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[devildog]

I think slightly better, no one leaving is projected above 4th round NFL talent. And there's this strange way about a defense that gets pushed around but in turn gets a full season of learning from mistakes. Sometimes they get an attitude and one or two of them develop into playmakers and they come on as a good unit. I'm hoping this happens and if so the Hogs will be a tough out. That's my slightly better scenario.

[Al Boarland]

I think slightly better, no one leaving is projected above 4th round NFL talent. And there's this strange way about a defense that gets pushed around but in turn gets a full season of learning from mistakes. Sometimes they get an attitude and one or two of them develop into playmakers and they come on as a good unit. I'm hoping this happens and if so the Hogs will be a tough out. That's my slightly better scenario.

Agreed. Being a tough out is the foundation of the program. Too many times teams have taken us lightly only to be served up with a L. That's where we make our mark.

[bphi11ips]

We replace virtually the entire receiving corps, the left tackle, almost all of the D-line, the middle linebacker, and a veteran punter. 

Our defense last year was among the worst in school history.  Our offense struggled to score in the second half during the last half of the season. 

After QB and Center, this is a young team. I have no idea what to expect. 

[Al Boarland]

We replace virtually the entire receiving corps, the left tackle, almost all of the D-line, the middle linebacker, and a veteran punter. 

Our defense last year was among the worst in school history.  Our offense struggled to score in the second half during the last half of the season. 

After QB and Center, this is a young team. I have no idea what to expect.

I think that equates to better everywhere. That makes the most sense. Year 2 coach with a line that struggled to protect the QB. WR's from JUCO always work out. D line was bad. New guys will be stellar because we promoted the DB coach and changed  to a system the requires hole pluggers up front. LB's will be elite even though they weren't elite recruits. New exercises will make us a 2nd half juggernaut. I'm feeling the optimissum creep in.

[go hogues]

Probably the same. We'll finish right around .500

[CFB_Fanatic]

We blew a lead against TCU and got away with a miraculous win.  We gave up 28 points in the 2nd half to Mississippi State and if not for an onside kick that they recovered an inch too soon, we were leaking oil severely in the 2nd half. 

We blew large leads against Missouri and Va Tech and were outscored by LSU 17-3 in the second half; A&M outscored us 28-7 in the second half; Auburn outscored us 28-0 in the second half. 

Until we see a cure for our second-half woes, I can't buy-in to us being better this year.

This.

This x1000

Gonna be a lot of disappointed people this year by reading this thread. Unfortunate for CBB that expectations appear to be this high.

Lost a lot of offensive production last year and the defense is installing a completely new system, with hardly any DL to speak of other than Agim. If the defense isn't worse I will be surprised. Here's to hoping

[jgphillips3]

This year's team is definitely better than last years.  We are deeper, more talented and more experienced at every position except receiver (and there the JUCO kids have the potential to be better).  Our Offensive line and Defense last year were between horrible and historically bad and we still won 7 games and should have won 9.  Our offensive line and defense should be anywhere from improved to solid.  If the defensive installation goes well and there are no serious injuries, I see a 9 win season. 

[Al Boarland]

This year's team is definitely better than last years.  We are deeper, more talented and more experienced at every position except receiver (and there the JUCO kids have the potential to be better).  Our Offensive line and Defense last year were between horrible and historically bad and we still won 7 games and should have won 9.  Our offensive line and defense should be anywhere from improved to solid.  If the defensive installation goes well and there are no serious injuries, I see a 9 win season.

Should have won 9? What about the games we barely escaped with a W?

[CFB_Fanatic]

Should have one 9? What about the games we barely escaped with an W?

Its easy to forget about those.

Shouldve lost LaTech.
Shouldve lost TCU
Couldve lost Miss St
Couldve lost Ole Miss

[factchecker]

Its easy to forget about those.

Shouldve lost LaTech.
Shouldve lost TCU
Couldve lost Miss St
Couldve lost Ole Miss

Another great fan who believes in moral losses.

Seriously, there is no way anyone (no matter how much they hate the Hogs) can say we should or could have lost to Mississippi State.  We won by 16.  We never trailed and had a lead from the 12:29 in the 2nd quarter forward.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/matchup?gameId=400869062

[factchecker]

Its easy to forget about those.

Shouldve lost LaTech.
Shouldve lost TCU
Couldve lost Miss St
Couldve lost Ole Miss

These are the people who show their true agenda.

They aren't realist.  They HATE the Hogs.  Saying that we should have or could have lost games is a true demonstration of WANTING the Hogs to lose.

