5NEWS Sports Blog

2008-01-30T13:53:00.001-08:00

Two members of 5NEWS Sports team will jump into the icy waters in support of Arkansas Special Olympics.

5NEWS' Adria Goins, Gary Elsken, Ashley Beck, Garrett Lewis,Sara Lasure and Daren Bobb are all jumping in the Arkansas Special Olympics Polar Bear Jump on February 2nd at World Class Fitness.

Organizers had to break an inch-thick sheet of ice on the swimming pool before last years bunch could jump in. Let's hope it's not that way this time around.

Please click on the link below to help us raise a little money. Our goal is raise more than any other media taking part. THANKS from the 5-cicles!!!!

http://www.firstgiving.com/5cicles

2008 Arkansas Football Schedule

2008-01-21T14:14:00.001-08:00

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas will take on eight teams that played in bowl games last season, including defending national champion LSU and arch rival Texas, in Coach Bobby Petrino’s inaugural season with the Razorbacks.

The 2008 slate includes seven in-state games with five scheduled for Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville and two scheduled for War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Arkansas will host Alabama (Sept. 20), Florida (Oct. 4) and Ole Miss (Oct. 25) on campus in Southeastern Conference play. Little Rock will once again host the “Battle for the Boot” between Arkansas and LSU (Nov. 29).

The Razorbacks’ non-conference schedule is highlighted by a renewed series with former Southwest Conference rival Texas. Arkansas will play the first game in a two-year series at Austin on Sept. 13. The two teams last played in 2004 in Fayetteville.

Arkansas will also play another familiar foe in non-conference action. The Hogs will host Tulsa (Nov. 1) in Fayetteville for the first time since 2003. The matchup will mark the 70th meeting between Arkansas and Tulsa on the gridiron.

Donations take a dip at Arkansas

2008-01-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Donations to the University of
Arkansas' Razorback Foundation have dropped 3 percent in the past
four years, while giving to other Southeastern Conference schools
has increased or even doubled.
Between 2003 and 2007, donations to the school's fundraising arm
for its athletic department dropped from 11.9 million dollars to
11.5 million dollars. That's according to a report in today's
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. In contrast, giving to Louisiana State
University's foundation more than doubled to 35 million dollars,
Florida's increased 52 percent to 37.4 million dollars and
Mississippi's rose 13 percent to 13.2 million dollars.
Foundation officials say giving is lower in Arkansas because
there's a smaller population of potential donors.
The Razorback Foundation's 11.5 million dollars in revenue last
year ranked 10th in the Southeastern Conference, ahead of only
Mississippi State at 6.8 million dollars and Vanderbilt at 5.3
million dollars.
The Razorback Foundation's expenses usually include about 3.5
million dollars each year for scholarships. But in fiscal 2006,
expenses also included more than $575,000 in legal costs to defend
a lawsuit filed by former men's basketball coach Nolan Richardson.
And the expenses went up last month when Arkansas hired Bobby
Petrino as its football coach. Petrino's annual salary is 2.85
million dollars - the fourth-highest salary in the Southeastern
Conference.

Arkansas - Texas A&M Game Deal

2007-12-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Interesting material for Hog Fans to read:

One of the more stunning news stories in the past week was written by Brian Davis of the Dallas Morning News, Texas A&M, Arkansas get lucrative deal at new Cowboys stadium, as he detailed the contract that Texas A&M and Arkansas are on the verge of signing that will pair up those two schools in a game at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium starting in 2009. They are working on a 6 to 8 year contract, and each school would receive $5 million annually for playing each other!

If anyone didn't think there is an enormous amount of money being made in college football, here we have a regular season game that is guaranteeing a $10 million payout, $5 million each, to the two schools involved which is more money than every post-season bowl except the BCS games. Oklahoma and Texas have been playing for years at the Cotton Bowl, and their most recent contract calls on them to receive $4.7 million annually each, but OU and Texas are two of the top teams in the game. Neither Arkansas or Texas A&M have won a conference championship in years, and these two schools are now set to garner an enormous amount of money to show up in Dallas annually to do battle. How can one football game generate in excess of $10 million you might ask, since that is the minimum the people putting together the game (no doubt Jerry Jones, the city of Dallas, and the owners of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium) are paying out. Let's take a look at the numbers, and see how in the world so much money can be generated from one football game.

Checking out the website for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/, we find that the stadium will be able to seat up to 100,000 people and that they will have 200 luxury suites. Assuming a conservative 80,000 tickets sold for the Arkansas - Texas A&M game at an average of $75.00 a ticket generates around $6.0 million. Add in an additional $500,000 in suite sales and parking fees and you are up to $6.5 million. Those 80,000+ people have to eat and drink, and for sure Aggie and Hog fans are going to do plenty eating and drinking, so that adds up to another $1.0 million or so, which brings us to $7.5 million. In the Dallas Morning News article it mentions a possible title sponsor for the game, and that should go for around $500 K annually, so now we are up $8.0 million, which still leaves us $2.0 million short of the minimum payout to the schools. Here is where the magic of TV suddenly appears, and it shouldn't be too hard for ESPN/ABC to sell advertising commercials around the Arkansas/Texas A&M game to generate at least $2.0 million for the game each year.

