If there was any doubt about the Arkansas Razorbacks and their promising future, it was ended in the Advocare V100 Texas Bowl where they shredded the Texas Longhorns, 31-7, to cap off a remarkable comeback season that should lift them to everyone’s SEC dark horse for 2015. In just two years on the job, head coach Bret Bielema has put out the dumpster fire that he inherited and has methodically yet quickly built a promising program with nothing but upside.
Hogging on Horns
The Arkansas vs. Texas matchup was highly anticipated as it brought back memories of their old rivalry from the Southwest Conference and the 1969 “Game of the Century.” Instead it was a mauling that showed the great divide in progress between the two teams.
Arkansas dominated the Longhorns with a 351-58 total yards advantage and their defense rendered Texas QB Tyrone Swoopes helpless. Swoopes finished a nightmare game in which he was 13-25 passing for 57 yards with an interception while losing 32 yards on five carries. The Arkansas power running game ran for 191 yards on 50 carries and opened up the play action pass. QB Brandon Allen threw for 160 yards and two TD’s as the Texas defense was kept honest and off balance.
Closing Strong
Arkansas was one of the most impressive teams in college football down the stretch with four wins in their final six games and against top shelf competition. The Hogs posted back to back shutout wins over LSU (17-0) and Ole Miss (30-0) to get the first two SEC wins of the Bielema era. Just as impressive were near miss losses to SEC West Division champion Alabama (13-14) and at SEC East Division Champion Missouri (14-21).
His Way
Bielema arrived facing plenty of doubts, skepticism, and criticism about his Neanderball approach of power football that is in a stark contrast to the zone read spread attacks that are now in vogue in today’s game. He has been vindicated with a team that has generated powerful momentum into next year. The emphasis on physical football has also made for a defense that became one of the best in the land and ranked 11th overall nationally while ranking 10th for points allowed.
The Best is yet to Come
“We have a lot of guys coming back that, if they continue to have the growth they did a year ago, we’re gonna be able to do some special things,” said Bielema.
The worst is clearly over at Arkansas and apparently with the best days yet to come.
