so I wish to publicly apologize to Cody Kennedy,” Pittman stated with a little bit of a chuckle. “He took it somewhat bit and I’m this and I’m going, ‘Hmmm, I ought to shut up somewhat bit.’”

Arkansas formally completed with 394 yards speeding, though it must be famous that 83 of these yards got here within the closing 24 seconds of regulation plus three overtimes, and managed a complete of 681 yards whereas not giving up a single sack.

That is with the SEC’s second main rusher, Raheim Sanders, getting injured after solely three carries, the shuffled offensive line with out All-American middle Ricky Stromberg watching starter TyKiest Crawford get carted off the sector within the opening minutes, and freshman E’Marion Harris coming in for primarily a sport and a half in a single night time.

The offensive line positively wasn’t the issue.

Pittman identified the issue. Whether or not he meant to stays up for debate.

In three years as a head coach, he simply hasn’t change into one together with his inside Steve Spurrier. The Ole Ball Coach could have misplaced his edge a short time at South Carolina, however again in his heyday with Florida, it was his objective to beat groups by 50.

Spurrier thought of it an insult to the opposing staff to cease attempting and detrimental to the event of his staff to easily hand the ball off as soon as the back-ups got here in.

And he is proper. It is far more insulting to have a staff begin taking it simple on you and attempting to spare your emotions by pulling again. It is downright demeaning.

Except a taking part in floor is occupied by somebody who does not belong on the sector of competitors, having somebody consider you as so low and pathetic that you simply require their mercy is probably the most angering factor possible.

The insult of Arkansas calling off the canines in an effort to expire the clock to keep away from making Kansas look unhealthy is precisely what the Jayhawks wanted to rally their method again.

“We went extremely conservative towards Ole Miss up 42-6 and so they got here again into the sport somewhat bit,” Pittman stated. “I attempted to not till we bought right down to concerning the eight minute mark. I used to be telling KB that he may simply do no matter he wished to do with it.”

However the Razorbacks’ drive chart exhibits the precise reverse. The Razorbacks kicked it into mercy mode again in the course of the third quarter and did not get aggressive till the sport bought beneath the eight minute mark.

3:15 3Q

Two runs adopted by a move on third & 9 resulting in a punt.

13:55 4Q

Three straight runs adopted by a move on third & 17 then a punt.

9:42 4Q

Three straight runs and a punt.

3:47 4Q

This was probably the most aggressive drive of the sequence for Arkansas. The Hogs nonetheless opened with their commonplace two runs adopted by a move. Nevertheless, the move was for 43 yards to Matt Landers, giving the Razorbacks a primary down on the Kansas 29-yard line with the Jayhawks clinging to a single timeout.

All of the state of affairs required was three straight runs in the course of the sector. Kansas could be pressured to make use of its final timeout and watch helplessly whereas Arkansas ran down the clock and went up 41-23 on a Cam Little kick.

Following that common observe would have given Kansas the ball down 18 with 1:20 left to play in probably the most conservative of estimates offered both Rashod Dubinion or AJ Inexperienced did not discover a crease for a primary down.

As an alternative, Pittman selected to personally make an aggressive name on offense on second down with precisely three minutes left whereas in subject objective vary with the Jayhawks having simply used their closing timeout.

“Generally simply don’t fumble the ball while you don’t wish to,” Pittman stated. “[We’re] up 15 there. We had run them out of timeouts. I’m the one who informed KJ to run the reverse. It was there. They’d the entire darn staff inside and I believed we’d get outdoors of them and get the primary down and the sport was over. Sadly, it was dominated a fumble.”

Everybody will get one thing to concentrate on so far as enchancment within the offseason and ruthless aggression can be one for Pittman. He watched two huge leads evaporate and virtually dedicated the cardinal sin of pulling a Bret Bielema twice late within the season.

As Razorback followers know, that can get a coach fired whereas strolling off the sector.

Trendy offenses can put up factors in a rush, so the overall rule of thumb is to maintain along with your regular aggressiveness till the variety of touchdowns you might be up equals the variety of minutes on the clock plus one.

It is simply too dangerous and Arkansas is not a adequate program, particularly on protection, nor cherished by the referees sufficient to take the foot off the fuel.

It is a lesson that comes with expertise and Pittman bought sufficient expertise in that space this 12 months that Arkansa followers ought to by no means see it once more beneath his regime.

HOGS FEED:

WHY ARE ARKANSAS FANS COMPLAINING AFTER A BOWL WIN?

