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Arkansas-Auburn Recap

(I'm typing this blog on my phone, so forgive me for any nonsense that follows.)
(Caption: Photo by Mark Wagner)

A quick recap of the Arkansas-Auburn game: there's why I don't gamble on sports. I knew the first time I bet on Arkansas or merely mentioned it, they'd win. Sure enough, I'd be in the hole. Never take gambling advice from a man without a job.

Reasons not to get excited about the Hogs' 24-7 win: Auburn. I can sum up the Tigers' success the last couple of years in two names: Cam Newton and Gus Malzahn. Gene Chizik is who we thought he was: a younger version of John L. Smith.

Irony: Arkansas beating Auburn might be the loss that forces the Tigers to fire Gene...and hire Bobby Petrino. If you knew that coming in, would you rather Arkansas had lost?

Reasons to be excited: The Hogs could have easily given up on the season. They haven't yet. It may happen eventually, but they continued fighting for John L. for another week. Good for John L.--this guy deserved to have something good happen to him after the year he's had.

Of course, he isn't winning any decision-making awards in the near future.

Also, even when you have a good team, it's difficult to win on the road in the SEC. Never underestimate the importance of a win at another SEC school. It demoralizes a team and a fan base. As a Hog fan, I know the feeling all too well this year.

Reasons for optimism: This game started the easiest stretch of the schedule. Realistically, the Hogs could reel off a four-game win streak with games against Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Tulsa. That would leave Arkansas one game short of bowl eligibility.

However, despite forcing 5 turnovers, the Arkansas defense still has plenty of room to improve. Maybe the younger guys have finally figured out the system six games into the season and can build on this performance.

I really didn't want to write about sports again, but it's difficult organizing and typing on a phone. So writing about sports is relatively easy for me. Look for something more in-depth tomorrow.

The most important thing for me, like Arkansas, was building on my momentum. Wear your colors proud this weekend, Arkansas and ASU fans.
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