TAT: Bielema Needs Time Before Success Comes

This column originally appeared in the November 6, 2013 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

I was talking to my grandfather Sunday afternoon when naturally, our conversation drifted to the most important topic of the day: Arkansas football.

Like many fans, he is having some serious doubts as to whether head coach Bret Bielema’s system will translate to wins in the Southeastern Conference.

As our conversation slowly developed into a debate, I found myself defending Bielema.

My main argument is that he hasn’t had time to get the players to fit his system. When he was hired in December, Bielema was able to throw together a pretty good recruiting class, but he cannot build an entire team in one year.

Almost all of the players on this year’s team were recruited by former head coach Bobby Petrino, whose high-octane spread offense is completely different than Bielema’s power running game.

Imagine you are trying to build a 4x100 meter relay team, so you recruit the fastest sprinters in the country and train them for two to three years to compete in that event. Then suddenly one year the athletes are forced to switch to a cross country race.

These athletes are neither equipped nor prepared for such a change. That is similar to what Bielema is trying to do at Arkansas.

Uneducated fans think that Jeff Long should have hired Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn instead. They think that if Malzahn can lead the Tigers to an 8-1 record and No. 9 ranking in the BCS in one season, he could do the same thing at Arkansas.

However, what these fans are forgetting is that most of the players Malzahn has at Auburn are players he recruited while he was the offensive coordinator there from 2009 to 2011.

If Malzahn was hired at Wisconsin, he would be having the same struggles Bielema is having at Arkansas because the players at Wisconsin would not fit his system.

Despite the six-game losing streak, Razorback fans should calm down and give Bielema some time. If he still isn’t winning after three years, then you can start the “Fire Bielema” campaign.

You cannot judge a coach’s success based on one season.

In 2008, Petrino’s first season, Arkansas finished 5-7 overall and 2-6 in the SEC. That was even coming off of 10- and eight-win seasons in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Along the way, the Razorbacks had a three-game losing streak in which they lost by an average margin of 36 points. They also had an embarrassing 21-20 come-from-behind loss to Kentucky.

I also reminded my grandfather that when he was only 18 years old, Arkansas hired a young 33-year-old coach that lost his first six games as the head coach of the Razorbacks before finishing the season 4-6.

That coach turned out to be Frank Broyles, and after that 1958 season, he led Arkansas to a 140-52-5 record and the 1964 National Championship.

I am not saying Bielema will be the next Broyles, but my grandfather and the rest of the fan base need to let him get his system fully implemented before jumping to conclusions.

Only time will tell if he will be successful.

TAT: Hocker Not Named A Groza Semifinalist

This article originally appeared in the November 6, 2013 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

The semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, which honors the best college kicker in the country, were announced Monday, but Arkansas’ kicker was wrongly left off the list, head coach Bret Bielema said at his weekly Monday press conference.

Senior Zach Hocker is 9-for-10 on field goal attempts this season, with his only miss being blocked against No. 1 Alabama. He is also 20-for-20 on extra-point attempts.

“It irritates me,” Bielema said. “I’m not saying he should be in the top five or top 10, but he should be in the top 20.”

Three weeks ago, Bielema said he told his communication staff to reach out to the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the organization that selects the finalists. However, Hocker was still not chosen as one of the top 20 kickers in the country.

When the list came out, Bielema asked for the statistics of the 20 kickers, which seem to strengthen his argument.

Hocker’s 90 percent field goal percentage would rank ninth among the semifinalists. If it wasn’t for the blocked field goal against the Crimson Tide, he would be one of four kickers that haven’t missed an attempt.

Click to enlarge.

That is also 13.5 percentage points better than Tulane’s Cairo Santos, who is only 13-for-17. Santos won the award last year and is one of the 20 semifinalists this year.

His 53-yard field goal against Samford is tied for the seventh longest in the FBS this season and would be tied for the third longest among the semifinalists.

Click to enlarge.

On top of the field goals, Hocker has performed well in other areas of the kicking game as well, Bielema said.

He leads the FBS with a 64.94-yard kickoff average and has also put 69.44 percent of his kickoffs into the end zone for a touchback, which is sixth in the FBS.

“He’s phenomenal,” Bielema said. “You’re going to have a hard time telling me he’s not one of the best two kickers in college football. He brings so much to the table.”

Despite not being named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist, Bielema said that he has been in contact with Senior Bowl officials and NFL scouts, so Hocker should receive some postseason recognition.

“Everything we ask him to do, he delivers,” Bielema said.

TAT: Sports News Briefs (Nov. 6)

This article originally appeared on November 6, 2013 on The Arkansas Traveler website, uatrav.com.

Denied rumors that he was interviewing for the Texas athletic director job, UA athletic director Jeff Long. It was widely reported that Long was one of three final candidates for the job, but he tweeted Sunday that he was “not seeking a position or engaged in the search process of another University.”

Suspended for Arkansas’ two exhibition games and its season opener for a violation of team rules, junior guard Ky Madden. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season.

