Jmiller

He had enough talent not to get beat by San Jose and blown out by Western Kentucky. Being winless in SEC play would have been overlooked if we hadn't been continuously beaten by mid-majors.

Most of the defensive problems are caused by the offensive line being so pitiful. Bielema's scheme is the have a big dominant oline so we can run the ball and control the time of possession. Every defense in the NCAA is going to give up some scores to the power 5 competition we've played. These have been mainly uptempo spread offenses. They are built to score and score quickly. The way to stop them is to eat up a lot of time on drives with runs and short passes to limit the number of possessions and keep the defense fresh. The Hogs offensive line has been unable to open lanes for the RBs and that's allowed opposing defenses to pin their ears back and come after Austin and Kelley. This is really the most damning argument for parting ways with Bielema. His entire plan is predicated on having a great oline. That's literally the cornerstone of his entire philosophy and 5 years in he has built one of the worst in the entire power 5. Lack of depth at WR and the secondary could be glossed over as rebuilding. Lack of any skill or depth on the one unit you rely on to execute the fundamental of your gameplan in year 5 is completely unacceptable. You can't blame a defense that's on the field for over 35 minutes a game and is defending around 70 plays. Have to block and get some first downs and keep them rested. Maybe even score on a few of these long drives if that's not asking too much.

I think you really have to discount somewhere between 8 and 14 SEC losses. The cupboard was not deep when Smith took over and Smith recruited no one. It was kind of miraculous that he beat Lsu and Ole Miss in the second year. That being said, we aren't really losing games because of a lack of talent. They are being lost on account of foolish decisions. That is the reason Bielema needs to turn it around or be sent packing. Every power 5 team that doesn't intend to win a national title every year is wasting their time. There is no settle. Play to win every game or stay home.

How long has it been since Arkansas last beat Auburn? Oh yeah one year. Speaking of coaches' wives though Kristi was a liability in Fayetteville and Jonesboro. At least Jen is personable.

I think Arkansas gets the fluke play of the century on the Hunter Henry Heave to convert on 4th and 25 against Ole Miss. That being said, you're right about basing predictions on freak accidents.