Pathetic.

[factchecker]

This fanbase needs a giant enema.  Too many turds floating around wanting us to lose and harassing players on social media.

Have fun wallowing in your feces filled existence looking for ways to discredit the team you "cheer".

[LZH]

Until we can prove that our coaches are capable of making halftime or in-game adjustments (that pretty much any Division 2 teams routinely make), I have little confidence in this season.  Yeah, I said in January that we'd win nine games, but the more I think of it the more I think we blow several games that we should win (again).

I have problems with the new defense...not the 3-4 per se, just running a new scheme with average players in the toughest division in CFB.  There are plenty of teams that run the 3-4 that get totally blasted, too.  I also have my doubts concerning the OL - "we're definitely gonna be better; more experience; better coaching; etc".  Says who?  Bielema?  His sound bites are getting old.

One game does not make a season, but if we get torched by TCU then I think we'll be lucky to get to 6-6.  But if we spank their ass, like we should, then I'll feel quite a bit better...at least it will give me some hope that some of the changes might actually work.

I'm just tired of another "this is the year"...I'm tired of the inconsistencies...I'm tired of being compared to the likes of Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and A&M (teams we used to freekin own)...I'm tired of the excuses for why we've slid so far down the totem pole.  I'm tired of watching our head coach, a 'defensive guru', not putting an SEC caliber defense on the field.  I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

[Al Boarland]

These are the people who show their true agenda.

They aren't realist.  They HATE the Hogs.  Saying that we should have or could have lost games is a true demonstration of WANTING the Hogs to lose.

Pathetic.

How any arguments have their been about games we should have won? I think you should just throw out the should haves.

[ChitownHawg]

Until we can prove that our coaches are capable of making halftime or in-game adjustments (that pretty much any Division 2 teams routinely make), I have little confidence in this season.  Yeah, I said in January that we'd win nine games, but the more I think of it the more I think we blow several games that we should win (again).

I have problems with the new defense...not the 3-4 per se, just running a new scheme with average players in the toughest division in CFB.  There are plenty of teams that run the 3-4 that get totally blasted, too.  I also have my doubts concerning the OL - "we're definitely gonna be better; more experience; better coaching; etc".  Says who?  Bielema?  His sound bites are getting old.

One game does not make a season, but if we get torched by TCU then I think we'll be lucky to get to 6-6.  But if we spank their ass, like we should, then I'll feel quite a bit better...at least it will give me some hope that some of the changes might actually work.

I'm just tired of another "this is the year"...I'm tired of the inconsistencies...I'm tired of being compared to the likes of Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and A&M (teams we used to freekin own)...I'm tired of the excuses for why we've slid so far down the totem pole.  I'm tired of watching our head coach, a 'defensive guru', not putting an SEC caliber defense on the field.  I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Apparently, one game does make a difference if you think it will cause the season to be 6-6.

And I ask you bellyaching fans - What is the solution? A new coach? Who? Is it realistic we could hire a new coach?

And can it be guaranteed that this new coach would get us to the 9 win average that you want?

Stop bellyaching and answer the questions. You question the decisions of CBB, so now let's read your brilliant solutions to the problems. I have my popcorn ready and this should be entertaining. 

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Until we can prove that our coaches are capable of making halftime or in-game adjustments (that pretty much any Division 2 teams routinely make), I have little confidence in this season.  Yeah, I said in January that we'd win nine games, but the more I think of it the more I think we blow several games that we should win (again).

I have problems with the new defense...not the 3-4 per se, just running a new scheme with average players in the toughest division in CFB.  There are plenty of teams that run the 3-4 that get totally blasted, too.  I also have my doubts concerning the OL - "we're definitely gonna be better; more experience; better coaching; etc".  Says who?  Bielema?  His sound bites are getting old.

One game does not make a season, but if we get torched by TCU then I think we'll be lucky to get to 6-6.  But if we spank their ass, like we should, then I'll feel quite a bit better...at least it will give me some hope that some of the changes might actually work.

I'm just tired of another "this is the year"...I'm tired of the inconsistencies...I'm tired of being compared to the likes of Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and A&M (teams we used to freekin own)...I'm tired of the excuses for why we've slid so far down the totem pole.  I'm tired of watching our head coach, a 'defensive guru', not putting an SEC caliber defense on the field.  I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Have you noticed that Bielema is being pretty quiet about making any projections for this team? It's the folks here on Hogville who are projecting the way the season will go.

[LZH]

Apparently, one game does make a difference if you think it will cause the season to be 6-6.