Lastly, throw Jerry Jones into the mix and you can be sure that ever conceivable marketing angle will be covered which will generate at least another $1 million or so in "Jerry Jones dollars" which turns an unbelievable $10 million guarantee into something very doable.
No doubt, we will continue to see more of these off-campus games as the dollars continue to increase, and schools get the opportunity to make a bunch of money, showcase their schools in games in major markets, and provide a new and exciting events for their fans and alumni. With both Oklahoma/Texas and Arkansas/Texas A&M playing football games in back-to-back weeks at the same time the Texas State Fair is going on, there are going to be some fun times to be had in Dallas in the coming years.

Hogs Heading to Dallas, Herring's Future Still Undecided

2007-12-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

FAYETTEVILLE - The Arkansas Razorbacks are expected to report to Dallas this week for the upcoming date with No. 6 Missouri. All Hogs are healthy and eligible for the Cotton Bowl on New Years Day.

Interim Coach Reggie Herring said he hopes to stay with the Hogs after the bowl. Reports indicate that he wants to talk with newly named head coach Bobby Petrino after next weeks game about keeping his position.

Earlier this week the Dallas Morning News reported Herring was headed to Texas A&M but that is not a done deal.

Razorback players want to see Herring stay at Arkansas. The team voted for Herring to become the interim coach and his actions leading up to the game have provided the team with motivation.

"He stayed here with us and he's pushing us and he hasn't quit on us and we want to make him proud so we just want to go out there and compete that's all he asks," said Marcus Monk, Arkansas senior receiver.

Herring Heads to Texas A&M

2007-12-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

DALLAS MORNING NEWS - The Dallas Morning News has reported that Hog Defensive Coordinator Reggie Herring will head to Texas A&M to become the Aggies defensive coordinator.

As of right now, no one at Texas A&M has confirmed the report but the Dallas paper said sources close to the negotiations have confirmed Herring has agreed to the job.

Herring has spent time in Texas working for Texas Christian University and the Houston Texans.

Pelphrey wants Hogs to learn from mistakes

2007-12-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

FAYETTEVILLE – Head coach John Pelphrey did not like the loss to Oklahoma but he admitted he did not criticize his team after Saturday’s 11 point set back.

Pelphrey said the Razorbacks did a lot of good things in the game but they had a couple of plays go the other way down the stretch and OU’s momentum snowballed on them.

He praised his players for limiting the number of turnovers. He said they did not shoot the ball well but that happens. The first year Razorback coach said there are some specific things he wanted his players to focus on and some things they need to shut out.

“Hard nosed and nasty on defense, let's limit teams to one shot or less and what do I need to do my job the best I can do my job right now to help this basketball team,” said Pelphrey. “You can't be worried about crowd, officials, last two shots, last two calls, what my boys back home are saying. I'm not saying that those things aren't important but they are not helpful. We've got to get a really zeroed in focus.

Coordinators Looking Like Top Candidates for Hog Job.

2007-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

Now that another head coach has been scratched off the list the focus has shifted to finding someone with a background in the SEC.

The University of Arkansas will likely start looking at coordinators, specifically ones that have knowledge of the Southeastern Conference.

That will mean that names like Razorback defensive coordinator Reggie Herring and Tulsa offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will be back in the mix. Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has expressed interest in the job.

If Arkansas was to hire someone who does not have previous head coaching experience, people with coching knowledge and recruiting in the SEC have now become key candidates.

Broyles letting Long decide Nutt's fate.

2007-11-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles said Thursday night he'll leave it to his successor to determine whether Houston Nutt should remain Arkansas' football coach.

Broyles is retiring at the end of the year and will be replaced by Jeff Long. Speculation on Nutt's job security has increased as the Razorbacks have struggled to a 6-4 record this season.
Although Broyles is still the athletic director, he says Long should make the call on Nutt.

Broyles was in Little Rock to attend a reception for sponsors of the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top assistant college football coach. Broyles announced his retirement in February. This is his 50th year at Arkansas - he took over as football coach in December of 1957. Nutt was the 2006 Southeastern Conference coach of the year. Arkansas went 10-4 and won the SEC West.

However, the offseason was filled with turmoil surrounding the departures of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and quarterback Mitch Mustain. Arkansas began this season in the Top 25 but quickly fell out. The Razorbacks lost their first three SEC games and are currently 2-4 in conference play entering Saturday's game against Mississippi State.

McFadden 4th in early Heisman votes

2007-10-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Early Heisman trophy vote have cast Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden in a distant fourth place. Sophomore Florida quarterback Tim Tebow held that top voting spot, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan has slipped in at the No. 2 spot. Even Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson has become a viable candidate.

So what went wrong for D-Mac? The Hog running back was considered the front runner for the coveted trophy at the beginning of the season but hasn't performed like many voters had expected so far.

Some might blame head coach Houston Nutt and his teams lack of victories for McFadden's Heisman misfortune but is it Nutt or is it the Heisman voters that have become the reason for D-Mac's absense at the top of the list?

Granted Darren hasn't performed like many had expected but looking back on the Heisman voters choices in previous years might provide insight into the situation. Take a look back at the past trophy winners.

Let's start with last year. Number One-ranked Ohio State's Troy Smith took home the award then flopped in the national championship game. Do you see him stopping the show in the NFL? No. What about Reggie Bush? He had a tremendous performance last season with the New Orleans Saints but he and his team haven't done much during the 2007 campaign. He did play for No. 1 ranked USC though. Maybe that had something to do with him winning the hardware.

