January 16, 2007
Mass exodus alert issued at Akransas - UPDATED
01-15-2007 11:20 A
I could be completetly off-base, but I think you're about to witness a massive talent drain at Arkansas.
After one season with the Razorbacks, OC Guz Malzahn is leaving to join the staff as OC at Tulsa. He'll get a three year deal with the Golden Hurricane for roughly the same money he was making at Arkansas. Malzahn came to Arkansas from Springdale High School were he turned Mitch Mustain into the top high school QB in his wide-open, no huddle offense. Malzahn brought several of his stars with him.
So why leave? Malzahn never got to implement his offense, despite promises from Coach Nutt to Malzahn and the recruits he brought to UA.
During the offseason, Razorbacks Head Coach Houston Nutt had to meet with Springdale High School parents who questioned why Nutt had gone back on his recruiting promise to let Malzahn open up the offense at Arkansas. After that meeting, former Springdale star WR Damian Williams announced that he would transfer to Southern Cal. Mustain's mother put out a statement publicly questioning the team's direction and decision not to implement the spread attack.
Now the coach that brought his stars to Arkansas is gone, his offense never implemented. The only question is: Who's going with him?
Mustain's mother, Beck Campbell, said Monday that she's not sure what her son will do."This breaks my heart," Campbell said. "We're going to have to sit down and talk about it. Classes start tomorrow and I don't know what he'll do."
Campbell said her son will not necessarily follow Malzahn to Tulsa, if he opts to transfer.
"He and Gus are not tied at the hip," Campbell said. "But he knows what he's capable of and what his vision for offensive football at Arkansas was. Now you'll have to wonder if that will go by the wayside."
Will there be a mass exodus from Arkansas to Tulsa? Could be, since Tulsa is just an hour and a half from Springdale, Arkansas. Malzahn will have full control of the Tulsa offense and Mustain could make mincemeat of some Conference USA defenses - vaulting him from an average SEC playcaller into a Day One NFL pick.
UPDATE
1-16-2007 6:04 P
As we speculated yesterday, big changes are coming at Arkansas. Star QB Mitch Mustain has been granted a release from his scholarship from Arkansas. (Hat Tip: TenTex)
"Naturally, I don't want him to go. I want him to stay here, but also we want the ones who really want to be here. So, I've given him his release, and now let's just see," Nutt said. "I hope he stays here. He's 8-and-0 as a starter. I think he did a wonderful job. Very few freshmen can do some of the things that he's done. He was put in a very difficult situation, and I'm very proud of him. He has to make the call. He has to feel good about it. He has to want to be here, and we have to see what happens."I haven't put any boundaries, he wanted a release, I granted a release. Has he told me for sure he's transferring, no."
KFSM is reporting that Mustain has moved out of the athletic dorms and will definitely transfer. While no plans have been announced just yet, Mustain will have his pick of future schools - with the obvious choice being a reunion with Guz Malzahn at Tulsa.
I'm also seeing reports - completely unconfirmed so far - that as many as four other players may be leaving Arkansas. Houston Nutt is saying that he will give a release to anyone that wants to leave the Razorbacks.
"I've told all the players if they want their release, we'll grant their release," Nutt said. "I just want guys that want to be here, and hopefully he'll be here, but I don't know for sure. Anybody who's requested a release, I've granted their release."
Comments:
Mike said:
posted on January 15, 2007 12:39 PM — 69.154.122.169 — link — abuse?
Nutt is a complete moron. It is a complete shame that the lack of integrity in the Broyles Complex would make Gus bolt for a lateral job for a team in a lesser conference. I am offically through with Arkansas football until Frank and Nutt are shown the door. I no longer will accept the lies. It's a shame...a complete shame.
Charleston Gamecock said:
posted on January 15, 2007 1:02 PM — 64.90.18.34 — link — abuse?