And I ask you bellyaching fans - What is the solution? A new coach? Who? Is it realistic we could hire a new coach?

And can it be guaranteed that this new coach would get us to the 9 win average that you want?

Stop bellyaching and answer the questions. You question the decisions of CBB, so now let's read your brilliant solutions to the problems. I have my popcorn ready and this should be entertaining. 

Bide our time for the next two years (while hoping for the best), then find a new coach....one that actually has some ideas and can out-scheme and out-coach most of our competition.  Other than once in a blue moon, it's painfully obvious that BB can't do that.  And to answer your question in bold...we had a coach that could win 9+ games a year, so there's nothing to convince me that we can't find another one.

And if you read the first two words the OP typed, it says "Honest Opinion".  So, I gave it.  Also in my honest opinion, maybe the folks that are OK with 7-6 seasons should buy some Vanderbilt or Southern Miss T-shirts...those fans pray for mediocrity and squirt their shorts if they wind up in Shreveport at the end of the year.

But not me buddy....we all deserve better.

[LZH]

Have you noticed that Bielema is being pretty quiet about making any projections for this team? It's the folks here on Hogville who are projecting the way the season will go.

Predicting our record?....No.  But he's sure talking up the OL.

[Steef]

Until we see a cure for our second-half woes, I can't buy-in to us being better this year.

This.

Team attitude (or lack of) is a coaching problem.
Lack of adjustment is a coaching problem.
Becoming predictable to our opponents during the course of the game is a coaching problem.
Not knowing what to do, when your gameplan expires...is a coaching problem.

We have good and (some) great athletes. Let's see if our staff has (can) finally figured out how to use them for four quarters instead of two.

[ChitownHawg]

Bide our time for the next two years (while hoping for the best), then find a new coach....one that actually has some ideas and can out-scheme and out-coach most of our competition.  Other than once in a blue moon, it's painfully obvious that BB can't do that.  And to answer your question in bold...we had a coach that could win 9+ games a year, so there's nothing to convince me that we can't find another one.

And if you read the first two words the OP typed, it says "Honest Opinion".  So, I gave it.  Also in my honest opinion, maybe the folks that are OK with 7-6 seasons should buy some Vanderbilt or Southern Miss T-shirts...those fans pray for mediocrity and squirt their shorts if they wind up in Shreveport at the end of the year.

But not me buddy....we all deserve better.

So who is this miraculous coach we are going to hire?

Just saying "hire a new coach" isn't a solution. We needed a new coach after JLS and we hired one. Simply saying "hire a new coach" is taking the easy route. Who would it be and can we get them?

[riccoar]

These are the people who show their true agenda.

They aren't realist.  They HATE the Hogs.  Saying that we should have or could have lost games is a true demonstration of WANTING the Hogs to lose.

Pathetic.

[Pork Twain]

We have more depth and talent at every position, with the exception of WR.  I would say that leads to looking better.

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

I would say Auburn and LSU are both wild cards due to the fact we will not be favored. At best you have to categorize them as a toss up. Have you checked the FPI for this season yet?

FPI is the most overrated stat in college football. This is a new season with new players and coaches. We have no idea how strong or weak these teams will be. Every season there is at least 1 Cinderella team/under achiever in the SEC. We just have to wait and see

[The NewEra]

Whether we are better this year or not is solely in the hands of the kids on the hill.  There is enough talent at the player and coaching level to be a good team.  We'll see how much this team wants it.  It's all up to them.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Predicting our record?....No.  But he's sure talking up the OL.

I've not heard him say anything that sounds as if he might be embellishing the situation. Actually, when you consider that he says something like "we might see some true Freshmen seeing some playing time" is not an indicator that things are all that solid. Now could he be using that public statement as subtle motivation for the older players on the O-Line? Sure he could be, coaches use that little trick all the time. But if that is what he is doing, that concerns me that he has to utilize that ruse to light a fire under someones arse who has already been here for a while.

On the other hand, maybe we have some Freshmen that are true men right now and if they are better than the guys who were here ahead of them, by all means, play the Freshman, but that doesn't always work out well on the OL.

Point being, I haven't heard Bielema say much at all about how great the O-Line or any other part of the team is going to be.

[ChitownHawg]

I've not heard him say anything that sounds as if he might be embellishing the situation. Actually, when you consider that he says something like "we might see some true Freshmen seeing some playing time" is not an indicator that things are all that solid. Now could he be using that public statement as subtle motivation for the older players on the O-Line? Sure he could be, coaches use that little trick all the time. But if that is what he is doing, that concerns me that he has to utilize that ruse to light a fire under someones arse who has already been here for a while.

