[MrClean]

Thirteen days ago, Houston Nutt resigned as head coach at the University of Arkansas. There was much controversy surrounding his depature, as he received over 3 million dollars, just as much as he would have got if he had been fired. There were also no terms that prevented Nutt from taking an SEC job, or more specifically a job for a division rival. There was a great deal of criticism regarding this ordeal and UA Chancellor John White, who clearly attempted to take the responsibility for the decision to break Nutt's contract clause. With losing Houston Nutt and the possibility of losing assistants like Reggie Herring, Tracy Rocker, and Mike Markuson, it appeared that the UA football program was unraveling.

The gruelliong search for a new head coach seemed almost futile. There were many prospects, three of which were just about confirmed, but none panned out. Tommy Tuberville, Tommy Bowden, and Jim Grobe were all announced as likely candidates for the job. However, all three seemed to use this oppertunity as leverage for pay increases and/or contract extensions. Bobby Petrino was at the top of the list of possible candidates, as he is a excellent, proven college head coach. Petrino and Lane Kiffin were two NFL possibilities, but many doubted that they'd leave those positions after only one year. At 4:00pm on Tuesday, however, Petrino resigned as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Speculation began and picked up momentum as the day continued. Six hours after his resignation, Petrino arrived in Fayeteville to be announced as the 30th head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Bobby Petrino and his family received a very warm welcome, with applause and loud cheers throughout the entire press conference. Although fans in Atlanta, players, and members of the Falcon organization were understandably upset, EVERYONE in Arkansas was ecstatic. This is the obviously the best possible outcome for the Razorbacks under these circumstances. Petrino is an excellent college coach, with a proven track record that is very impressive. With 2008 a definite rebuilding year, the incoming recruiting class is one of the most significant in the last two decades. This is an obvious turning point for the Razorbacks, after the depature of Houston Nutt after a 10-year tenure. From 2003-2006 at Louisville, Petrino went 41-9, winning 2 out of 4 bowl games, including the Cardinal's first BCS bowl appearance.

Louisville never had any trouble putting up points under Petrino. In 2006, the Cardinals ranked 2nd in the country in total offense (475.3 yards per game) and 4th in scoring with a 37.8-point average. Petrino capped off the 12-1 season leading the school to the Big East title and its first Bowl Championship Series appearance in the Orange Bowl, where Louisville won 24-13 over Wake Forest. In the highest scoring Liberty Bowl ever in 2004, it was a defensive play by Louisville that ended Boise State's 22-game winning streak. Louisville safety Kerry Rhodes intercepted a pass in the end zone as time expired to preserve No. 7 Louisville's 44-40 victory over 10th-ranked Boise State on Friday. Petrino has definitely been successful on the college level.

Although Bobby Petrino is known for breaking contracts and betraying promises to stay, the job at Arkansas should be very appealing. Petrino's previous NFL experience includes three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He then returned to the college ranks, first as Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2002 before heading to Louisville. He's had experience recruiting in the South, and his NFL experience is definitely a plus in recruiting top talent. A big issue regarding recruiting at UA is in keeping the in-state talent for the Razorbacks. During the 2-week search for a head coach, there were one or two commitments that backed out to keep their options open. However, with the news of Petrino's hire, ALL of the Razorback recruits have voiced their excitement. Petrino is one of the best offensive minds in college football, and his hire only strengthens the already toughest conference in the country.

_____________________________

Originally Posted by Pat Forde, ESPN.com

The good news for Arkansas is that it might be the last school willing to give this guy anything more than what he deserves: a one-year contract and a monitoring device on his ankle. The NFL certainly will never give him another chance as a head coach, not after fleeing with three games left in the season and undercutting an owner like Arthur Blank. And every college in the country should know by now how fickle Petrino can be.

Even in what appears to be a major rebuilding year for the Hogs in 2008, I predict Petrino will do better than expected. He's that good as a coach -- for my money, the best offensive game-planner and tactician since Steve Spurrier's heyday at Florida. That will be a welcome dynamic at a school that struggled to diversify its offense beyond Darren McFadden and Felix Jones the past two years.

