Arkansas | Ben Maller

The Wall Street Journal looked at the head coaches, offensive coordinators and defensive coordinators for the 66 major-conference schools, plus Notre Dame, and found that with a few high-profile exceptions, – NFL experience isn’t a great recipe for success on Saturdays.

Read more: College, funfacts, michigan, Stanford, Arkansas, NorthCarolina, Pittsburgh, California

January 11, 2011, 5:52 am

Bobby Petrino: Arkansas is where I want to be

Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino developed a national reputation for bouncing from job to job. Fair or unfair, the tag was attached thanks to moves made throughout his career, including head coaching stops at Louisville and with the Atlanta Falcons. But Petrino wanted to make something clear when he agreed to terms on a new seven-year deal — which includes an $18 million buyout — with Arkansas last week. “This is where I want to be,” Petrino said. “I like what we’re building here. … I’m very excited about what we’re building, what our staff has done and how we are competing at the highest level in college football.” — Arkansas News

Arkansas radio reporter fired for wearing Gators cap, to work for U-Florida sports talker

Former Carroll County Broadcasting (Hog Radio) Sports KAKS (The Hog Sportsradio)/Huntsville-Fayetteville, AR reporter Renee Gork has returned to Gainesville, FL to join University Of Florida Sports WRUF-A (Sports Radio 850) as morning “Sportscene” co-host alongside Steve Russell. Gork, a Florida graduate who was fired by The Hog after an incident in which she wore a Florida cap to University Of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino’s press conference, will also help out with student interns at the station. — All Access

Read more: Odd Notes & Stuff, College, radio, Florida, Arkansas

October 13, 2010, 7:29 am

College football matchup sees ratings up 145%

Alabama and Arkansas were much bigger TV draws Saturday than they were a year ago. CBS’ coverage of Alabama’s 24-20 win against the Razorbacks drew a 5.4 overnight rating, translating to 5.4% of households in the 56 urban TV markets measured for overnights, up 145% from the teams playing the same weekend last year. — USA Today

Read more: Odd Notes & Stuff, College, TV, SEC, Alabama, CBS, ratings, Arkansas

September 27, 2010, 5:50 am

College Football’s Fun Facts

23 Things to know heading into College Football’s 4th Saturday

Alabama has reeled off 27 consecutive regular-season victories. The Tide is also a perfect 16-0 in SEC play over the last two years, becoming just the second team (Florida – 1995 & 1996) in conference history to post back-to-back undefeated 8-0 records since the league split into a divisional format in 1992.

Arkansas has played the defending national champions nine times in the last 14 years, including each of the last three seasons. In 2008, Bobby Petrino became the first Razorback head coach to earn an on-field victory over the defending national champions in his first season with a 31-30 victory over LSU.

Greg McElroy’s 17-0 start to his career ranks as the second-longest streak of consecutive wins by a starting quarterback in school history. Jay Barker won the first 22 games of his career from 1991-93.

Last week, Mark Ingram became the first FBS player since 2008 to rush for more than 150 yards on less than 10 carries.

Ohio State has won 56 straight regular-season non-conference games against teams not ranked in the AP Top 25. The last unranked non-conference team to beat Ohio State was Pittsburgh in 1988. Ohio State’s last six non-conference losses were all to teams ranked in the AP Top 3.

Ohio State did not commit a penalty last week against Ohio. It was the first time since 1988 that Ohio State went an entire game without a penalty. Ohio State has only committed two penalties over its last two games and has committed the fifth-fewest penalties among FBS schools this season.

The Buckeyes are 19-1 in games in which Terrell Pryor throws at least one touchdown pass and 13-1 in games in which Pryor rushes for at least one touchdown.

Oregon State receiver/returner James Rodgers leads the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 226.5, over 25 yards more than second-place Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma. Rodgers is second among active players with 5,530 career all-purpose yards.