Matt Leinart also played for top ranked Southern California but three years after he won the Heisman he was benched so that Kurt Warner, who's time as the St. Louis Rams savior is long gone, could lead a below average Arizona Cardinal team.

And then there's Oklahoma's Jason White. Now, I'm a Sooner fan just as much as the next person, well maybe not that much, but the then top ranked Oklahoma quarterback was a great player. He set records at Oklahoma but he wasn't the best player in college football. The guy had no chance to play in the NFL with two bum knees.

The point is Heisman trophy voters have fallen into the trap of selectingthe best player on the best team instead of the best player in college football. Look at Barry Sanders. That guy was the greatest player in NCAA football and at the time the Oklahoma State Cowboys could barely hold the No. 15 spot in the polls.

Fact or Fiction: Do voters care more about the team then the player when it comes to the Heisman trophy now days? I say fact. Granted this college season has been a whirlwind of upsets but to put a sophomore quarterback at the top of the list and a Boston College quarterback in the mix that not many people had even heard about until this year has felt like a stretch. He's in the picture because his team is ranked No. 2 in the country.

Pick the right player for this prestigious honor. The one that has the most impact on the game of football. Is that Darren McFadden?

Day at the Diamond

2007-10-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder for all you Diamond Hog fans.

Pre-game tailgating will have added sparkle as “Day at the Diamond” offers special activities designed for fans headed to the Auburn-Arkansas football game on Saturday, Oct. 13. In addition to an opportunity to help LifeSource International, a non-profit organization benefiting local families in need, Razorback enthusiasts can participate in fun and games while also getting a sneak peek at the 2008 Razorback Diamond Hogs.

LifeSource is partnering with the Razorback baseball team to bring added festivities to game three of the intra-squad Red and White World Series. Coach Dave Van Horn will open Baum Stadium’s Hog Pen with free admission to all Hog fans, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations for LifeSource.

Many special activities are planned starting with two special sports clinics for kids. One-hour long baseball and football clinics will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be taught by former Razorback players. The clinics will teach young athletes skills necessary to excel in their preferred game alongside their favorite Razorbacks.

Free hot dogs and drinks will be given out to event participants from 11:00 a.m. to noon as they get ready to cheer on the Razorback baseball team in game three of their intra- squad Red and White World Series. Following the game, former and current players will be available to sign autographs for the fans.

Crazy Night... Crazy Win in Little Rock

2007-10-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

It was a crazy day in Little Rock Saturday as the Arkansas Razorbacks had to fight off Division I-AA Tennessee-Chattanooga. The game seemed to be trouble from the get go. The first snap of the game sailed past an unexpecting Casey Dick and into the end zone. The Mocs take a 2-0 lead seven seconds into the game.

The normally sure handed Darren McFadden was anything but during the game. He uncharacteristically fumbled the ball giving it back to Chattanooga. Then out of the WildHog formation D-Mac couldn’t handle the snap himself. That’s his second turnover in the first half.
Normally a safe place to play Little Rock was filled with doubts which started before the game with a banner flown by a plane that points out the Hogs, 0-2 start this year in the SEC.

“It's funny they didn't have that when we were 7-0 last year, they couldn't find that plane,” said Houston Nutt, Arkansas head coach during his Sunday press conference. “We needed that when we were 7-0 in the conference, had as many wins as Florida. They couldn't find that plane, that's interesting.”

Part of the reason for McFadden’s problem with the handles was because of sore ribs. D-Mac left the game early Saturday night because of the injury. On his only touchdown of the night McFadden appeared to fumble the ball. Although he had 122 yards during the game his play was anything but flawless. Coach Nutt said Darren put too much pressure on himself to get the rushing record in “The Rock.”

“He was very frustrated, he was trying so hard and he didn't have a good night, bottom line, he did not have a good night,” said Nutt. “I know that hurts him, I know he wants to really excel, especially in Little Rock. Again, if you looked at all the little things, he made a nice block on pass protection, really got a good knock down there. He's wanting awfully hard, but again he'll really bounce back from this game and use it to better himself.”

Oklahoma Drops in polls after Colorado loss

2007-09-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma drops seven spots to number 10 today in the AP Top 25 football poll that features numerous changes.

OU fell 27-24 to Colorado to become one of five top-10 teams to lose yesterday. Of those teams, only ninth-ranked Florida and the Sooners remained in the top 10. Louisiana State edged past Southern California to become the number 1 team, even though Southern Cal remained undefeated. A sloppy 27-24 victory at Washington cost USC the top ranking it had held all season.

California, Ohio State and Wisconsin rounded out the top five. Three unfamiliar names also are now in the top 10 -- South Florida at number 6, Boston College at number 7 and Kentucky at number 8. Other ranked Big 12 Conference teams are Missouri at number 17, Texas at number 19, Kansas State at number 24 and Nebraska at number 25.

The Heart of a Champion... or lack thereof.

2007-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Do the Razorbacks have the heart to win?

In my opinion:

After watching the Arkansas Kentucky game one thing became very clear. Something was missing on that field for the Razorbacks. Down 42-29 with 11 seconds on the clock at the end of the game I watched as Arkansas' offense gathered in the huddle, headed to the line of scrimmage and quarterback Casey Dick simple let the time clock expire before he could take the snap. The sound of disappointment rang out across the crowd. Not just because the home team lost but because the effort to a least attempt a last second touchdown was no where to be found. Was that a move made by the quarterback or was it a coaches decision to end the game without even trying?