Look at what happened to the University of Houston, Conf USA champs, this year. Their QB & his high school coach went through 4 years of high school & he was hired as HC of U of Houston & the QB followed him. I think his name is Kevin Kolb. 8 years under the same coach and he turned out to be very good QB. Check him out.
Devastated Hog Fan said:
posted on January 15, 2007 1:24 PM — 152.163.100.196 — link — abuse?
I cannot believe that Broyles is letting this happen. What are they thinking? It says a lot that Malzahn would leave Arkansas (SEC) where he and he alone was the offensive cordinator, to go to Tulsa (???) where he would be co-cordinator. He must have really been wanting out. I just pray that the Razorbacks don't go back to the Huston Nutt Prevent Offense.
glorybee said:
posted on January 15, 2007 2:00 PM — 69.29.4.106 — link — abuse?
I can't tell you how sad and upset I am about
Malzahn's decision. I guess it's back to the old "run 4 times and punt" offence of Nutt's. Let's face it Nutt can't coach!!! Certainly not much to look forward to for next season!!!Mikey said:
posted on January 15, 2007 2:42 PM — 72.204.12.33 — link — abuse?
I have supported Arkansas football since I moved here 6 years ago. I am finished so long as Nutt is coach. I give him his due when he deserves it, but for the most part he is a mediocre coach at best. After all of the time he has had with this program, it is still a very mediocre program. The fact that Gus would jump at this time for Tulsa (no disrespect) really says something about Nutt's management and the future of the program under Nutt. Until, I will be fishing in the fall and waiting for baseball season. Actually, fans need to make it clear that we will not accept the current state of things in either football or basketball.
TrojanHorse said:
posted on January 15, 2007 3:03 PM — 132.228.195.206 — link — abuse?
I have to think that Nutt has Frank Broyles by the (insert term here) for this to go on like it has. Simply amazing, we are quite happy at SC to have Damian williams, I'd also love to see Ben Cleveland the Big TE join the trojans.
Arkansas is a mess right now; man, can McFadden go pro, that place is falling apart
Woo Pig Sooie
Jarred said:
posted on January 15, 2007 5:19 PM — 12.178.138.65 — link — abuse?
And so many people wondered why we wanted him gone even after a 10 win season. I knew the firs offensive series in the first game of the year against USC this WOULDN'T work. They pay Reggie Herring $330,000, he has done great. We had pretty good defenses under Thompson and Wommack, but can't can't seem to figure out the rest of it. It's been this way since Stoerner left. Broyle's has done a great job overall and Nutt is great recruiter, but they just can't get it to work and everybody knows it. Good luck to Malzahn, I don't blame him a bit.
Caleb said:
posted on January 15, 2007 6:08 PM — 70.178.66.191 — link — abuse?
I just wonder if we are really trying for excellence in our Football program. This is the second nationally acclaimed coach who lives in NWArkansas who we have let go someplace else in order to keep Nutt. He may be a great recruiter and cheerleader but is he really worth it.
TrojanHorse said:
posted on January 15, 2007 6:48 PM — 132.228.195.207 — link — abuse?
after reading some of the Arkansas boards, I'm simply stunned at whats transpired over there. Not being from that area, not following the hogs except for the past 2 SC games I have one question? make that two
why does Broyles love Nutt so much?
would those springdale boys have come to Arky without malzahn? my initial reaction is no wayVOLPIMP said:
posted on January 15, 2007 8:34 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
If Herring bolts as well send him to Knoxville, please! If this is all true, which the actions on the field lean toward, then Nutt is about to kill a team that had unlimited potential. All people want is honesty, if the system was a few years away he should have told them that. Hate to see this blow up like it seems to be.
posted on January 15, 2007 9:26 PM — 70.180.38.96 — link — abuse?TigerEducated said:
I am hearing rumblings that Mustain might be Baton Rouge bound...
That's something I won't stake my reputation on, but if it comes true...you all heard it here on Fanblogs first...
wildcat95 said:
posted on January 15, 2007 9:59 PM — 69.136.30.138 — link — abuse?