Texas is currently on a 16-game home winning streak, which is the sixth-longest streak on UT record and is the fifth-longest active streak in the nation behind Oklahoma (33), Boise St. (26), Utah (19) and Houston (17).

The Oregon Ducks lead the nation in total offense (611.7), scoring offense (63.0), total defense (193.3), scoring defense (4.3) and pass efficiency defense (61.20).

Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez leads the nation in rushing touchdowns with 8, but has only one passing touchdown so far. Martinez has also run for more yards (421) than he has thrown (392).

The Florida Gators lead the nation with 10 interceptions this season – two more than any other team. Four different Gators have multiple interceptions this season.

Florida QB John Brantley has gone 140 straight pass attempts without an interception. He has opened the 2010 season with an active streak of 79. Brantley’s only career pick — against 15 career touchdowns — came in 2008 at Vanderbilt.

The Oklahoma Sooners are now exactly 500 games above .500 in school history, going 802-302-53 over their 115 seasons of football.

Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops returns to coach in his home state for the first time since he left Kent State for Kansas State after the 1988 season. Stoops is a native of Youngstown, which is 274 miles northeast of Cincinnati.

Wisconsin is 30-4 under Bret Bielema when it scores first, including wins in nine of the last 10 games in which it has put the first points on the board.

LSU’s current nation-leading non-conference regular season winning streak of 30 games is on the line against West Virginia. The streak dates back to 2002. LSU has also won 28 straight non-conference games at Tiger Stadium, dating back to 2000.

Utah has scored 72% (87/121) of their points in the second and third quarter. Utah has only scored 10 first-quarter points this season despite averaging just over 40 points per game.

Cal running back Shane Vereen is the only FBS player with at least five rushing and two receiving touchdowns so far this season.

Iowa is 45-2 when scoring 30 points of more under head coach Kirk Ferentz, who is in his 12th season as head coach at Iowa.

Penn State is the only team NOT to not allow a sack this season. The Nittany Lions’ offensive line entered the season with only one returning starter playing the same position he finished last season.

Michigan QB Denard Robinson, with 671 passing yards and 559 rushing yards this season, is the only FBS player with at least 500 passing and 400 rushing yards this season. He also is one of only two players (Colin Kaepernick, Nevada) with at least four passing and four rushing touchdowns this season.

UCLA is ranked 118th in passing offense, averaging just 100 yards per game. Only Georgia Tech and Army are worse.

September 24, 2010, 10:00 pm

Is Arkansas’s Mallett ready for Alabama?

Ryan Mallett versus the Alabama defense: A year ago the Arkansas quarterback was simply overwhelmed when the Hogs went to Alabama. He completed only 12 of 35 passes, was sacked three times and rushed eight others. The result was a 35-7 victory by Alabama. Now Mallett has the confidence of winning an SEC game on the road (where he was 0-4 last season). He threw for 380 yards against Gerogia and won the game on a last-second touchdown pass. Will he be able to handle what Alabama’s defense is going to throw at him Saturday in Fayetteville? – Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Read more: College, SEC, Alabama, Arkansas

