the    sides

If you follow this blog, then you’ve probably run across the comments by Clay or other random Hog fans on this site.

Here’s the latest and the context.

You will note that nothing was said about Arkansas, Matt Jones, or the in-breeding practices of Arkansans in that post. Only that the MNF matchup between the Jaguars and the Steelers was boring to watch especially given the personalities calling the game.

Yet - a rabid Arkansas fan comes out of the woods to defend the honor of Hog Nation because Matt Jones is on the Jaguars. Guess what? There are about 51 other schools represented on the Jacksonville team OTHER than Arkansas. Never mind the fact that a few posts earlier I commented on how Jones is going to be a good WR.

I spent time in Alabama last week among the Tide faithful. Know how many times Arkansas was brought up? Zero. That’s right, gang. ZERO. Arkansas - in Alabama’s economy is like salad at a bar-b-que place. It’s there because in theory you need something other than just meat at a meal. (Which, I think is a stupid theory.)

Since I’ve been in the Rock, how many times has Alabama been brought up by Arkansas fans? I lost count after 115. I think the “rivalry” means a heck of a lot more to Arkansas than it does Alabama. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. See Louisville/Miami rivalry. It meant a lot more to Louisville than Miami…until this year when Louisville kicked in Miami’s teeth. Miami will be paying attention next year.

Which if Arkansas kicks in the teeth of Alabama this year, they’ll probably take notice.

In short, here is what is annoying about Arkansas fans…

The complete disconnect with reality.

Example 1: USC game. There was no chance Arkansas was going to win that game. None. Arkansas does not have the talent level or depth (or play calling ability) to hang with USC for 4 quarters. Join the club, most teams can’t. Certainly not Alabama either at this point. But to hear Arkansas fans, you’d thought they had a chance at a national championship this year.

Example 2: Alabama game. I hope ‘Bama plays well and wins. I really do. And it ought to be a great game. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that both ‘Bama and Arkansas are mid-level teams in the SEC this year. Both are young, inexperienced teams. If any team has an advantage - it’s Bama with it’s defense. But both offenses are struggling to find any kind of tempo. Neither one of them are going to push LSU or Auburn for the SEC West. (Maybe Alabama can upset Auburn and ruin their year because that IS the rivalry for ‘Bama.)

But Arkansas and ‘Bama are playing for the Music City Bowl at best.

Example 3: The Texas rivalry. We lived in Texas for the better part of 14 years. Oklahoma and A&M were the rival schools. Arkansas was salad at a BBQ. Then Arkansas went down there and kicked them in the teeth 2 years ago. If Arkansas does that again - Texas will take notice.

Example 4: Hog women. Arkansas women fans are nice. They are sweet as the tea they drink. But they don’t know jack about football. Talk to an Auburn or Alabama, heck a Vandy gal and they are going to argue with you the merits of the 3-4 defense on passing downs. Not going to happen with an Arkansan. They are pretty. They are sweet. They just could care less about football.

(Vandy, IMHO, has the deal. Crazy intelligent. Crazy pretty. Crazy rich. So for all my guys who are determining where to go to college - something to think about.)

Alright…I’ve said enough until after Saturday’s game.

Roll Tide.