On the other hand, maybe we have some Freshmen that are true men right now and if they are better than the guys who were here ahead of them, by all means, play the Freshman, but that doesn't always work out well on the OL.

Point being, I haven't heard Bielema say much at all about how great the O-Line or any other part of the team is going to be.

Exactly. CBB's comments about Fruholt have simply been he was lost at times last year or too aggressive. He said he is showing vast improvements which you would expect from a 4 star recruit.

I don't see where you can take his comments as being over the top. Fruholt should be better this year.

[Bacon_Bitz]

Predicting our record?....No.  But he's sure talking up the OL.

Talking about the OL is not talking up the OL.

[OneTuskOverTheLine™]

We blew a lead against TCU and got away with a miraculous win.  We gave up 28 points in the 2nd half to Mississippi State and if not for an onside kick that they recovered an inch too soon, we were leaking oil severely in the 2nd half. 

We blew large leads against Missouri and Va Tech and were outscored by LSU 17-3 in the second half; A&M outscored us 28-7 in the second half; Auburn outscored us 28-0 in the second half. 

Until we see a cure for our second-half woes, I can't buy-in to us being better this year. 

 That'a 100% mental... Quicksand, ya know...

[Al Boarland]

FPI is the most overrated stat in college football. This is a new season with new players and coaches. We have no idea how strong or weak these teams will be. Every season there is at least 1 Cinderella team/under achiever in the SEC. We just have to wait and see

Actually it's very accurate. Just not right now. As I said either here or in another thread, I pick games before the season based on talent. It's as accurate a predictor as anything else.

[razorbackfan4life]

Offense

The OL, as a unit, will have to be tremendously better, or we will be looking at a similar record as last year.  The games we lost last year we struggled at getting push, thus killing our run game. 

Also we all know how good Austin Allen was when he wasn't getting murdered by the opposing defense.

WR unit should be fine.  Same as the TE's. 

RB group should be even better.  As long as they learn how to block and pick up blitzes. 

There is room for optimism on that side of the ball.  It all hinges on OL play. 

Defense

We SHOULD improve, but switching to a new scheme might take time to mesh. 

The DL has plenty of talent and options. 

LB corp has the numbers, and I think the switch to the 3-4 will only help that unit.  It was always a struggle for our LB's to play in space.  Hopefully the switch will help correct that. 

Secondary unit is probably the most talented group we've ever had on campus, in that department.  Problem is that we will be relying on true freshman.  There will be mistakes, but it's nice to have some speed and skill back there for once. 

Final Thoughts

Overall the team looks good on paper.  A successful season depends on how the new guys are coached up, and if we can see significant improvement on the OL.

If we are able to run the ball when we want to you are looking at a 9 win season.  If we still struggle to get push it will be another 6-8 win season. 

Defense is still a question in regards to the new scheme.  The talent is there.  Lets see what happens. 

[LZH]

So who is this miraculous coach we are going to hire?

Just saying "hire a new coach" isn't a solution. We needed a new coach after JLS and we hired one. Simply saying "hire a new coach" is taking the easy route. Who would it be and can we get them?

Well it godamn sure isn't BB.  Maybe Long needs to go, too.  I'm no expert, but I do know 10-3 from 7-6.  When BP was here we all were "Arkansas can win with the big boys" - when BB got here, it turned into "we can't compete with the blah, blah, blah".

You used to be on my side, buddy.  I'll throw this at ya....you ever been in a fistfight?  Did you play fair or did you try to kill the [CENSORED]?  We're in the SEC....not the AIC.

[Next1_04]

Well it godamn sure isn't BB.  Maybe Long needs to go, too.  I'm no expert, but I do know 10-3 from 7-6.  When BP was here we all were "Arkansas can win with the big boys" - when BB got here, it turned into "we can't compete with the blah, blah, blah".

You used to be on my side, buddy.  I'll throw this at ya....you ever been in a fistfight?  Did you play fair or did you try to kill the [CENSORED]?  We're in the SEC....not the AIC.

Bless your heart. If you like BP so much, just switch over to Louisville. It's not hard.

[LZH]

Bless your heart. If you like BP so much, just switch over to Louisville. It's not hard.

Give me a [CENSORED] break....BP had it made here and totally ruined it.  He's not the only badass out there.  Pick a fight with someone you have an actual chance with.....lightweight.