September 23, 2010, 5:11 am

College Football Fun Facts – Week 3

Ohio State leads the NCAA in turnover margin (+3.50), having not committed a turnover and forcing seven through two games.
Boise State carries a 15-game winning streak into the game as they have not lost a game since their 2008 bowl loss to TCU.
Texas has been ranked in the USA Today Coaches poll top 25 for a school record and NCAA-leading 188 weeks in a row.
Since 2005, TCU is 46-1 when ahead (33-1) or even (13-0) in turnover margin.
Baylor is one of only three FBS defenses (No. 1 Alabama, No. 24 Arizona) that has yet to allow a TD this season. Baylor has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 48-3 in the first half this season.
After his 75-yard interception return for a touchdown, all three of Oregon CB Cliff Harris’ official touches this season have gone for scores (2 punt returns, 1 pick six). The INT was the second of his career.
In each game this season, Florida has had a player record a kickoff return of 50-plus yards and a rush of 40-plus yards. Mike Gillislee accomplished it in the opener vs. Miami, while Jeff Demps achieved the feat against USF.
Washington set a school record by using 13 true freshmen in their season opener against BYU. Previously, the season record for true freshmen to play was 12, set in 2008. In their game last week against Syracuse, a 14th true freshman played. The Huskies now have played the most true freshmen of any FBS school.
Nebraska is averaging 8.8 yards per rush through two games this season which leads the nation by nearly a full yard better than second-place Michigan State. The Huskers have had 11 runs of 20 yards or longer.
Oklahoma has won its last 32 home games, the longest current streak in the nation. The streak began in 2005 with a 31-15 win over Tulsa. The Sooners have outscored their opponents by nearly 1,000 points during the streak with the average score being 45.0 to 14.0.
Arizona coach Mike Stoops teams have a respectable 3-3 mark against AP top-10 schools at Arizona Stadium, including victories over No. 7 UCLA in 2005(52-14), No. 8 California in 2006 (24-20) and No. 2 Oregon in 2007 (34-24).
Wisconsin running back John Clay rushed for 137 yards on 23 carries in the win over San Jose State, marking the eighth-consecutive game in which the junior has topped the 100-yard milestone. That is the longest active streak in the country (Lance Dunbar of North Texas is second with five straight 100-yard games).
In their 14 games with Dan Mullen as their head coach, Mississippi State rushed for at least 100 yards in all but one game and scored at least one rushing touchdown in all but two games.
Among FBS schools, Arkansas is tenth in total offense and fourth in total defense. Arkansas is the only school in the nation to rank in the top 10 of both categories.
New Mexico has allowed 124 points in its first two games of the season, the most among FBS schools. That is the most points allowed by New Mexico in consecutive games since at least 1996.
Auburn is 20-4 in home night games since the 2000 season, including a record of 4-1 against nationally-ranked opponents.
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck threw for two touchdowns last week at UCLA after throwing four touchdowns in the opener against Sacramento State. He is tied for third nationally with six passing touchdowns after two games. Luck is almost hallway to the 13 touchdowns he threw last season.
Penn State has won 20 consecutive non-conference games at Beaver Stadium and has not lost a non-conference game at home since 2003 when they lost 14-27 to Boston College.
Since 1999, West Virginia is 65-1 when scoring more than 30 points in a game with their lone loss a 34-44 defeat to then fifth-ranked Louisville in 2006. When the Mountaineers score 30 or less, they are 27-45 since 1999.
The Michigan Wolverines are one of just four FBS teams (Kentucky, NC State and Ohio State) that has played two games without turning the ball over once.
With the 54-24 win over UTEP on Sept. 10, 2010, Houston QB Case Keenum has 24 wins as a starter and is ranked third place all-time. He needs only three wins in 2010 to become the school’s all-time leader in that category, passing Kevin Kolb (26, 2003-06). With one more win he will tie Gary Mullins (25, 1969-71).
Missouri’s T.J. Moe is the only FBS player who has pulled down double-digit receptions in each of his first two games this season.