_____________________________

This new hire will definitely bring in recruits that weren't considering Arkansas before. Hopefully it will also persuade a few of the current players and/or assistants (esp. Reggie Herring) to remain here, although it's most likely that Darren McFadden will go pro. DMac, Felix Jones, C Jonathen Luigs, DT Antwain Robinson, and LB Desmond Williams will all face the possibility of leaving early. The Razorbacks are also losing a handful of talented seniors: DT Fred Bledsoe, LB Weston Dacus, OG Robert Felton, T Nate Garner, DT Marcus Harrison, SS Matt Hewitt, FB Peyton Hillis, WR/former QB Robert Johnson, WR Marcus Monk, CB Matterral Richardson, and FS Kevin Woods. It's VERY imperative that Arkansas keep Reggie Herring, or hire a defensive coordinator that is just as talented (although I'd prefer the first option). Rebuilding is never an easy process, but this is especially true in the SEC.

The toughest conference in the country, the SEC, just got that much tougher. Head coaches like Bobby Petrino, Nick Saban, Tommy Tuberville, Houston Nutt, Phillip Fulmer, Steve Spurrier, Mark Richt, and Les Miles are all top coaches in Division I football. This new hire only adds to the parity and competition that makes the SEC what it is. Arkansas should be a great fit for Petrino, as it is one of the better teams in the SEC, only needing a good push to take them to the next level. UA has some of the best facilities in the nation, a great stadium, and is one of the most valuable college football programs in the country. The Razorback fan base is one of the most passionate in the country, although it was split because of the controversy and drama surrounding Houston Nutt in the last few years. Bringing in a coach like Bobby Petrino was exactly the spark that Arkansas will need to light up the SEC.

Last season, Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans signed RB Broderick Green, the top player out of Arkansas. This year, Arkansas' top player WR Joe Adams has also made a verbal commitment to USC. He expressed no interest in the Razorbacks until yesterday, when he told the media that he is considering UA because of the hiring of Bobby Petrino. Arkansas' players and recruits are all excited, and have expressed their feelings about this positive outcome for the Razorbacks. But nobody sounded happier about this news than Pulaski Academy wide receiver Cruz Williams. Oh my god, when I first heard Petrino was going to be the Razorbacks' coach, I freaked out, Williams said. I was eating and I just threw my stuff out of the way and I started saying, 'Are you serious?' I just started jumping up and down. I was very excited. He was at Louisville and they ran the Spread offense and they were known for throwing the ball. he can bring some of that... experience to the Razorbacks. I'm ready to play for him.

Arkansas' top 15 commitments thus far:

