Bielema's a purist, favors kickoffs

NWA Democrat-Gazette/MICHAEL WOODS • @NWAMICHAELW
University of Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema works with the Razorbacks during practice Thursday, April 21, 2016 in Fayetteville.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/MICHAEL WOODS • @NWAMICHAELW University of Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema works with the Razorbacks during practice Thursday, April 21, 2016 in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema did an on-air cooking display, voiced his opinions in the great kickoff debate and talked about the power of longevity during his stint at the ESPN campus in Bristol, Conn., on Tuesday.

Bielema's fourth spin through what ESPN calls "The Carwash" was highlighted by his omelet-making presentation for hosts Booger McFarland and Chris Cotter while on the set of College Football Live.

"My wife makes eggs, so I make probably four or five omelets a week," Bielema said. "I make it with a little bit of love, a little bit of care."

Bielema's omelet, made in the ESPN Cafe, was of the four-egg variety, with ham, onions, peppers and mushrooms.

Cotter appreciated Bielema's work, saying, "That was pretty darn good. Coach Bielema can be an omelet chef for me any time."

In two different segments, Bielema voiced his thoughts about whether kickoffs should at some point be taken out of the game.

"Statistically, it does stand up to say that [they are the most dangerous play]," Bielema said. "I'm a big proponent of player safety."

Bielema said he felt the discussion about whether to keep kickoffs followed on the heels of the same topic in the NFL.

"A few years ago, we moved the kickoff up from the 30 to the 35 and substantially reduced the number of injuries," he said. "Anything we can keep moving in that direction only helps us all."

Later, asked by former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell whether he would vote against kickoffs, Bielema said he would need to see the proposal. Then he brought up the time his Wisconsin team upset No. 1 Ohio State by starting with a touchdown return on the opening kick.

"I'm a traditional. I'm a purist," he said. "I would like to probably keep it. On the flip side of it, I've seen some pretty horrific [injuries]."

Asked what intrigued him about going to Arkansas, Bielema rattled off the list of head coaches he had worked for -- Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, Bill Snyder at Kansas State and Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin -- and the common theme of their long head coaching stints.

"I like these places that like longevity of their coaches, and I saw Arkansas as that opportunity," Bielema said. "It just seems like a place if you do it the right way, build it the right way, then good things can happen for a longer period of time."

Bielema said he understands there is pressure to win in the SEC and he feels it.

"I get a lot of kudos. They say I'm a fun guy to have at SEC media days," Bielema said. "Believe me, I came to the SEC to be one of those guys. I want to win a championship. That's what we're bound to do, and it's going to happen sooner or later."

The Razorbacks report for camp Aug. 3 and begin practice the next day. Arkansas' annual fan day will be held Aug. 14 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Gates 1, 2 and 16 will open at 2 p.m.

Sports on 07/20/2016

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