Rant:
With 2010 coming to a close, most people would try to end the year right. That doesn’t seem to be the case for the NCAA. Of course, when you haven’t done things right for the entire year, why start now ? Although ESPN analyst Mark May’s comments are somewhat enjoyable, stating that ” the NCAA is protecting their sacred cow” in Ohio State, they did rain down on Rich Rod and Michigan. After all, why would the NCAA protect a team that can make it to the big games, but not win them ? Ohio State did what any school would do, they found a loophole, provided by the incompetently worded rules and regulations of the NCAA, and used that to their advantage. But my problem with the NCAA isn’t just about the recent Ohio State debacle, it goes back to the Cecil Newton shopping extravaganza. But seemingly the NCAA handled the A.J. Green case right, he sold his jersey and got suspended.
ESPN’s Colin Cowherd says ” It feels like a plea bargain, like there was some negotiations, Ohio State probably pleaded with the NCAA, We’re spending $4,000,000 on this Bowl Game.” The sad part is, that out of the five that will face suspensions next season, maybe one will actually serve their suspension. And Ohio State will appeal the suspensions, saying they are too harsh. I strongly disagree. Ohio State says the players didn’t know. It’s a good thing folks in Arkansas wear boots, the B.S. is getting deep. How do you not know that selling awards and uniforms are against the rules ? Pleading ignorance has become a legitimate alibi, and the NCAA is to blame. What if other things worked in a similar fashion ? You watch someone speed by you, get pulled over and they get a ticket. You speed by a police officer, get pulled over. ”Oh, I had no idea speeding was against the law” Are you kidding me ? Where does the NCAA draw the line ? Accepting money ? Selling a university vehicle ? The NCAA has gone from a formidable policing agency to a complete joke. Congratulations NCAA, way to ring in the New Year.
But as for the Bowl game, as a Hog fan, I want Ohio State at full strength for the Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes haven’t beaten an SEC team in 22 years, I don’t expect that to change this year. No, I don’t want there to be any doubt that this Arkansas Razorbacks team can beat anybody. T.J. Carpenter of the T.J. Carpenter Show on 92.1 ESPN radio, says in his blog post that, the Hogs are better than the Buckeyes with or without Terrell Pryor. He breaks down Ohio State’s strength of schedule, or lack there of. He shares many agreeable points. Hog fans should want Ohio State at full strength. That just makes the victory that much sweeter.
Rave:
In 2010, the University of Arkansas has had a fantastic year to say the least. Arkansas athletics as a whole has produced the best recruiting classes in Arkansas history with top 5 recruiting classes in football, baseball and basketball. With the recent success of the Diamond Hogs, reaching deep on the road to Omaha in consecutive seasons, this could be the recruiting class that gets the Diamond Hogs to the College World Series finals. The Hogs basketball program has left a lot to be desired over the past few years, but with a promising class on the horizon, things could take a turn for the better within the next two to three years. The football program has witnessed the Hogs have a decent season then follow it up with a dismal 4-7 or 5-6 season. But with a great 10-2 season with a shot at an 11 win season, the Hogs look promising due to the leadership of Head Hog Bobby Petrino.
The University as well as fans, caught tons of flack for the hire of Bobby Petrino. Many said ” He won’t stay, he will coach Arkansas for 2 or 3 years then bolt.”
Both Bobby Petrino and the University of Arkansas put that non-sense to bed earlier this month with an unprecedented deal that will keep Petrino in the Natural State until 2017, at an average of $3.56 million per year and an annual $18 million buyout. Maybe that will be enough to shut all the naysayers up. Doubtful.
University of Arkansas has given Hog fans everywhere a fantastic Christmas present, a program to be proud of for years to come. And Arkansas’ Athletic Director Jeff Long added to Hog fans excitement by locking up one of the best football coaches in the nation.
From everyone at Hog Database, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Follow James Moseley on Twitter: @james_moseley