1. De'Anthony Curtis RB - 5-11, 209lbs (Camden, AR) - 8th ranked runningback in the country

2. Cruz Williams WR - 6-4, 195lbs (Little Rock, AR) - 43rd ranked wide receiver in the country

3. Ugo Okpara CB - 6-1, 175lbs (Sugar Land, TX ) - 17th ranked cornerback in the country

4. Greg Childs WR - 6-4, 195lbs (Warren, AR) - ??? rank

5. Lavunce Askew DE - 6-2, 265lbs (Camden, AR) - 24th ranked defensive end in the country

6. Marcal Robinson CB - 6-0, 167lbs (Prichard, AL) - 32nd ranked cornerback in the country

7. Jelani Smith ILB - 6-1, 210lbs (Abbeville, LA) - 34th ranked inside linebacker in the country

8. Matt Hall OT - 6-10, 305lbs (Dardanelle, AR) - 42nd ranked offensive tackle in the country

9. Thomas Shuler FB - 5-11, 230lbs (Orlando, FL) - 14th ranked fullback in the country

10. Jim Youngblood QB - 6-2, 217lbs (Camden, AR) - 56th ranked quaterback in the country

11. Khiry Battle ATH - 5-11, 203lbs (Dacula, GA ) - 61st ranked athlete in the country

12. Basmine Jones ATH - 6-0, 190lbs (Warren, AR) - ??? rank

13. Chris Gragg WR - 6-3, 195lbs (Warren, AR) - ??? rank

14. Austin Eoff OG - 6-5, 315lbs (Fort Smith, AR) - 44th ranked offensive guard in the country

15. Justin Smith DT - 6-3, 270lbs (Alpharetta, GA) - 55th ranked defensive tackle in the country

Not listed are 43rd ranked SLB Tim Dial, who's 6'3, 210lbs (runs a 4.4 40) from Jenks, OK. Also, another star from Warren, AR, 42nd ranked Jarius Wright (5'11, 175lbs, and 4.4 40) was not listed because of the possibility that he might be looking at Texas Tech as well. But overall it's a good recruiting class, and should be very important in this first year of rebuilding. I think most Arkansas fans realize Petrino's history with lack of commitment, but hopefully he's found a team that he can stick with for a few years. Petrino has the ability to take the Razorbacks to the next level, so it's definitely an exciting time. Once again, I'm keeping my fingers crossed about Reggie Herring, who is interim coach for the Cotton Bowl against No. 6 Missouri. I hope and pray that we can retain him as defensive coordinator, because he's done SOOOOOO much for this defense in the last few years. But either way, the University of Arkansas got their best possible candidate for head coach. It'll be difficult next season with the loss of players, but I can't wait to beat the **** outta Ole Miss.

____________________________________

Arkansas has hired two bad*** coaches this year in John Pelphrey (basketball) and Bobby Petrino (football). Now all we need to do is fire John White, and then we'll be set. I just hope all of these positive things last. If so, this could be the start of a brand new era of Razorback sports.

[MrClean]

I'm also tired of all the ESPN jack***es that are trying to trash Arkansas. And that moron who called in during the last part of the Jim Rome show... that speaks for itself. I guess radio shows have a tendency to attract some of the dumbest people in America. It's just a damn shame to see a few jealous, ignorant, attention-hungry morons attempt to trash the state for whatever childish, simplistic reasons. Maybe their mommy didn't tell them enough bedtime stories as a child? Maybe their daddies beat them a little TOO hard over the head? I dunno... But it's one thing to criticize Bobby Petrino, perfectly understandable based on his history of non-commitment. However, you can't blame Arkansas for hiring him. One coach after another was 'confirmed' and then withdrawn from the list of potentials. Bobby Petrino was obviously one of the best candidates for the job, even if it hurt some people's feelings. And believe me, if he does this same thing to UA, I'll be pissed as well. But my main concern is the present, not the hypotheticals. Either way, it's hilarious how the few Arkansas-haters out there call in to shows like Jim Rome, HAHHHHHH, possibly because they want a mustache ride... again, I dunno. But simply stated, they ain't seen nothin yet. They can take their misguided 3rd grade rhetoric, and shove it up their candy ***, cause nobody in this state gives two ****s about their bull****.. One thing's for sure, ignorant morons that call into radio shows are definitely entertaining, however stupid and alone they may be.

[paulemcrae]

More of my thoughts on Petrino can be found here.

-------------

[MrClean]

Once again, I understand why the media is dogging Petrino. But personally, at this point I don't care. I will continue not to care until Petrino repeats this lack of class. If he was planning on resigning anyway, he made the best move, whether it disrespected the Falcons or not. Sure, it's the media's job to pick apart moves like that. But timing is crucial as far as recruiting for Arkansas. The Razorbacks have already had commitments backing off because of the loss of the coaches that recruited them. The longer they'd have to go without knowing who they're head coach and positions coaches are, the more likely it'd be that they would back out. Now that Petrino has taken the job, the recruits that we have are excited. Arkansas has even had MORE players consider the team, solely because of Petrino's name being added to the mix.

My only problem with this ordeal is because of the criticism of the State of Arkansas. It'd be ridiculous to think the State or the team would not want a quality coach. And by quality, I mean a coach that is a proven winner on the college level. Some coaches prefer to stay on the college level; Petrino will obviously not have another oppertunity to coach in the NFL, simply because of the manner he left. But you can't blame Arkansas or the Razorbacks. And what's funny is that Jim Rome hypes up that pathetic caller who attempted to slam Arkansas. How ironic that this moron was from KANSAS. Wow! Arkansas invented the toothbrush??? Atleast we got teeth, b****. The biggest difference b/w our states is TWO freakin letters. I don't even need to explain how dumb that dip**** is.