COVERING RAZORBACK FANS’ EMOTIONAL CRISIS DURING TWITTER DOWNTIME

PORTA POTTIES INCONVENIENT, BUT NOT CHILD TRAUMATIZING LIKE WAR MEMORIAL USED TO BE

JUSTICE HILL WAS ALWAYS DESTINED TO BE ON COURT WITH MUSSELMAN, RAZORBACKS CHASING SEC TITLE

PEOPLE SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME TALKING ABOUT WHO ISN’T PLAYING IN EITHER ARKANSAS SPORT

STATEMENT BY LIBERTY BOWL LEFT LEGAL WIGGLE ROOM IN REGARD TO FANS

WHAT’S REALLY AT STAKE IN WEDNESDAY’S LIBERTY BOWL GAME AGAINST KANSAS?

DO RAZORBACK FANS REALLY CARE ABOUT HOW LIBERTY BOWL TURNS OUT?

WITH WILL WADE’S RIC FLAIR STYLE PERSONA GONE, PLAYING LSU BASKETBALL JUST NOT AS FUN

RAZORBACKS’ NUMBERS BETTER WHEN QUARTERBACK KJ JEFFERSON DOESN’T RUN AS MUCH

THE NIGHT A 19-YEAR-OLD ARKANSAS BOY COVERED THE LIBERTY BOWL WITH ELVIS PRESLEY

PREPARE FOR HEART OF BOWL SEASON WITH HILARIOUS VIDEO RECAP OF EACH WEEK

ARKANSAS FEATURED IN ANNUAL “WONDERFUL LIFE” PARODY

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUN AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TEXAS LONGHORNS

TOP RAZORBACK SIGNEE HAS NFL EXPERIENCE UNDER HIS BELT

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS: ARKANSAS VS. UNC-ASHVILLE HAD PLENTY TO SEE

HOW DOES LIBERTY BOWL LINE-UP COMPARE TO OPENER VS. CINCINNATI?

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Arkansas

Arkansas football vs Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, prediction for Week 13 game

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Arkansas football vs Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, prediction for Week 13 game

After three weeks standing on the verge of bowl eligibility, Arkansas football has its best opportunity to secure a spot in college football’s postseason this weekend against Louisiana Tech.

The Razorbacks (5-5) will host the Bulldogs (4-6) on Saturday (3 p.m., SECN+). Twenty players are projected to take part in Senior Day festivities as Arkansas closes out its home schedule in 2024.

The Hogs are coming off back-to-back losses inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium, most recently falling to Texas 20-10. Arkansas’ offense couldn’t muster enough production across the first two quarters as a comeback bid fell short against the Longhorns.

Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, is coming off its biggest win of the season. The Bulldogs beat conference rival Western Kentucky 12-7, knocking the Hilltoppers out of first place in Conference USA.

Here are four things to watch and a score prediction for Saturday’s contest between Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.

Arkansas football must get off to a fast start

The best way to prevent an upset is to eliminate any hope. Arkansas didn’t do that against UAB in September, and the Razorbacks came out of the gates slow last year in this same spot against FIU. They eventually won both games, but the final scores were closer than desired.

“We’re trying to live up to the Arkansas standard, and that results in executing on the field. And if we don’t live up to that, then we’re going to see a similar slow start,” Arkansas offensive lineman Josh Braun said. “So that’s what we’re focused on this week, just starting fast and playing our brand of football.”

Take care of the football

This is arguably the biggest key for Arkansas every weekend. The Razorbacks are 0-5 when they lose the turnover battle this season, and two costly giveaways spoiled any chance at an upset last week against Texas.

Fortunately for Arkansas, Louisiana Tech ranks 111th in the country in turnover margin. The Bulldogs are averaging nearly two turnovers a game, so this might be an opportune matchup for the Hogs’ defense.

Control the running game on both sides

The Bulldogs have struggled on the ground all season, and they’ve won both games in which they rushed for more than 150 yards. By contrast, they are 2-6 when held under that mark.

Arkansas’ running defense has been strong throughout the year. Only two opponents have averaged more than 4 yards per carry, and the Razorbacks should be able to keep Louisiana Tech running backs Omiri Wiggins and Amani Givens in check.

On the flip side, Arkansas needs to commit to running the football early and stay vigilant with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Relying on the pass too heavily proved a mistake in the first half against Texas, and look for Bobby Petrino to adjust.

All eyes on Tru Edwards

Edwards, a senior wide receiver, is by far Louisiana Tech’s most dangerous weapon. He has four games this season with more than 100 yards receiving and leads the team with six touchdowns.

He’s a big-play threat who will require the full focus of the Arkansas defense. The Razorbacks’ secondary will try to maintain its momentum after holding Quinn Ewers and Isaiah Bond in check last week.

Prediction

Louisiana Tech is better than its record indicates, but there is still a gulf in talent between the two rosters. If Arkansas handles its own business and avoids sloppy turnovers, it should have no problem securing bowl eligibility Saturday. An upset loss would be unacceptable. Arkansas 38, Louisiana Tech 13.

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Arkansas

Calipari Faces at Arkansas He Must Learn He Will Never Defeat

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Calipari Faces at Arkansas He Must Learn He Will Never Defeat

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A lot has been made of the poor a attendance at Arkansas Razorbacks basketball games this season.