Nutt has taken his team to 2 SEC Championship games in 6 years. During those 6 years the SEC has produced 2 Nat'l Champions and the undeafeated 2004 Auburn Tigers. And Arky fan wants to run him out of town . . . sorry folks, Jimmy Johnson doesn't want the job--so you're stuck with your coach who wins a lot.
ken said:
posted on January 16, 2007 10:26 AM — 64.91.65.87 — link — abuse?
Frank and Houston are 80% run,Gus was 80% pass so it goes to reason it was not going to work.If [and I hope we do!]we hire another offensive coordinator,maybe he should be more like 60% pass and then he and Houston could find some sort of compromise because obviously Frank is not going to let Houston go anywhere!
arkyingeorgia said:
posted on January 16, 2007 4:16 PM — 66.21.21.130 — link — abuse?
here's the deal.....nutt had to have the springdale players....had he not been able to sign them he would never be forgiven...he did whatever it tood (hired their coach and joined their church) what a disaster....when a relationship is based on dishonesty it will implode....as it has....the only problem is that had he been honest and not signed these kids he would probably not be the coach today...what a system and all the best to Coach Malzahn...i watched him at Shiloh while my daughter was a student there and at SHS...my old school...there is not a better man in the college ranks.
baseball17 said:
posted on January 16, 2007 5:05 PM — 70.182.166.151 — link — abuse?
What a kick in the face to Gus--Nutt tells him his job will be even more diminished next year because David Lee is being hired to help with the offense--what a confidence builder--oh, by the way, how did the contract extension subject get overlooked? Time for a change at Fayettville U
TenTex said:
posted on January 16, 2007 6:03 PM — 69.245.10.78 — link — abuse?
Mitch Mustain is leaving Hogs. Here's the breaking news link:
http://www.kfsm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5946767
I repeat, has Houston Nutt lost his team??
volstrike3 said:
posted on January 16, 2007 6:24 PM — 216.103.178.34 — link — abuse?
"Welcome to Auburn University, Lee Ziemba. He'd be crazy to go to Arkansas now. That place is in complete turmoil."
Your right. Any recruit would be crazy to sign with Ark right now but things will get fixed eventually. A recruit would have been crazy to sign with Bama two months ago but they are looking OK now.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 16, 2007 8:36 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
I think Nutt is getting a raw deal. What are you supposed to do when you have McFadden and Jones - throw the ball? I think he brought the recruits in with the full intention of working the passing game into the system. Any coach would love to have both. But, the strength of the Razorbacks was that running game. That's what you go with until McFadden goes pro - after next year. Mustain could have taken a redhirt and had three years to light up the sky after McFadden had moved on. These players had no loyalty to their school and just could not wait their turn. I'm not too thrilled about USC taking on Damien Williams either. We already have a ton of five-star recievers. This guys not ever gonna play and end up quitting anyway. If this guy was unhappy that he wasn't getting the rock in Arkansas - wait till he finds out that he's gonna be buried about 7th on the depth chart at USC. That's gonna be a laugh - but I don't understand wasting a scholarship on this guy. Houston Nutt did as well as possible this year. Other than the USC loss, Arkansas played very well, and was in every other game against some really good teams. It would not have been like that had he allowed a freshman QB to go out there and start gunslingin' it all over the place. The INT's would have been enormous. Those guys can just all go somewhere else and cry. I don't think that any freshman QB should ever be on the field. If there is - something is wrong with the program.
Tommie T
Distant Hog said:
posted on January 16, 2007 8:57 PM — 68.50.58.28 — link — abuse?
1. Let "Gus" prove himself before we annoint him King (re: King of Conference USA is ..what... like finishing fifth in the SEC East?)
2. repeat number 1 re: Mr Mustain
3. repeat number 2 re: Alabama and Saban. P.s. this is a boon for the SEC West - as Saban will split apart the recruiting bevy aligned to LSU!