Won her flight’s individual championship at the Cougar Classic in Houston Sunday, sophomore tennis player Brittany Huxley. It was the first flight championship of the season from Huxley.

Finished first at the Southeastern Conference men’s cross country championship, senior Kemoy Campbell. He finished with a time of 22:58.73, which broke the SEC championship record by 11.18 seconds.

Finished first at the SEC women’s cross country championship, sophomore Dominique Scott. She finished with a time of 20:02.81, which was the third-fastest time in SEC championship meet history.

Competed at The Spirit International Amateur Championship in Trinity, Texas, sophomore golfer Gabriela Lopez. The Mexico City native finished tied for 28th individually and helped Mexico tie for a 10th-place finish.

Waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars, former Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams. He was claimed by the Jaguars after he was waived by the Green Bay Packers before the season. Williams doesn’t have any stats this season.

Collapsed as he was walking off the field at halftime Sunday, Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. He had to be carted off the field and was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons.

Announced that he would miss several weeks because he needed heart surgery, Denver Broncos head coach John Fox. He was told of his heart condition earlier, but wanted to put the surgery off until February. After being taken to the hospital Saturday, it was determined that he couldn’t wait any longer.

Tossed seven touchdowns in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 49-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders, quarterback Nick Foles. He is the seventh player in NFL history with seven touchdown passes in a single game. Peyton Manning did it on opening night this season.

Accused his teammates on the Miami Dolphins of bullying him, starting right tackle Jonathan Martin. Dolphins offensive guard Richie Incognito was suspended by the team in connection with this incident.

Participated in his first full-contact practice since suffering a broken leg in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Louisville guard Kevin Ware. He could play in No. 3 Louisville’s season opener against Charleston Saturday.

Held No. 21 Michigan to a school-record low negative-48 yards rushing, No. 22 Michigan State’s defense. The Spartans sacked the Wolverines seven times and held them to just one rushing yard on designed runs.

Hired as the new manager of the Detroit Tigers, former MLB catcher Brad Ausmus. He was a three-time Gold Glove Award winner during an 18 year career with four different teams. Ausmus was also an All-Star with the Tigers in 1999.

Died at the age of 74, NBA Hall of Famer Walt Bellamy. He averaged 20.1 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in 14 seasons as an NBA center. In 1962, Bellamy won Rookie of the Year after averaging 31.6 points and 19 rebounds per game.

TAT: By the Numbers - The Auburn Game and More

These stats were originally compiled for the November 6, 2013 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

55 - Seconds remaining in overtime when Lindsey Mayo made the game-winning goal for the Arkansas soccer team against Missouri Thursday. The win clinched the eighth seed in the Southeastern Conference tournament for the Razorbacks.

12 - Wins by the soccer team this season, breaking the previous UA record of 11 wins. The Razorbacks won 11 games in 1991, 1996 and 2008.

6 - Razorback men and women cross country runners that finished in the top three at the SEC championships. Both teams swept the top three spots on their way to the team titles.

58 - SEC championships won by the Arkansas men’s cross country and track and field teams since joining the conference in 1992. They have competed in 67 cross country, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field conference meets, meaning they have won 86.6 percent of the conference titles.

27 - Combined points by Arkansas men’s and women’s basketball star freshmen, Bobby Portis and Jessica Jackson, in their first exhibition games. Portis, the No. 16 player in the Class of 2013 by ESPN, scored 13 points, while Jackson, the No. 17 player in the Class of 2013 by ESPN, scored 14.

5 - Different Razorbacks that took snaps as the quarterback Saturday against No. 11 Auburn. Brandon Allen started the game and AJ Derby came in for a few plays when Allen was injured. Alex Collins and Kiero Small each took direct snaps in the “wildcat,” while Brian Buehner was the quarterback for Arkansas’ “swinging gate” play.

4 - Different Razorbacks that attempted a pass Saturday. Allen, Derby and Buehner each completed at least one pass, while Jonathan Williams’ two halfback passes fell incomplete.

7 - Snaps taken by Derby at quarterback. Four snaps were handoffs that resulted in 29 rushing yards, while another one was initially fumbled before being picked up by Derby and thrown for a 5-yard gain to Keon Hatcher. The other two resulted in an interception and a lost fumble by Derby.

26 - Average starting field position for Arkansas Saturday. Its only drive that started in Auburn territory came after Korliss Marshall’s 87-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. The Razorbacks started inside its own 20-yard line three times.

36 - Average starting field position for Auburn Saturday. The Tigers had three drives that started in Arkansas territory.

21:43 - Arkansas’ time of possession, in minutes and seconds, in the first half against Auburn. The Tigers only held the ball for 8:17, but led 14-3 at the half.