However, while it’s been somewhat embarrassing at times, it’s not entirely on Razorbacks fans. It’s not anyone’s fault technically. It’s more of a case of a schedule having to be made hastily before there was an opportunity to get to know the nuances of The Natural State.

One thing that is hard for the people of Arkansas to realize without moving away for some extended period of time is how unique the especially close relationship with the local church and the commitment this state’s citizens have to it actually is.

Scheduling the rest of life around church as a non-negotiable is expected. Playing organized sports on Sundays is still still frowned upon in much of the state, as are hunting and fishing in some cases.

Church comes first, whether it be Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night or revival week. Youth league coaches can find themselves pariahs for scheduling practices on Wednesday nights for this very reason.

That’s why excessively low attendance for Wednesday night games shouldn’t be as shocking to those who live here as opposed to people looking from the outside in.

See, one of the biggest adjustments to living outside of Arkansas is the extreme lack of Wednesday night church services. Same goes for revivals.

They’re just not a thing throughout much of the rest of the country, even in states that claim to really be into God. It’s even hard to find legitimate Sunday night services.

At best, there will be a youth program parents use as an excuse for a quick date night. So, that’s why it’s not surprising a coaching staff that didn’t grow up here might think nothing of lining up games on Wednesday nights expecting to get decent weeknight crowds.

However, what happens instead is much smaller crowds that make Hogs fans look disinterested at best. That’s just not likely the case.

They’re interested. Just not until the devotional has been read, the sermon has been preached and the invitation has been sung.

As soon as they get in the parking lot, the first thing they do is turn on the radio and try to catch up with what they have missed. It might seem strange to those from other states, but the priorities are right.

It may look bad on TV, but God, family and then the Razorbacks is the correct order

It’s a minor mistake in scheduling that is easily forgiven and eventually rectified. After all, the seats are still sold out and there are more important things involved in life.

• Indications are Texas may have played with its food against Arkansas

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• Does Petrino offense still work for Razorbacks? | 4th and 5

• Razorbacks still looking forward to potential bowl, sending seniors off right

• Calipari remains confident with seven Hogs’ rotation players

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Arkansas

Arkansas (AAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, Round 2 matchups, game times

Published

23 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

Arkansas (AAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, Round 2 matchups, game times

The Arkansas high school football playoffs are on to Round 2, where several teams will start their postseason quest for a state championship after earning Round 1 byes.

The postseason in Class 2A through 7A plus the 8-man division started last week.

Bryant, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Conway are the 7A teams that will kick off their playoff run in Round 2 this week.

>>Arkansas high school football playoff brackets

Stick with High School on SI for all of the matchups, game times and scores throughout the 2024 Arkansas (AAA) football playoffs.

Here are the Arkansas high school football playoff brackets, with matchups and game times, plus second-round matchups:

Second-round matchups

Bryant vs. Cabot

7 p.m. Friday

Pulaski Academy vs. Fayetteville

7 p.m. Friday

Bentonville vs. Bentonville West

7 p.m. Friday

Rogers vs. Conway

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 7A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

El Dorado vs. Greenwood

7 p.m. Friday

Mountain Home vs. Catholic

7 p.m. Friday

Lake Hamilton vs. Benton

7 p.m. Friday

Shiloh Christian vs. Van Buren

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 6A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Valley View vs. Morrilton

7 p.m. Friday

Parkview vs. Maumelle

7 p.m. Friday

Robinson vs. Lakeside

7 p.m. Friday

Farmington vs. Camden Fairview

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 5A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Dardanelle vs. Prairie Grove

7 p.m. Friday

Arkadelphia vs. Gentry

7 p.m. Friday

Heber Springs vs. Southside

7 p.m. Friday

Monticello vs. Hamburg

7 p.m. Friday

Clinton vs. Mills University

7 p.m. Friday

Warren vs. Pocahontas

7 p.m. Friday

Elkins vs. Mena

7 p.m. Friday

Malvern vs. Highland

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 4A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Bismarck vs. Atkins

7 p.m. Friday

Osceola vs. Charleston

7 p.m. Friday

Fordyce vs. Jessieville

7 p.m. Friday

Booneville vs. Mayflower

7 p.m. Friday

Glen Rose vs. Dumas

7 p.m. Friday

Mansfield vs. Newport

7 p.m. Friday

Salem vs. Prescott

7 p.m. Friday

Rivercrest vs. Rison

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 3A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Murfreesboro vs. Mount Ida

7 p.m. Friday

East Poinsett County vs. Bigelow

7 p.m. Friday

Conway Christian vs. Des Arc

7 p.m. Friday

Carlisle vs. Junction City

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 2A high school football bracket

2024 AAA 8-man high school football bracket

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