Now I know that you can't win a game when you're down by 13 points with a single touchdown pass but it was almost as if the team didn't just lose the game, they lost their pride. Being a college athlete, when you step onto that field you play 100% until the final whistle is blown. It's called competitive nature. Maybe a person is born with it, maybe it's installed in their brain but any athlete who's played on a team or aspired to win wouldn't give up so easily.

We saw these example throughout the game. When the momentum shifted in the Wildcats favor Arkansas called it quits.

Darren McFadden is the perfect example of a driven athlete, someone who has the heart of a champion. When it looked like Arkansas had no chance of winning against Alabama McFadden just kept pounding out the yards one small chunk at a time. Oh how quickly the game changed. When he was kept on the sidelines at the end of that game you could tell by watching he wanted to be on that field. He wanted the ball in his hands. He wanted to be the hero.

The Razorbacks came into the season a little down and out. They lost Marcus Monk and Ben Cleveland in pre-season. Two crucial parts of the offense. The only bright spot was freshmen receiver Crosby Tuck and now he's gone for the year too. Marcus Harrison was arrested and the defense was criticized because they were considered weaker than last years unit. These challenges were all the more reason to prove a point. To play with pride.

If a team gives up with 11 seconds left on the clock do they really just give up or did they ever bring their heart to the game in the first place?

Third and Long Call A Bad Move or Good Decision?

2007-09-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

FAYETTEVILLE - After reviewing the film and looking back, Arkansas coach Houston Nutt say there is no second guess in the play calling. That includes a failed pass on third down that gave Alabama the ball with over two minutes in regulation.

"They moved that defense into a bear," says Nutt of Alabama's defense. "They knew McFadden wasn't back there, and we knew they were going to be pinching. So we thought we could go out and get one-on-one, if we got the first down, you're not asking the question today. But we also told him [quarterback Casey Dick] to run it, too, now. If there's any questions run it, but he's trying to make a play."

Nutt said all things considered, the play of Casey Dick and the play calling of David Lee was impressive. Dick finished the game 11-for-23 for 145 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Dick did have a 40 yard touchdown to freshman Crosby Tuck on another third down pass call.

"He really did a fine job of managing and checking us out of a bad play to get us into the right one," says Nutt on his quarterback's play. "I thought he threw the crossing routes very accurate. The pass to Crosby Tuck was huge on third-and-one, a good call by David Lee to draw them in with a fake to Felix. It looks like a run in a running formation and we ran a stop-and-go."

Nutt says that after falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, Lee was thinking it was time to open up the passing game. But Lee was reminded of Arkansas' best weapons, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, and decided to avoid scrapping the ground attack.

But after taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, McFadden was knocked out of the game literally. D-Mac suffered a slight concussion and was held out of the final minutes of the game. Nutt says his star running back wanted to go out there, but trainer Dean Weber advised against it. Chances are he'll be ready to go again this Saturday against No. 21 Kentucky in Fayetteville.

Following the loss, Arkansas dropped from both major polls. The Hogs entered the game ranked No. 16 in both polls.

What do you think? Do you think the play call to throw on third and long was a smart decision?

Bass Tournament cuts money winnings

2007-08-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Bass Tournament contestants not happy with money deductions.

According to the Associated Press a bass tournament held in Arkansas made deductions from its prize payouts because of the lack of entries in August.
As advertised, the Big Bass Bonanza paid $100,000 to the winner but four anglers who were eligible for as much as $10,000 only got $1,000 for their catches.
Fisherman Bart Moore said he felt slighted by the tournament for only getting the $1,000 payment.
Arkansas Hospitality Association spokesman David Kinkade says published brochures indicated the planned awards were for an event with 3,000 entrants. He said only 2,199 people entered the event, which was rescheduled three times.
Kinkade said had 3,000 people entered, the full 300,000 dollars would have been paid out. Instead the tournament paid 214,000 dollars in prizes.
Is it the angler’s fault that the rescheduling of this tournament forced less contestants to enter therefore causing less of a payout? It seems like the fishermen are the ones how are taking the fall for the turnout.
With the cost of gas prices and the number of people who had to fix their plans for the third time to be at this event it seems like to be that $1,000 isn’t worth the time and effort. The $10,000 would be the draw. What do you think?

Football only days away

2007-07-27T19:40:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or are the days getting brighter, the nights feeling more refreshing, and just life in general better than a week ago? No, I'm not in love but I do know football is just around the corner.

Of course I've had my calendars marked for August 31 (start of Arkansas High School football), September 1st (Arkansas vs. Troy), and September 6th (Indianapolis vs. New Orleans to kick off the NFL season) since I received my brand spankin' new calendar last year. But this week was the first time I knew those days were getting closer and closer.

NFL teams are in camp (apparently all is hunky dory with the Cowboys which does bring me down a bit) and the SEC Media Days in Birmingham have wrapped up. Every where I turn there is more and more football on the tube.

It's been a long off-season with many football horror stories. Those coming out of the Hill about the Hogs, Michael Vick and his alleged dog fighting, and all of the suspensions in the NFL. But what's done is done. We've endured the bulk of that, although the Vick saga will linger on for the entire season, and as our reward football will once again return.

