Fandemonium – What Happened to the Razorbacks?

Picture Clearing for Razorback Fans

But Question Remains: What Happened to the Razorbacks?

By James Moseley

Last year at this time, fans of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks were collectively on suicide watch. After a loss to a Sun Belt Conference team in ULM, the Hogs began a tailspin that would inevitably leave fans with a smile…err, question.

What happened to the Razorbacks?

People believed bringing in a coach familiar with the roster and program was a GOOD thing. Cohesiveness was the word of the day. Unrelated, alcohol sales hit record highs last year between September and November.

There was a scramble among the fans – Who will be the new head Hog? How long until we win?

All great questions. The first of which, NO ONE saw coming. Except @Sharptusk. He nailed it. But no one bought it. After all, why would Bret Bielema leave Wisconsin ?

Upon his arrival, Bielema made an impact at Arkansas – whether with words or actions. Some viewed it as arrogance, some as ignorance. But Bielema has made it clear, no coach speak here. And that seems to be a refreshing change. No guessing, no misunderstanding. Straight. Talk.

Over the span of December to August, questions were aplenty. Closed practices seemed to build a level of anxiety in the already uneasy fan base. Topics of talk radio ranged from injuries, transfers, playing stAte, something about a stadium in Little Rock… I’m not sure.

Two games in and some things are taking shape. Positions are being solidified. An offense has taken shape. After a high flying Petrino offense, a running game is a welcome sight. With TWO top-ten rushers ?

What just happened ?

Alex Collins and Johnathan Williams have started the season with a burst of flashes almost similar to that of Felix Jones and Darren McFadden.

While the Hogs have played nobody yet, they have won. Last season, that was a different story. The Hogs have yet to prove anything aside from they can beat teams they are supposed to – even if winning requires a comeback.

While there are still questions, the picture that is the 2013 season is starting to take shape.  With Brandon Allen being a field commander or the backup quarterback AJ Derby taking snaps, Travis Swanson leading the O-line, two dynamic backs that fit perfectly in this system and a defense that is yet to be determined, I believe at least one team on the Hogs’ schedule, expected to win, will leave the field asking themselves: What just happened?