What Bret Bielema said after Arkansas’ blowout loss to Alabama
By Cody McClure
Published:
Arkansas went to Tuscaloosa on Saturday night and got walloped 41-9 by the Crimson Tide.
It was an ugly showing for the Hogs, but it wasn’t one many didn’t expect to see.
Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema addressed the media after the game. He was disappointed with the loss, obviously, but saw a few things his team could build on.
Here’s what Bielema had to say.
In general:
Bielema: I thought the guys fought and responded but we didn’t have the horses.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
Bielema: we will lick our wounds. Get ready to play Auburn. Told the guys the Only people can change this answer are in this room.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
Bielema: I thought our defensive guys for the most part battled. Good teaching moments for Cole. Will make strides with him.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
On QBs Cole Kelley and Austin Allen:
Bielema at the podium. “Very disappointed. Tough situation for new QB to walk into but Cole gets you excited about some things.”
— Kyle Deckelbaum (@KATVKyle) October 15, 2017
Bielema: We’ll get Austin Allen possibly this week, maybe a few weeks, but he should return for senior year. Cole is a “fighter.”
— Kyle Deckelbaum (@KATVKyle) October 15, 2017
Bielema: excited to watch Cole play today. At halftime I said let’s just keep going two minute. Cole has to understand play every play for what it is. Have to flip page and move forward.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
Bielema: Cole is a guy you can say, here’s a guy who brings excitement. There was a buzz in practice, a buzz on this trip. He’s a competitor
— Kyle Deckelbaum (@KATVKyle) October 15, 2017
Bielema: Cole knew he was going to start all week. It’s a swelling issue. No ligaments. It’s just a matter of how fast his body heals.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
On the play in the trenches:
Bielema: we weren’t getting any movement. New guys in new positions so growing pains there. So played with tempo.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
Bielema: didn’t know if we would have Gibson until gametime. I think Johnny’s natural position is left tackle. Moving Frank to right guard puts a good player there. Brian Wallace had his best week so far.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
Bielema: I am excited just pure size and ability. Challenged guys all week to fight. I wanted guys to play physical.
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) October 15, 2017
Moving forward:
Bielema: We’re a 2-4 team. As coaches we have to hone in better at what we’re asking guys to do. Simplicity is our best friend.
— Kyle Deckelbaum (@KATVKyle) October 15, 2017
Bielema: Thought that there was a good effort. We got better and nothing on the film that we can’t correct.
— Sharp Williams (@SharpTusk) October 15, 2017
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