Plus, I don't even understand the popularity of Jim Rome's show. Rome is known more for his long, meaningless pauses rather than anything of substance that he has to say. His show consists of 20-30 year old, jobless losers who have nothing better to do but rant and rave about some pointless topic. And does Rome display any semblance of professionalism? Helllllllll no, he just chimes in every now and then, hyping up his dumb*** callers for their mindless bull****. Once in a while he might have some decent interviews and good guest appearances, but overall it consists of prepubescent jack***es rambling on over **** they have no clue about anyway. And if I had no self-respect or dignity, I might even call in to respond to that moron from Kansas. He'd probably be too afraid to step in the ring with me anyway, just another punk who's pissed got he got beat down so often in high school.

[falconstorm]

Wow what a big shocker (10)

[hookahman]

I understand why Petrino would leave the falcons, he acquired a losing franchise that was on a decline. The worst possible situation. And obviously college football is less stressful than the NFL, Saban proved that. But Petrino is used to high powered passing offenses with a pretty good running game in a conference that recently has become challenging. The SEC is hard nosed defensive football that loves to run the ball. Only recently has passing come back to the SEC since Spurrier left Florida. And yet the best passer in the SEC is also the best runningback, Heisman Winner Tim Tebow. Is Petrino ready for this? I don't know. I'll smoke on my hookah and think it over some more.

[MrClean]

Originally Posted by hookahman

I understand why Petrino would leave the falcons, he acquired a losing franchise that was on a decline. The worst possible situation. And obviously college football is less stressful than the NFL, Saban proved that. But Petrino is used to high powered passing offenses with a pretty good running game in a conference that recently has become challenging. The SEC is hard nosed defensive football that loves to run the ball. Only recently has passing come back to the SEC since Spurrier left Florida. And yet the best passer in the SEC is also the best runningback, Heisman Winner Tim Tebow. Is Petrino ready for this? I don't know. I'll smoke on my hookah and think it over some more. www.saharasmoke.com

The SEC has had good passers since Spurrier: Eli Manning, Chris Leak, Jason Cambell, Brody Croyle, and JaMarcus Russell just to name a few. And yes, the SEC is hard-nosed defensively and a big run-oriented conference. Tebow is the best passer in the SEC, but last time I checked he didn't win the Doak Walker Award... the BEST RUNNINGBACK is Darren McFadden, without a doubt. Tebow had 20 TDs, but that's because of Florida's lack of a real runningback. Plus, I don't know if you noticed but they returned 8 starters on OFFENSE from the National Championship team. However, McFadden put up MORE THAN TWICE as many rushing yards as Tebow with only 5 less TDs (he split yardage/TDs with Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis). Also, last time I checked Tebow doesn't run a 4.30 40-yard dash, can't catch, doesn't block down field very often, and has never returned any kicks. So, try not to refer to him as the "best runningback in the conference" when the SEC is home to the BEST RUNNINGBACK IN THE COUNTRY. It'll be funny when Tebow's over-rated a$$ gets exposed in the next few years.

But I think Petrino is ready for the challenge. Next season is obviously going to be a rebuilding year for Arkansas, with the ammount of seniors and players going pro early. The Razorbacks have some great recruits coming in, including some of the best WRs in the state. Every coach needs atleast 3 years to bring in specific players to fit his offensive style, so it's not like this will happen overnight. For now, Petrino has all the fan support he needs, and recruits are already excited to play for him. The coaching change probably occured at the best possible time for the Razorbacks, given the ammount of talent that will be leaving. Hopefully we'll be able to keep Felix Jones for another year, and we've already got some O-lineman after this season's experience as well as some other great RBs too. Everyone has a great deal of confidence in Petrino, so we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out. I don't imagine he'll repeat his breaking contracts or leaving at this point in his career. Taking over a mediocre team in the SEC is a great oppertunity to showcase his abilities, as he could potentially improve Arkansas' annual status and rank.