In honor of this joyous occassion here is my Top 5 things I'll be watching for this season:

Number One: Sorry Hogs, you'd normally top my list but I'm going with a couple of special NFL moments. Brett Favre (yeah I'm a cheesehead) could finish the season with his name atop five more NFL milestones and second in another.

Favre (147) needs two wins to bypass in most John Elway(148) for most by a starting quarterback. Projection: Unless a miracle happens, October 14th vs. Washington

Favre needs (414) seven TD passes to jump Dan Marino (420) as the all-time quarterback leader. Projection: September 30th at Minnesota.

Favre (8,223) needs 136 passing attempts to pass Marino (8,358) in that category. Projection: Again vs. Washington

And Favre needs 3,862 passing yards to, again, take over for Marino (61,361) in most yards by a quarterback. Projection: This one will take all season, December 30th vs. Detroit.

Not as impressive, Favre (273) only needs five picks to break George Blanda's (277) all-time interception record. Projection: I'll be honest, if it doesn't happen in Week 2 against the New York Giants, it will come on Week 3 against San Diego.

Favre already ranks as the NFL's all-time leader in pass completions (5,021) and is tied for second all-time in consecutive regular season games started (237, it's 257 if you add playoffs), that's behind only Jim Marshall with 270. Favre has started more consecutive games than any other quarterback.

Number Two: I just want to know how the Hogs will react this season amid all the controversy following the 10 win season.

Number Three: Every single run made by Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. These two are remarkable and every Hog fan, SEC fan, or college football fan needs to enjoy this year. Both are likely gone next fall.

Number Four: Who will be the BCS buster this year? Boise State vs. Oklahoma was awesome for many reasons. I want to see it again this year.

Number Five: How many NFL players will be suspended come the end of the year? I am happy that Commissioner Goodell is working to clean up the league, but wow these suspensions are getting longer and longer. I Odell Thurman didn't even get a full reason for his second year of sitting out.

Danny Nutt leaves Arkansas because of serious illness.

2007-07-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

The University of Arkansas announced running backs coach Danny Nutt has stepped down as an assistant coach on the Razorback football team due to ongoing personal health issues it was announced by his brother and UA head football coach Houston Nutt on Tuesday.

In a press release sent to the media by the University of Arkansas it stated that Danny Nutt currently is receiving treatment for a serious condition which includes bleeding from the brain steam. The condition first became critical in December of 1998 when Nutt was hospitalized for more than a month. He missed coaching in the 1999 Comp USA Florida Citrus Bowl while undergoing surgery and treatment. Danny missed spring practice in 2000 after a relapse, but returned to the sidelines for the fall campaign.

In recent months, Nutt suffered another recurrence of the brain stem bleeding. His condition will not allow him to coach this season and will likely prohibit him from returning to the football field as a coach in the future.

Houston Nutt announced that a search for the running backs position would begin immediately. Arkansas reports to camp on Thursday, Aug. 2 with the first practice set for Saturday, Aug. 4.

Top 100 moments in college football

2007-07-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

ESPN names Top 100 moments in that have defined college football. Define "defined" college football? Are the top five overrated?

Former Razorback Ken Hatfield’s famous punt return has been ranked No. 71 on Espn.com writer Ivan Maisel’s Top 100 Iconic Moments of College Football.
Hatfield’s punt return was an 81-yarder that propelled the Razorbacks to a 14-13 win over Texas, in Austin. The game, in 1963, was also part of Arkansas’ 1964 National Championship season.

Not a bad choice for the 71st pick out of 100 but are the top five slots the most defining moments in college football? Of course they're memorable but do they define what college football has become today?

I agree somewhat with the top four. You can mix and match those and they're all very memoriable but they're almost too good. Will there ever be a moment in college football that will surpass those clips or will we look at plays in today's football as nowhere close to that magnitude?

For instance. The No. 5 pick by ESPN is something I could never consider as a top five play of all time in college football: Race For Glory - Vince Young's sprint to the pylon shoots Texas past USC. (Jan. 4, 2006)

Come on. Are you serious? Vince Young's spring to a pylon is the fifth most defining moment in college history? You've got to be kidding me. After all the years of impressive plays that one makes the top of the list. Not even close.

What about the seven-overtime game against Arkansas and Kentucky in 2003? Don't you think that one was a little more thrilling? Even if you aren't a Razorback fan you've heard of long, edge of your seat, seven-overtime matchup that had ESPN talking about it for days.

Hog Fan Poll results are mixed.

2007-06-18T22:04:00.001-07:00

The University of Arkansas found out a little more about what fans thought about the football program. Searcy-native Roger Wooley released the results of a Hog Fan Poll.

Wooley hired a political polling company to survey four district across Arkansas asking them questions about the Mitch Mustain email controversy and the investigation of those emails.
In northwest Arkansas 53 percent of avid fans polled said they did not want an investigation to continue over the emails. Occasional fans answered that they had no opinion on the matter by 76 percent.

As for whether or not avid fans were satisfied with head coach Houston Nutt, 47 percent said they were somewhat satisfied and 19 percent were very dissatisfied. Wooley said that may be because the average fan was being overlooked by the program.

