BRINGIN' THE HATE FOR OLE MISS

I miss the old Southwest conference rivalries, but I was happy when we changed – mostly because of Texas.  I hate the Horns, always have and always will, but the obsession with that one solitary game and team each year was not healthy for Hog fans.  Only one game was even on the schedule for some, and now it's happening again.  Surprisingly, in a year we play the hated Horns, THAT team is to the east.   

Everyone had been forced ad nauseum to hear the many tales of Houston Nutt's sins against the Razorback team, the recruits, the program and all humanity in general until even those in support of the coach were ready for a change to be made.  The TV sportscasters and newspaper guys went on and on about how charged up the entire state was about Bobby Petrino's employment as the head coach and the fantastic wide open balanced offense to follow.  Instead, ticket sales were not much different than the last several years, and the Razorback Radio Network couldn't even sell all of the statewide sponsorships. 

Now, the same media guys want to regale again all of the past, as each of their stories this week point out how the returning ex-coach is enemy number one.  "Houston Nutt brings his Rebels to Fayetteville Saturday, and Bobby Petrino and his team is fired up about it!"  But then the coaches and players have a different take.  The players respect the man - all but one of them committed to come hear and play for him.  Anyone who thinks they won't try with their all to win this game for their team is either deluded or stupid.  What does the head coach say?  "I have absolutely nothing against Houston Nutt. He did a great job here. He was here for 10 years - very, very, very well-respected coach. We're competing against him this week, so we want to beat him."  Doesn't quite match the venom some are craving. 

For 10 months, we've heard that the reaction when the coach comes out will be like nothing ever witnessed, but I don't believe the opposing coach is ever introduced.  Don't we always generally boo the opponents, especially those from the SEC?  And some Hog fans don't share the hateful attitude that some want to believe unites us all.  After being embarrassed by the way the Nutt children were treated at school events, the shame of the national spotlight on the 2-dozen man marches, lawsuits, banners and such – there are some lifelong Razorback fans that wish for a loss because it would serve those right.  OOOOooooo!!! That just makes the black shirts want to scream even louder!  But, after the boos, cheers and indifference rain on the visitors and the ball is kicked off, the coaches and teams say it will just be like any other game...

Most Razorback fans just want to know who'll win.  Both squads are 3 and 4.  Arkansas did some things right against Alabama but were on the wrong end of a 49 to 14 score.  Ole Miss nearly beat them last week.  The Hogs played well for a half hosting Florida, but the Rebels finished the job – winning at the Swamp.  Even without a huge question mark beside Michael Smith's roster spot, it doesn't look good for the pitchfork and torches few. 

It will be great, though, to have all those who are filled with so much hate aiming at the enemy for a change.