September 18, 2010, 9:47 am

Georgia has won 16% of home games vs. top-level teams

SEC Fun Gambling Facts

Over the L2 seasons, FLORIDA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as road favorites. The Average Score was FLORIDA 33.6, OPPONENT 14.4
GEORGIA is on a 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) skid at home vs. top-level teams (Win Pct. > 75%) . The Average Score was GEORGIA 24.4, OPPONENT 27
KENTUCKY is 2-10 ATS (-9 Units) at home in conference games since ’07. The Average Score was KENTUCKY 26.6, OPPONENT 35.2
S CAROLINA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) on the road in the second half of the season since ’07. The Average Score was S CAROLINA 15.8, OPPONENT 34.6
TENNESSEE is on a 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) skid at home vs. excellent defensive teams – allowing <=285 YPG . The Average Score was TENNESSEE 19.6, OPPONENT 20.4
VANDERBILT is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) at home in the second half of the season since ’07. The Average Score was VANDERBILT 17, OPPONENT 27.9
Over the L2 seasons, ALABAMA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) on the road when playing on Saturdays. The Average Score was ALABAMA 32.5, OPPONENT 16.2
ARKANSAS is 7-0 ATS (+7 Units) at home in November games since ’07. The Average Score was ARKANSAS 40.7, OPPONENT 25.3
AUBURN is 6-0 ATS (+6 Units) at home vs. teams with a winning record since ’07. The Average Score was AUBURN 29, OPPONENT 16.7
LSU is on a 7-28 ATS (-23.8 Units) skid at home in November games . The Average Score was LSU 26.4, OPPONENT 20.8
MISSISSIPPI ST is on a 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) skid at home in non-conference games . The Average Score was MISSISSIPPI ST 31.9, OPPONENT 19.2
Over the L2 seasons, OLE MISS is 7-0 ATS (+7 Units) in non-conference games. The Average Score was OLE MISS 41.3, OPPONENT 15.2

Read more: College, funfacts, SEC, Gambling, Florida, Auburn, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, olemiss, Kentucky, SouthCarolina, Arkansas, Vanderbilt

September 2, 2010, 1:39 am

Radio reporter fired for wearing wrong SEC hat

How many times have you been rushing out the door and grabbed the first cap on the pile?
Renee Gork, a reporter for Hog Sports Radio, wore a Florida Gator cap to Saturday’s post-scrimmage press conference for Bobby Petrino. The Arkansas coach answered a question from Gork, then glared at her and said: “And that will be the last question I answer with that hat on.” On Monday, Gork was fired by Hog Sports Radio. Seriously. Over a friggin’ hat. Let the record show that Petrino, suddenly flush with loyalty to the Razorbacks, has been a man of many hats. At one point, he had three jobs in two years and seemingly flirted with every job that was open. — The Wiz of Odds

Read more: Odd Notes & Stuff, College, SEC, Arkansas

August 17, 2010, 4:59 am

LSU’s Les Miles slips in SEC coaches ranking

Here is the 2010 ranking of the SEC’s coaches.

1. NICK SABAN, ALABAMA — Back in the top spot for the first time since his last season at LSU in 2004. He is also No. 1 in the nation. He is the first coach in modern times to win national championships at two schools — LSU in the 2003 season and Alabama last season. He also recruited most of the players who won the 2007 national title at LSU. He has not lost a regular season game since Nov. 24, 2007.

The scary thing is, he’s not leaving, and he has Alabama where he had LSU when he left — with gobs of talent entering, exiting and throughout the program.

2. URBAN MEYER, FLORIDA — Down from the No. 1 position a year ago, but probably the No. 2 college coach in America as well. It’s amazing how much Meyer won the last two years — 26-2 with a 15-1 SEC mark — while unhealthy.

3. HOUSTON NUTT, OLE MISS — Laugh all you want, but Nutt has averaged nine wins a year the past four seasons at second-tier programs Arkansas and Ole Miss. If he was at a program with the resources of an Alabama, LSU or Florida, he would be winning 11 or 12 a year. Nutt has not always fared well when he is highly ranked entering a season like last year.

4. MARK RICHT, GEORGIA — Last season the Bulldogs dropped to 8-5, but he would have to have another subpar season to get on a hot seat. Richt was 22-5 in 2007 and 2008 and has been close to getting into a national championship game or two.

5. BOBBY PETRINO, ARKANSAS — He has not been able to get Arkansas to the top as quickly as he got Louisville there, but he’s coming. Look for a breakout year.

6. LES MILES, LSU — Down one spot. His record is still gaudy — 51-15 (.773) and 27-13 (.675) in the SEC. But the fact is he gradually has turned an elite program — 22-4 (.846) and 13-3 (.812) in the SEC the two years before his arrival — to an average one with a 17-9 (.653) and 8-8 (.500) record the past two seasons. In 2008 and 2009, LSU lost four games by six points or less.