4. If things don't go well elsewhere, can we expect Mitch's mom to visit the AD?
5. Let's be honest - Arkansas cannot recruit the level of players it takes to win. Why? Just like Real Estate: Location, Location, Location. 10 wins a year? Yes. A national championship - not in this era of College Football recruiting. Go Hogs - but it is what it is.
6. Last - Lee Z: Be your own man and think through your future. If you think Fayetteville is slow on a wednesday night - wait till you try and find an open 'in-door' diner in southeastern Alabama!
Tommie's Master said:
posted on January 17, 2007 3:12 AM — 207.172.105.82 — link — abuse?
Tommie Trojain said (another thread):
I'm sorry if you don't agree with me - but I can't find a single use for any of these people [Muslims] being in our country. ... If I had it my way there would be no way that that would ever even be a possibly. You know why? Because none of them would be here and they all would have been deported by now. Too bad!--------------------------------------------------
Comments were turned off in the other thread but I felt this was important enough to say anyway. Since you have no life and post here quite a bit, why don't you sit back and chomp on this.There's a good chance I pay more in taxes (in the six figuress) in a year than your annual salary, and that's being generous and saying you earn >$100,000. The average income in this country is probably something like $35k. So in case you didn't catch on, that's how I "put myself to use" and contribute to this country. I'm posting because I'm American, of Asian descent, and also a Muslim.
You can try to post something witty but I don't want you to exhaust that brain. I'm done here. I'll remember to restrict myself to just the articles next time, not the comments.
rebel1222 said:
posted on January 17, 2007 6:10 AM — 68.19.1.36 — link — abuse?
I agree with Tommie Trojan. Nutt would have been a Nutt not to run the football with McFaddan and Jones in the back field. I do think Nutt is a clown. He should have handled ther freshmen and their high school coach a little better. He was desperate to get the states top recruits, that's why he hires their high school coach in the first place. He should have been firmer in the begining, by letting them know that they were a run first team. His poor coaching and waffling on who thet starting AB was going to be cost them the bowl game against Wisconsin.
The hogs will be better off without Mustain and his whining momma. This all will just make it easier on Alabama to begin their domination of the SEC west a littler sooner.
Bammernhell said:
posted on January 17, 2007 12:52 PM — 204.124.196.29 — link — abuse?
Say what you will about BAMA but if a head coach does nto walk the line here they will get rid of him. Good luck to you guys, I always like the Hogs and I hate to see you guys going through this kind of stuff. As a rabid BAMA fan I feel your pain. It is tough on die hard fans that love their program to deal with all the off the feild crap when the on the feild SEC play is already the toughest in the nation. Good luck to all your true fans.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 17, 2007 2:21 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Tommie's Beeatch:
I'm not impressed with your money. You probably send lots of American dollars to our enemies. That's exactly why I would deport you. I wouldn't want one of you mindless idiots sending one American dollar somewhere where it was gonna get one more innocent civilian or soldier killed. Go get your head examined. If you can't understand how I feel about it - leave America. I'll never be a Muslim and neither will anyone of my lineage - or they'll be disowned.
Tommie T
Solly Fan said:
posted on January 17, 2007 2:40 PM — 75.109.234.162 — link — abuse?
Nutt is lost, he does not know what to do.
Broyles buys game, like paying SE Missouri 350,000 to come down and lose, and then a small school in La. 500,000 for the same thing! Would that half million helped some kids go to school?
How much of McFaddens yardage came from eh SEMO game?
Nut is WORSE than lost, he is lost and does not know it. Come on Frank, it's time to pick nut up and take him with you somewhere.
Distant Hog said:
posted on January 17, 2007 6:50 PM — 68.50.58.28 — link — abuse?