[ChitownHawg]

Well it godamn sure isn't BB.  Maybe Long needs to go, too.  I'm no expert, but I do know 10-3 from 7-6.  When BP was here we all were "Arkansas can win with the big boys" - when BB got here, it turned into "we can't compete with the blah, blah, blah".

You used to be on my side, buddy.  I'll throw this at ya....you ever been in a fistfight?  Did you play fair or did you try to kill the [CENSORED]?  We're in the SEC....not the AIC.

I am for competing. I am also for giving a coach a chance. Take basketball - after the OSU and Mizzou losses my opinion of MA was Dance or be gone. This was his sixth year and he had enough time to make changes. We went to the Dance. I backed off and gave him credit.

I am looking for improvement this year. If the defense sucks it up like the last two years then I will begin to complain. I think the offense is in good shape.

CBB has his players and a good coaching staff. If he cannot improve this year, then I will say he isn't the guy.

[LZH]

I am for competing. I am also for giving a coach a chance. Take basketball - after the OSU and Mizzou losses my opinion of MA was Dance or be gone. This was his sixth year and he had enough time to make changes. We went to the Dance. I backed off and gave him credit.

I am looking for improvement this year. If the defense sucks it up like the last two years then I will begin to complain. I think the offense is in good shape.

CBB has his players and a good coaching staff. If he cannot improve this year, then I will say he isn't the guy.

And I'll be damn....we're friends again............................................

[ChitownHawg]

And I'll be damn....we're friends again............................................

 

Your complaining is easy for me to accept as you do give credit when it is warranted. Many of the other complainers just move onto a new complaint when the old one is corrected.

[LZH]

Your complaining is easy for me to accept as you do give credit when it is warranted. Many of the other complainers just move onto a new complaint when the old one is corrected.

It just makes me feel good to bitch about all kinds of stuff.

[ChitownHawg]

It just makes me feel good to bitch about all kinds of stuff.

My wife is out of town, so my house is currently full of zen. 

[LZH]

My wife is out of town, so my house is currently full of zen. 

Well I have some shark, wine, and reefer.......I'll email you my address.

[hogcard1964]

Bless your heart. If you like BP so much, just switch over to Louisville. It's not hard.

That makes zero sense.

[Pork Twain]

Your complaining is easy for me to accept as you do give credit when it is warranted. Many of the other complainers just move onto a new complaint when the old one is corrected.

Some of the biggest trolls on here are some of the best posters on here and also some of the easiest to see through.

[Pork Twain]

Well I have some shark, wine, and reefer.......I'll email you my address.

Are you guys about to consummate this friendship?

[hogcard1964]

My wife is out of town, so my house is currently full of zen. 

Ahhhh.... I see.   

[311Hog]

I am for competing. I am also for giving a coach a chance. Take basketball - after the OSU and Mizzou losses my opinion of MA was Dance or be gone. This was his sixth year and he had enough time to make changes. We went to the Dance. I backed off and gave him credit.

I am looking for improvement this year. If the defense sucks it up like the last two years then I will begin to complain. I think the offense is in good shape.

CBB has his players and a good coaching staff. If he cannot improve this year, then I will say he isn't the guy.

I feel the same way as this post.  The only thing that would deter me from this idea is a rash of injuries to key personnel.  Lets hope that doesn't happen, but that could change my mind a bit.

[riccoar]

Are you guys about to consummate this friendship?

Like LZH, I'm no expert, but this sure hints at a minimum of some unwanted touching

[pigture perfect]

My default argument is that our defense couldn't be any worse. If our offense can stay on the field a little longer, i expect better. Are we going to win more games this year than last? I don't know. My expectation for this year is to be about the same.

[elksnort]

Interesting posts. Factcheckers' fascination with feces is somewhat disturbing though.

I have been saying it and I will keep saying it. CBB's system relies on running the ball successfully late in the games to ice the win (if ahead). So, how well is the offensive line and the blocking backs going to do?

To me, the answer to this question is the answer to how well the season will go.

Okay, I will say that the record will be better and that we will put games away more efficiently and thoroughly.

[LZH]

Are you guys about to consummate this friendship?

Well, he does have pretty eyes.

[LZH]

Like LZH, I'm no expert, but this sure hints at a minimum of some unwanted touching

Hey! You to sweet talk me first!

[ChitownHawg]

I feel the same way as this post.  The only thing that would deter me from this idea is a rash of injuries to key personnel.  Lets hope that doesn't happen, but that could change my mind a bit.

Good point -  a rash of injuries at key positions would alter my view as well. We are building depth, but we are not Bama with a 4 star on the 2nd and 3rd strings.