TAT: Hogs in the Pros (Nov. 6)

These stats were originally compiled for the November 6, 2013 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

NFL

Week 9

Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs

• W 23-13, @ Buffalo Bills
• 1 kickoff return, 24 yards

Jerry Franklin, Chicago Bears

• W 27-20, @ Green Bay Packers
• 1 solo tackle

Dennis Johnson, Houston Texas

• L 27-24, vs. Indianapolis Colts
• 8 carries, 36 yards, 1 kickoff return, 21 yards

Felix Jones, Pittsburgh Steelers

• L 55-31, @ New England Patriots
• 1 carry, 5 yards, 1 reception, 4 yards, 3 kickoff returns, 72 yards

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

• L 49-20, vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• 5 carries, 12 yards, 1 reception, 3 yards
• Re-aggravated hamstring injury in first half and did not return to the game

George Wilson, Tennessee Titans

• W 28-21, @ St. Louis Rams
• 1 solo tackle

Jarius Wright, Minnesota Vikings

• L 27-23, @ Dallas Cowboys
• 3 receptions, 31 yards

NBA

10/29-11/4

Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets

• 1 game, 1 start
• Averages: 10 min., 5 pts., 1 reb., 1 ast.
• Suffered torn muscle in his midsection during first half of Rockets’ season-opener.

Ronnie Brewer, Houston Rockets

• 2 games, 0 starts
• Averages: 6 min., 0 pts., 1.5 reb., 0.5 ast., 0.5 blk.

Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

• 3 games, 3 starts
• Averages: 28 min., 11.3 pts., 0.7 reb., 2.3 ast., 0.7 stl., 0.3 blk.

Jannero Pargo, Charlotte Bobcats

• 1 game, 0 starts
• Averages: 5 min., 2 pts., 1 stl.

TAT: Bielema Sees Improvement Despite Loss

This article originally appeared on November 4, 2013 on The Arkansas Traveler website, uatrav.com.

Despite suffering its sixth consecutive loss Saturday, the Arkansas football team improved in several areas, head coach Bret Bielema said in his weekly Monday press conference.

Bielema said that the team threw and caught the ball as well as they had in Southeastern Conference play this season in its 35-17 loss to No. 11 Auburn.

He also said the team improved on its tackling and ran the ball well. However, he said he was not happy with Arkansas’ three turnovers and two trips into the red zone that did not result in scores.

Both of those areas will be “major points of emphasis” during practice this week, Bielema said.

Injury wise, the Razorbacks got out of the game healthy, although sophomore quarterback Brandon Allen suffered a leg injury on Arkansas’ first drive.

Allen was carted off the field and had to receive staples in his leg to close an open wound. He missed eight offensive plays before coming back into the game.

“That gash was pretty deep and he was a little sore on Sunday,” Bielema said. “Brandon is a very tough kid.”

Bielema said that Allen would be able to practice Tuesday, and no other players would miss any practice time either.

During the game, the Razorbacks played a slightly different personnel group. Most notably, freshman Brooks Ellis started at middle linebacker. It was the first start of his career and he is the fourth different player to start at that position.

While his first start was against the Tigers’ potent offense, Bielema thought the defense played well under his leadership.

“That was by far our best game, as of late, to line up and get people in the right position,” Bielema said. “They had some motions that we adjusted to really well.”

Before the Auburn game, Bielema said he hoped to work sophomore wide receiver D’Arthur Cowan more into the game plan as a receiver and punt returner, but he only caught one pass and didn’t return any punts.

Bielema said the reason for that was because Cowan did not have a good practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he hopes to get the Olive Branch, Miss., native involved more Saturday.

Arkansas’ next opponent, Ole Miss, runs a similar offense as some of the teams the Razorbacks have already faced, but they are still unique, Bielema said.

The Rebels’ offense is led by junior quarterback Bo Wallace, who has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,976 yards. He also has 11 touchdown passes to only three interceptions.

“When (Wallace) gets in a rhythm, they’re a good football team,” Bielema said. “Their group of receivers has size and an ability to stretch the field vertically.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 11:21 a.m. in Oxford, Miss., and the game will air nationally on SEC TV.

NWA Times: Bentonville Gold vs. Springdale Southwest

This article originally appeared in the November 1, 2013 issue of The NWA Times.

Bentonville Gold 14, Springdale Southwest 7

THE GAME: Bentonville Gold running back Destyn Adkins carried a heavy load Thursday at Tiger Stadium, rushing 32 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ victory.

On Gold’s first possession, the Tigers (8-1, 4-1) went 81 yards in 12 plays, but faced a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line. Head coach Toma Whorton elected to go for it and Adkins rewarded the call with a touchdown.

“I felt like our line was doing a great job upfront,” Whorton said. “We were getting a lot of movement and I thought we could punch it in.”

Adkins also capped Gold’s first possession of the second half with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Southwest (2-7, 2-3) pulled within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a 68-yard touchdown run by Trey Smith. However, an interception on the Cougars’ final drive ended any hope for a comeback.

Smith finished with 119 yards on 18 carries.

Bentonville Fulbright beat Southwest 26-8 in the eighth-grade game.

UP NEXT: Bentonville Gold travels to Fayetteville Ramay next week, while Southwest returns to Tiger Stadium to face Bentonville Black in the season finales.

-ANDREW HUTCHINSON