Solly Fan? Since you asked - McFadden had 71 yards against SEMO - and 191 (Tenn), 183 (LSU) and 148 (Auburn). And .. since you mentioned it - before the 'small school in LA' played Ark, they visited Alabama. LSU hosted another 'small school in LA' (LA-Lafayette), Florida had a barn burner against West Carolina, Florida State had their annual barbeque against Troy State and poor Michigan had that tough Saturday against Ball St. Don't small schools deserve the opportunity to compete against the larger schools - but you want to use that as an indictment against a particular program? The list of 1-A schools that played schools in lower divisions and lower level conferences is too long to list here. You apparently dislike Ark (or Frank B or Houston Nutt) and that's okay - but maybe you can just say that instead of offering inaccurate evidence to make illogical parallels. Criticize? Okay. Mislead? So easy a caveman could do it.
TSTFLY said:
posted on January 17, 2007 11:04 PM — 146.53.3.4 — link — abuse?
Nutt must go. That being said, Mustain and his family blackmailed the UA into hiring Malzahn and this past season showed how well anyone likes being blackmailed. What did they expect the reception to be. If I were a player or a coach I'd be looking elsewhere. I hope everyone enjoyed the winning season, it may be our last for some time to come.
Ticked off Hog said:
posted on January 18, 2007 9:56 AM — 71.164.166.210 — link — abuse?
Nutt lost this team 3 years ago! Now it appears he has lost the most loyal of his fan base. Sure, the Fayetteville wine & cheese crowd will still show up to games. But, the rabid, loud and knowledgable fans will be going elsewhere.
Perfect timing Nutty, just before Texas is back on the schedule.
Houston Nutt, citizen of Moroncia. Formally known as Morons!OU-Ron said:
posted on January 18, 2007 11:16 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?
Our newspaper reports (Mustain to visit OU today)
I have been a Sooner fan for a long time and generally would like to see a QB of Mustains caliber come to OU, however in this case, I think he should look at other schools.Bob Stoops would not put up with parents calling for a press conference or dictating how his offense will be run.
posted on January 18, 2007 3:22 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
Distant Hog: Good gut-check post (#29) I hate to see it for the Hogs. Just when Nutt looked like he played himself back into a job, all this happens. Could it be a result of the controversy in getting Malzahn to Fayetteville in the first place? I have no idea. I'd defer to the opinion of someone more in tune to the program like yourself. That being said, we'd certainly welcome OL Lee Ziemba down to the Plains. Seems we need to restock the front five something fierce!
And what about McFadden? If he were to declare, the program might unravel. Who could blame him though? You gotta figure he'll be the front-runner for the Heisman if he stays.
Tommie: atta-boy!! (#35)
clemson1981 said:
posted on January 18, 2007 4:00 PM — 74.242.87.164 — link — abuse?
well what a blow to nutt, isnt andy dick out of there or he staying? even if he is i think ARK would be better with no QB, well now the offense goes to mcfadden, and Nutt well hes probly out of there in two years, i thought he was a good coach, but good coaches hang on to there players, and OU-Ron, i agree, i think mustain would be a great fit in OU just you have to wait a year if he leaves, so that would be one problem but its ok.
Distant Hog said:
posted on January 18, 2007 8:01 PM — 68.50.58.28 — link — abuse?
I think I missed something. So Mustain left. What's the point? When was the last time ARK had anything resembling a true QB to start with? Matt Jones? No - just a great athlete! Clint S? As close as we've had in recent memory but still not a top pick QB. My point is - ARK can't recruit the cream of the QB crop over sunny CA, ratings enpowered FL or the just plain fun to hate Irish. That ARK Football leadership is true to its roots and is realistic in its expectations is certainly better than the coaching merry-go-round that leaves other programs in a do-loop. So we have to build the foundation where the ground is firm - running backs and an O-Line. That means ... (I'm sorry but its true) ... we are what we are - we rise and fall with a running game - and Nutt's coaching skills and preferences are best suited for that game. So - you enjoy the highlights when they come - recognize and accept the limits of a program - and most of all - get on .. or get off the bandwagon. There's no plan to move the UA out of the hills of NW Arkansas and there's not a coach on the planet that can get Tim Tebow or Clausen (ND) or the next generation Manning to play in those hills.
