This was a fun piece to write, over at Saturday Down South I explain some of the details and philosophy of the 3-4 quarters defense that Paul Rhoads is installing at Arkansas.
One thing that’s funny about this is that Rhoads is the DB coach for Arkansas and things aren’t going to change much for the DBs with this switch. The real changes will be for the DL and LBs, who have different position coaches.
Either way though, while I think this philosophy is a good fit for Arkansas in attempting to compete in the SEC because it allows them to avoid recruiting battles for star DEs and pick out different prospects then more resourceful regional powers…I’m not sure it will work in year one. Surely Bielema has a little more breathing room than that though, right?
Another issue with Arkansas is that they are losing their top two receivers from an offense that threw the ball well last year and had to do so in order to be competitive. How will they be on offense this year? Overall I’ve never thought that Bielema’s assumption that he could replicate the Wisconsin plan in Fayetteville was a firm one.
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Later today I’ll reveal my national championship pick, if I haven’t already. At least, I’ll link an article explaining my pick.
I’ll be in Vegas next weekend. Am I wrong for loving TCU to go on the road and win that one? Seems like TCU will run tempo and that will be tough on the Hogs new defense. Plus TCU has a solid defense.
I’d save the money for buying some beer and meat to grill while enjoying the game. Vegas is a trap.