7. STEVE SPURRIER, SOUTH CAROLINA — When Spurrier’s entire career is judged, he will go down as one of the best ever. But lately, he just doesn’t have it.

8. DAN MULLEN, MISSISSIPPI STATE — State came close to going 7-5 in Mullen’s first season after inheriting a 4-8 program. Mullen probably got more out of what he had than most other league coaches last season.

9. GENE CHIZIK, AUBURN — He started fast with a 5-0 record but fizzled to 8-5. His last season at Iowa State was eerily similar. He started out 2-0 and finished 2-10.

10. DEREK DOOLEY, TENNESSEE — Dooley and Chizik must have the same agent. Dooley got a high-profile job, too, after going 4-8 at Louisiana Tech!

11. ROBBIE CALDWELL, VANDERBILT — Caldwell edged Kentucky’s Joker Phillips with the best SEC Media Days performance in history. No one has ever channeled his inner Hee Haw better.

12. JOKER PHILLIPS, KENTUCKY — The best first name for a head coach since Bum Phillips. — Monroe News Star

Read more: College, SEC, Alabama, Florida, Auburn, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, olemiss, Kentucky, SouthCarolina, Arkansas, MissState, Vanderbilt

August 16, 2010, 7:32 am

Petrino hopes Hogs live up to expectations

The USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 poll listed third-year coach Bobby Petrino’s Razorbacks in 19th, coming off an 8-5 season and headlined by Razorbacks’ record-setting quarterback Ryan Mallett. “Yeah, we’ll take it,” Petrino said of No. 19. “We’ve got to go prove it now.” As one of the 50 coaches polled, what was his vote? “No exit polls coaching football,” Petrino replied smiling. However, you can expect he expected these great expectations. “The expectations are something that I put right out in front of the team,” Petrino said. “I told them it was great to have the expectations and the excitement is good. It was a good motivating factor throughout the summer. But now what it’s all about is work.” — Baxter Bulletin

Petrino: Arkansas will have offensive balance

Sometimes it seems Bobby Petrino’s biggest enemy can be himself. The brilliantly, innovative go-for- the-jugular play caller can impede himself with his own impatience, Arkansas’ coach occasionally has admitted. Patience usually means increasingly implementing the running game. That’s Petrino’s 2010 resolution. It will be hard to keep. And many won’t want him to keep it very hard. The prospects of Razorbacks record-setting Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Ryan Mallett throwing touchdown bombs to receivers Greg Childs, Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, Cobi Hamilton and tight end D.J. Williams have Arkansas fans talking football and SEC and even national pundits talking Arkansas. Nobody wants Mallett muzzled for three yards and a swath of turf. However the passing game goes best when balanced. And surely Petrino has had and does have the running backs to balance it out. – Baxter Bulletin

Arkansas football ticket sales up 2%

Kevin Trainor, Arkansas’ associate athletic director for media relations and communications, said Tuesday the Razorbacks are ahead of last year’s pace in season ticket book sales. Trainor could not disclose the exact number, but noted a “2-percent” increase. It sounds minimal. Trainor said Arkansas is pleased with the response, though. It comes even though ticket prices for all but the nonconference games in Fayetteville were increased for 2010. “We’re certainly very encouraged with that,” Trainor said Tuesday evening. “The summer is generally a slow time, but we saw a big pick up last week with SEC Media Days. And as we get into football practice, we know it will continue.” The general admission prices for all games was set at $45 in 2008. The amount for nonconference games in Razorback Stadium remains at $45, but three conference games now cost $55. The nonconference game in Little Rock is set for $55. The regular season finale against LSU is $65. — Arkansas News

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Petrino hopes Hogs live up to expectations

Petrino: Arkansas will have offensive balance

Arkansas football ticket sales up 2%

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