FAYETTEVILLE - If someone just had to complain about Saturday’s season opener between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Louisiana-Lafayette, it would be about TV.
Television chose to have a 3 p.m. kickoff on Saturday when the temperatures were in the high 90s, and it was even hotter in the stands with 69,801 fans. Not to mention the temperature on the turf.
Television is why it seemed every time the clock stopped it was five more minutes of breathing in the stifling heat, especially for fans in the east stands who stared into the unrelenting sun the entire game.
That had to be said, but other than that, there was nothing to complain about on the field.
“Bret Ball” was introduced with a strong effort on both sides of the ball and a balanced offense that should keep all the fans interested.
The enthusiasm for Bret Bielema’s debut was really strong, and the word that came to mind after watching what this new coaching staff has done with a team that was once fractured is “intriguing.”
After years of primarily being asked to pass block,the offensive line, led by a super-active Travis Swanson, opened holes for Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. They held the blocks to let Brandon Allen make his throws.
Basically, the offensive line dominated, and that hadn’t been a word that was used a lot the past couple of seasons.
By the time Williams, a sophomore, ripped through the line, hit the sideline and went into the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown, it was obvious that running the football can be fun to watch. That made the score 34-14 with 6:04 to play in the third quarter.
It was like watching Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, or Fred Talley and Cedric Cobbs.
The Hogs definitely have anew tag team at running back in Collins, a true freshman, and Williams. Both are capable of going all the way on any down, and a lot of that has to do with Bielema’s scheme. Or, as Williams said a couple of weeks ago, “It allows me to run downhill.”
Both had more than 100 yards rushing against a pretty good Louisiana-Lafayette defense.
Take nothing away from the Ragin’ Cajuns. They are a solid football team that a year ago most likely would have left the stadium with a victory.
Not now.
The Hogs showed discipline on every down, even on the few downs they lost.
Freshman tight end Hunter Henry showed what all the fuss was about during his recruiting and why he was a must-sign prospect.
It wasn’t just his pass-catching skills, either. He blocked like his dad, Mark, who was an All-Southwest Conference guard for the Razorbacks before going to seminary.
Quarterback Brandon Allen looks like another guy who could set school records if allowed to pass 45 times a game.
Bielema, who showed his own toughness by wearing a long-sleeved windbreaker from start to finish, was hired to put the ship back on course. While it is a work in progress, the type of play the Razorbacks Nation expects - all out on every down - was obvious Saturday.
Saying this team looked better in its first game than last year’s team in its first game would be like comparing Bobby Petrino’s offensive genius to his brother Paul’s play-calling.
It was as if this team wanted to make the statement that “Never Yield” is not just a slogan, but a new way of life in the Razorbacks program.
None of this is meant to blow smoke. This team has a long way to go to compete in the SEC, but Saturday it performed like a team and it was very intriguing.
It was a good game on a miserably hot afternoon.
Sports, Pages 23 on 09/01/2013