"It seems to the average fan like me who can't go and hang out in the skyboxes," said Wooley. "It seems like we're being disrespected or ignored like our opinion doesn't count. When you hear that there's only five percent of us that are upset and we all know that's not true and I think in order for the university to change course a bit the should consider looking harder at the problem."

He went on to say that the university should respect the fact that there are a lot more people upset than realized.

In response to the poll, the university's Sports Information Director Kevin Trainor sent 5NEWS this statement.

"It only reaffirms our belief that people all over the state of Arkansas are passionate about the Razorbacks. We appreciate our fans and value their feedback and support. We are looking forward to another outstanding year of Razorback athletics."

How do you feel about the results from this survey? You can view the entire poll at our 5NEWSonline.com.

The Other Side of the Story

2007-06-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ealier 5Sports posted a story on our blog titled "Is John Daly a bad example for Arkansas?" One poster said he/she couldn't make an assumption on the matter until he/she heard the other side of the story. Well here's the other side of the story as 5Sports knows it.

John Daly's wife claims that he made up that story about her cutting him with a steak knife last week. She said he was covering up for an assault on her. Daly, who showed up for the second round of the Stanford St. Jude Championships Friday, June 8th, had scratches on his face from an apparent attack by his wife.

PGA Tour officials added extra security for Daly after he told police that his wife had attacked him that morning. Sheree Daly has filed court papers asking for a restraining order against Daly as well as use of their home in Memphis and financial support for her and her two children.

Daly told a Memphis newspaper that his wife was lying but he seemed to indicated that he had no plans to file charges against her.

So who's story do you believe? Sounds like another big mess that will overshadow "Big Johns" accomplishments on the golf course once again.

Is John Daly a bad example for Arkansas?

2007-06-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

More problems have plagued former Arkansas Razorback John Daly. After his first round of play in the Stanford St. Jude Championship, Daly finished tied for eighth; a promising beginning in the tournament for the flailing golfer. But it was his problems off the course that have made headlines.
Daly reportedly told authorities that this wife attacked him with a steak knife Friday. Daly has not filed charges and his agent Bud Martin said “what happened speaks for itself.”
Daly showed up for round two with marks on his face from the apparent attack then began to sink lower and lower on the scoreboard.
He received a sponsor’s exemption to play in the tournament in Memphis because of the home crowd he was expected to draw to the championship. He finished the third round 18 shots off the leader and over nine strokes.
The golfer who is on the verge of losing his players card called the Shelby County sheriff’s department early Friday morning and said he was the “victim of an assault by my wife.” Sherrie Daly and the couple’s children were not there when deputies arrived at the home and officials searched the neighborhood but could not find her or the knife that the former Hog claimed she used in the attack.
The incident has become just one more issue to add to the long list of situations that Daly has faced.
He has been in alcohol rehab twice, had substantial gambling losses, trashed hotels rooms and went through suspensions. All of these things have become a more well-known feature to his resume over his 1991 PGA Championship and his 1995 British Open victory.
So, do you think Daly is a bad example for Arkansas?

Is UFC the new boxing?

2007-05-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

So the debate has been brewing for a few years now, but has hit full steam. Is UFC the new boxing? Once considered too violent, with too few rules, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is drawing record numbers, more fans, and the spotlight of the national sports media. While it's older, "more" sophisticated counterpart, boxing, is drawing the ire of the very same people.

Boxers were once the modern day gladiators, gliding effortlessly in the ring showing their power, both punching and star, for millions around the nation. Fans used to circle radios, watch on closed circuit television, and paid millions for a match, any match, on pay-per-view. While the revenue is still there fans have become increasingly critical of champions and their competition. Even here in Arkansas, fans of Little Rock-native Jermain Taylor were agitated about his most recent title defense against Corey Spinks.

Gone are larger than life athletes like Muhammed Ali, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Robinson or Leonard. We haven't seen fights like the "Rumble in the Jungle" or the "Thrilla in Manilla." In fact, I haven't seen any such bouts in my lifetime.

Enter the UFC in the early-90's to less than hospitable welcomes. When the UFC began it was a tournament-style event. Two fighters, no matter the fighting style, entered the octagon (the eight sided cage fighters compete in), and only one man would leave. That man, if he was able even after winning, would continue on in the tournament. It was all held in one night. What the UFC did accomplish was showing the dominance of Brazilian jui-jitsu with Royce Gracie taking the three of the first four titles. What UFC didn't do early on is get the support of many with the lack of rules. (Note: Early on, the only rules were basically no biting or eye gouging.)

Lawmakers, most notably Sen. John McCain, called the sport "human cockfighting." UFC ultimately went underground and was banned on television in several states. What ultimately saved the UFC was the change in format and the purchase by Zuffa Entertainment in 2001. Since then the UFC has began to work towards the "golden ages" of the sport under the moniker, mixed martial arts.

Now fighters are more well-rounded, they possess skills in boxing, or "striking," wrestling, martial arts, and submissions. UFC has champions in five weight classes: heavy weight, light heavy weight, middle weight, welter weight, and light heavy weight. Pay-per-view revenues in 2006 broke industry records amassing $222,766,000 for the year, more than the WWE and boxing.

Tonight, Saturday, May 26, what is expected to be the biggest event for the UFC to date will take place when light heavy weight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell looks to avenge the final of this three losses against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. MGM Grand is sold out for the event. ESPNews covered the weigh-in live Friday night, ESPN has featured the bout on Sportscenter and has even started it's own mixed martial arts page (the debut synced with Liddell-Jackson II).