My advice fellow Hog fans? Let's go back to dancing with what brung ya and enjoy the music while it plays. For now, the music plays on in Arkansas - next season will happen - and for true Hogs Fans? We do what we do EVERY fall - we cross our fingers and hope for the best. Cause, unless I missed something, we weren't great before Malzahn/Mustin, we weren't great with them and we won't be great after them. Not great... but uniquely ours.
bill s alaska said:
posted on January 18, 2007 11:19 PM — 24.237.66.134 — link — abuse?
since when does a freshman have a right to complain. You have to have direction before you can run. What has happened to being a team player? So these guys think theyre that good? Why dont they enter the draft then.All of those players leaving should quit whining, apologize to Nutt including Mahfouz and get back to ARKANSAS. Sorry, BOYS, LITTLE LEAGUE IS OVER! GO HOGS GO> GO HOGS GO
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on January 24, 2007 8:15 PM — 64.32.153.19 — link — abuse?
Distant Hog:
Great post on #47. Great fan too. The Hogs will be fine. They have been building that running game for some time. And, your right, they haven't had a great QB in a long time. So what! They can still pound the rock with those BIG HOGS up front. They had a real good year last year. I expect for them to be a better team in 2007. I thought Casey Dick was the best QB they had. They'll be fine. So, they lose two highly rated recruits. We here at USC lose several each year, either to early entry, or to transfers. This year five-star DE Jeff Swiegart is transfering. Five-star DB Antwine Perez has transfered. A couple years back QB Rocky Hinds transfered. So what! Every player is a good player. It doesn't really hurt to lose a few guys. Your always gonna. If they transfer - then they weren't good enough to play for your team anyway. That is the bottom line. Fact is: there had to be other factors involved for Nutt to have sat Mustain down in favor of Dick. My guess is that Dick was playing better during practices - by far. I'm sure that Dick flat out beat him out and that was what all the cryin' was about. I look for Dick to come out and probably throw the rock a little more than Arkansas has been used to next year. Good luck!
Tommie T
KP Harrison Ark said:
posted on January 27, 2007 9:12 AM — 70.178.224.91 — link — abuse?
For those of you, not from Arkansas, understand this. There may be blame on both sides of this issue, but there's only lies on one side. Mitch and Damien might be a little impatient, I don't know, but I've never heard them lie about what's gone on. HOUSTON LIED, PERIOD! And it's one of the worst kinds of lies, too, because Gus quit a great job, and completely changed his life for this, and the kids made life-altering decisions, ALL BASED ON HOUSTON'S LIE!!! Broyles and Nutt need to be run out of town! I won't support anything having to do with the razorbacks until those two are gone.
KP Harrison Ark said:
posted on January 27, 2007 9:16 AM — 70.178.224.91 — link — abuse?
Oh, and Arkansas won 10 games IN SPITE OF NUTT, not because of him. Next year will prove it all.
The Hogs had enough talent to win 12 games, if they'd had a better coach. And the games they won would've had more lopsided scores. But you diehards just keep believing in the Nutt. See where it gets you.Distant Hog said:
posted on January 27, 2007 11:01 PM — 68.50.58.28 — link — abuse?
KP Harrison Ark - a shout out to my fellow Harrison-ite (Goblin Grad '73). Now, about that suggestion that you 'won't support anything having to do with the razorbacks'.... come on now. Easy on the theatrics. I say the same thing -it seems, every week when the B-ball Hogs lose to SC or Miss. But then comes the next game. And there I am... with eyes glued to the internet for the next score update. You disagree with the program's direction? Okay. But please, you, like me, will be first in line to call them Hogs next Sept. Come on now... take a deep breath ... and reread the box score from today's Alabama-Hogs B-ball game. It's sure to make you smile. If only till the next game!
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OU-Ron said:
posted on January 15, 2007 12:21 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?Sometimes you feel like a NUTT, sometimes you!!!!
well anyway I bet Houston may be getting that feeling.