The question remains, will you be watching? Has MMA moved beyond boxing as the combat sport of the future? For my money, UFC is penny-for-penny the best pay-per-view event on television.

NCAA Rules Committee approves moving back three point line

2007-05-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

Finally, the NCAA made a decision that looks to be a good move. Starting in the 2008-09 season the college three point line will be pushed back 12 inches. Now college shooters will have to sink the long ball from 20 foot, 9 inches away. The line for women's hoops will stay at 19 feet, 9 inches.

Players, like Alex Dillard from Arkansas past, will still be able to make the outside shot. Others, such as Darrell Robinson to keep with the former Hog thoughts, will think twice before lofting up the bucket.

Towards the end of the season you could see Michael Washington make a three ball, notably in the early going against Florida in the SEC. While the value of that shot decreases it will still cause problems for defenses. The lane won't get any wider, but there will be more area of the floor to cover in the "post." Big guys will have more room to operate on the floor, causing some better match ups, think of Amare Stoudemire for the Phoenix Suns. Some say zone defenses will make a comeback, slowing down the game. I'm not too worried about that problem.

The good is after an initial decrease in three-point percentage and an increase in poor shot selection everything will pan out. It will also make our college players better prepared to professional ball in any capacity, be it NBA or International, if they move on.

The move comes 20 years after the inception of the three point shot. Happy Anniversary, we're making it more of a skill shot again and not just for anyone on the court.

Looking back at the NFL Draft

2007-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

The first day of the NFL Draft is a holiday at my house; whenever possible I take the day off to watch every selection through the first two rounds. Sunday is more of a casual affair, I just stop by when it gets close to a Green Bay Packers pick, or just to check in during a commercial break of whatever baseball game has my attention (generally St. Louis).

I've had a few days to let the draft sink in, heard the pundits, and the critical comments by Joe Theisman on Brady Quinn. Here are my thoughts:

1. Theisman, you were a great player and a good commentator, but his comments on Quinn were a little ridiculous. First, I am not a big Quinn fan, however, it was still painful to watch his slide from "Top-5 to who wants me?" ala Aaron Rodgers two years ago. Theisman blasted Quinn for his appearance, gum chewing, and excitment upon the stage. If you want to read the exact quote here's a link : http://braves.aolsportsblog.com/2007/05/01/joe-theismann-bashes-brady-quinns-gum-tie/.
Theisman says Quinn should have kept his cool. Okay, but he was the only guy on camera losing about $1.5 million dollars every 15 minutes. If you do the math that was a free fall of around $17 mill! When Cleveland, the team he watched growing up by the way, finally moved back into the first round to select him, how was he supposed to act? I'd be excited to go any place at that point. Nothing mention means that Quinn will be a poor field general. I'm still not sold on him, but hey, I thought Ryan Leaf was a good pick for the Chargers all those years ago.

2. This is a sore spot for me personally. The Buffalo Bills stole the Green Bay Packers logical pick of Marshawn Lynch at the 12 spot. As a Packers' fan, I knew Adrian Peterson would be gone, so Lynch was my bright spot. Okay, time to regroup. Still thinking offense would be an early key in the draft, after all they need to supply help for Brett Favre, I was going for Robert Meachem to join the Green and Gold. Instead, DT Justin Harrell who played with Meachem at Tennessee got the call. My thought then moved to the fact there were still many quality receivers and we still need a running back, lets look at Round 2. RB Brandon Jackson from Nebraska. Got the RB, but he's not big enough to be a No. 1.
If I had the option, I'd have gone with Meachem in Rd 1, Quentin Moses from Georgia at DE in Rd 2, and Michael Bush from Louisville at RB in Rd 3 even with the injury from last season. But again, what do I know.

3. Did anyone see Ted Ginn, Jr. being taken by the Dolphins? And did anyone like this pick. I made mention during that pick that the Texans would take Ginn because, they are so bad a many positions maybe getting further down the field to start the offense would be a plus. Well, that pick is what threw the draft into the spiral, maybe even costing Green Bay Lynch.
At that point, I had Amobi Okoye to the 'Fins and Ginn to the Texans. That just lost my selection mojo for the day. I feel sorry for Cam Cameron who was booed for the pick. You know, I change my mind. I don't feel sorry for him. His only explaination to Dolphins fans was wait until you see him return punts. Great! I'm sure they are all excited to see their top pick fielding punts, while Chris Chambers is double teamed and Ronnie Brown is being squashed.

4. Finally, I think for the most part the Razorbacks selected were very fortunate. I've interviewed all of these guys and couldn't be happier. Jamaal Anderson is great guy, he and Chris Houston being able to move onto the NFL together will help out tremendously. Good luck to them in Atlanta.
Tony Ugoh got the deal of the century when the Colts moved up in the 2nd round to call his name. I think they quietly had one of the best drafts, also taking Anthony Gonzales in Rd. 1 (the perfect pick for them) and Michael Coe in Rd 5.
I was excited to find out Keith Jackson, Jr. was drafted. So what if it's the seventh round. He's a great guy, and that's a great accomplishment. Jackson always has a smile on his face and loves the game of football. I think he'll be a great contributor to the Rams. It's not always the size of a player, it's the size of his heart. Jackson is huge in that category.

Anyone else have any takes. I was going to wait a week to let it all sink in, but Theisman got me thinking. Let me know your take on the NFL Draft. Leave your comment here, or on the Sports Talkback on our website: http://www.kfsm.com/Global/link.asp?L=225219 .

Thanks.

2007-04-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

All eyes were on the NFL draft Saturday as several Arkansas Razorbacks were projected to be named during the first round of the draft.
The first Hog to be announced was Jamaal Anderson. The Atlanta Falcons selected Anderson as the No. 8 overall pick.
The Razorback was a First-Team All SEC selection collecting 65 tackles for Arkansas last season.
Anderson decided to forgo his senior season for the NFL and his choice landed him in the Top 10 during the draft.
He was in Little Rock awaiting the announcement surrounded by many excited family and friends.
"There's so many mixed emotions. I was confident enough when I came out to say I'm a first rounder. I never expected top 10 at first," said Anderson. "I'm just very blessed to be in this situation. It's something that I'm going to cherish for the rest of my life. I'm going to make the most of this opportunity."
Cornerback Chris Houston has to wait until the second round to hear his name but at least he will have one familiar face joining him. Houston was picked ninth in the second round by the Falcons. That was the same team that selected Anderson in round one.
Offensive linemen Tony Ugoh followed right behind Houston as the 10th pick in the second. Ugoh went to the defending Super Bowl champions, the Indianapolis Colts.
Keith Jackson and Sam Olajubutu are expected to be picked in the forth or fifth rounds on Sunday.

Lawsuit Supboenas

2007-04-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Will Houston Nutt be required to testify in a lawsuit against University of Arkansas President B. Alan Sugg and school Chancellor John White?

The attorney who filed that suit on behalf of a Montgomery County man said he intends to take depositions from Nutt and Teresa Prewett, a Little Rock woman who sent an obscene and highly critical email to former Razorback quarterback Mitch Mustian.

Eddie Christian, Jr., said his client wants to know the truth behind the sending of the email and whether or not Nutt had any part in it.

Prewett had described herself as a close friend of the Nutt family.

In his lawsuit John David Terry questions a decision by White to have Nutt investigated in the matter since he was friends with Prewett.

Some have called Terry a disgruntled fan who is out to discredit Nutt. His attorney said Terry is simply trying to find answers to some questions about the investigation that do not add up.

"John White wrote Miss Campbell, Mitch Mustain's mother, a letter saying that based upon his review he found that there was no post-personal relationship between Coach Nutt and Mrs. Prewett,” said Christian, Jr. “That's in direct contradiction to her own statements. So disgruntled fan? I don't see that. He’s a fan that wants to know the truth. I think that would be a more accurate depiction of Mr. Terry."

Christian went on to say that he has subpoenaed Nutt, Prewett and both parties computer harddrives. He will ask for a forensic examination of those harddrives.

Both Nutt and Prewett have made public statements about the matter. Mustain and his mother have not commented.

Launching a 5SPORTS blog.

2007-04-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings!!

Welcome to our new 5SPORTS blog. It's a place where we'll talk about sports, mostly Razorbacks, but really anything and any story that makes headlines in the world of sports. 5NEWS Sports Director Mike Irwin, 5NEWS Sports Reporter/Anchor Adria Goins, and 5NEWS Sports Producer/Photographer Gary Elsken are the contributing writers to this blog.

This is a chance for us to use technology to interact with sports fans on subjects that matter. We're allowing comments on the blog. Of course, we do ask you to keep it civil. We're not trying to bash anyone here. Just converations amongst sports fans.

Also, if you'd like to know more about a story or have any questions feel free to shoot us a line and we'll tell you as much as we know and answer your questions as best we can on the subject.

The Boston Bombers

2007-04-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bombers explode against bitter rivals.

The Boston Red Sox made an early-season statement over the weekend to their arch-rival New York Yankees in sweeping a three-game set with a 7-to-6 win Sunday night.

It's the first time the Yanks have been swept at Fenway Park since 1990. The Red Sox tied a major league mark by hitting four straight home runs. Manny Ramirez, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek all connected in the bottom of the third inning against New York
Yankees starter Chase Wright.

Lowell then connected on a three-run shot in the seventh as the Red Sox improved to 12-and-5 in the early going. The Yanks are 8-and-9.

Is this early proof that the Yankees are not as good as season's past? Or are the Red Sox just that lucky?

Thomas Arrested

2007-04-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hoop Hog Charles Thomas was arrested for 3rd degree Domestic Battery over the weekend.

According to Fayetteville Police an argument between Charles Thomas, starting forward for the Razorbacks, and his former girlfried resulted in Thomas' arrest Saturday.

Police said the 21-year-old was freed on a $1,000 bond from the Washington County jail at 5 o'clcok Saturday night.

Sgt. Dominic Swanfeld of the Fayetteville Police Department said the arrest was made after officers went to an apartment in southeast Fayetteville in response to a call from Sarah Thompson, 21.

Thompson in an ex-girlfriend of Thomas'. According to officers Thompson forced herself inside Thomas' apartment where she tried to retrieve some of her belongings.

Coach John Pelphrey, who was out of town on a recruiting trip, has not commented on the arrest. Thomas' court date is set for May 21st.