Joe Flacco QB, Baltimore Ravens [Rd 1, Pk 18]

Name: Joe Flacco

College: Delaware (Div. I-AA)

Height: 6-6

Weight: 235 Lbs.

2007 Stats: 4236 Yds, 23 TDs, 5 INTs, 144.9% QB Rating, 63.5% Completion Percentage, 4 Rush TDs

Joe Flacco has a cannon arm (he threw for 74 yards/222 feet in a throwing contest) is fleet of feet (4.86 40 Yard-Dash Time and won a scrambling contest with 15.86 seconds) and is a big dude. Flacco was the second QB taken in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Flacco ran the spread offense at Delaware and was successful doing it.

Ben Roethlisberger QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Rd 1, Pk 11, 2004)

Name: Ben Roethlisberger

College: Miami, OH (Div. I-AA)

Height: 6-5

Weight: 240 Lbs.

2007 Stats: 3154 Yds, 32 TDs 11 INTs, 104.1% QB Rating, 65.3% Completion Percentage, 3 Rush TDs

Big Ben is a refined version of Joe Flacco. He's big, he's got a big arm, he can run when he needs to, and, he came from a small school. You can't tell whether or not I'm talking about Joe Flacco or Ben Roethlisberger. Which just proves my point. If the Ravens coaching staff can refine Joe Flacco, then Flacco will be able to show off that arm of his in the pros.

Darren McFadden RB, Oakland Raiders (Rd 1, Pk 4)

Name: Darren McFadden

Age: 20

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210

2007 Stats (College): Rushing - 13 Games, 325 Attempts, 1830 Yds, 16 TDs, 5.6 AVG, 4 Fumbles

Receiving - 13 Games, 21 Receptions, 164 Yds, 7.8 AVG, 1 TD

Passing - 13 Games, 11 Attempts, 6 Completions, 124 Yds, 4 TDs, 0 INTs

Run D.M.C is a freak. He has good size (6-1, 210) and is sick fast (4.33 40-Yd Dash) and that's why he was the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft taken by the Raiders. He can do everything: Run, Catch, Return, and heck, he can even THROW. He put up amazing numbers at Arkansas, despite splitting carries with Felix Jones (even though it was 75-25 in his favor) He will also do so in Oakland by splitting carries with Justin Fargas.

LaDainian Tomlinson RB, San Diego Chargers (Rd 1, Pk 5, 2001)

Name: LaDainian Tomlinson

Age: 28

College: TCU

Height: 5-11

Weight: 220 Lbs.

2007 Stats: Rushing - 16 Games, 315 Attempts, 1474 Yds, 15 TDs, 4.7 AVG, 0 Fumbles

Receiving - 16 Games, 60 Receptions, 475 Yds, 3 TDs, 7.9 AVG

Passing - 16 Games, 1 Attempt, 1 Completion, 17 Yds, 1 TD, 0 INTs

L.T can do it all. He can run by you, he can juke you, he can run you over, he can catch, and he can throw. McFadden can do all of these too. Just not as well. If McFadden blossoms, he has a slight chance he could be the next LaDainan Tomlinson.

Hog Logoland

The Morning News newspaper of Springdale reports that Gary Crain, public information officer for the University of Arkansas Police Department, said Davis was stopped at an intersection when his scooter was bumped from behind by another motorist in a car.

“There was no real damage or no injury there, but Wendel got off his scooter and pounded the car to the extent that he injured his hand,” Crain said.

Crain said Davis caused dents to the car and broke its windshield.

Like this is actually a big deal. I break windshields with my bare hand all the time.

University police are investigating the incident.

Arkansas coach Bobby "Quitter" Petrino issued a statement released through the university that states he was aware of the incident, and would act appropriately once he had “all of the facts regarding the situation.”

Word out on the street say it was in fact Bobby Petrino's car... well his rented U-haul anyway. Apparently he was getting prepared to activate plan B which is actually plan A in case things do not go well at Arkansas.

Here's the link...

Crocs: Arkansas-Athens Style

Backup Linebacker Freddy Burton was arrested for DUI this morning. Former Hog Tyson Gay qualified for the US Olympic squad in the 100m. Arkansas Hired Northern Iowa's Chris Bucknam as the new Track and Field and Cross Country coach replacing legend John McDonnell. Sonny Weems was drafted by Chicago then traded to Denver. Steven Hill has signed a contract to play with Portland's summer league team.
John Pelphrey auctioned off a round of golf with himself, Bobby Petrino, and LPGAer and former ladyback Stacy Lewis. It went for $5,100. Speaking of Stacy Lewis, she finished tied for 3rd at her first LPGA event as a pro...the US Women's Open. Petrino's not a big talker. But The Hog Blogger knows what he's getting into with Bobby. The Razorbloggers have been counting down the best football games of '07 (with video)...my fav's South Carolina and LSU. AOL fanhouse has a story up about if College Football teams were comedians...Arkansas would be Larry the Cable Guy. Which lead me to two other such lists...Rappers-Kool Keith...and Simpsons Characters-Groundskeeper Willie.

Finally two stories unrelated to the Hogs...So Long to Deadspin's Will Leitch, I echo what the Expats wrote...and RIP to UGA VI.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that today is the last day on Nolan Richardson's Contract with the UA and it's also Chancellor John White's last day on the job.

I believe the new coach is much more willing to take that chance. Whether you like it or not, the fate of this team almost certainly lies on the shoulders of your fourth-year quarterback. Players who are good as freshmen and have unproven ability will rise or fall with the play of Dick. He will make the difference if they become great as players and a team. We will see this season if Dick can pick himself off the grass with turf in his helmet and if his teammates still believe in him to carry on the battle to hit back.

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Of all the guys to play at the University of Washington in my lifetime, Napoleon Kaufman ranks as my favorite.  When I wrote Husky Football in the Don James Era, I interviewed Napoleon twice.  He was gracious and giving of his time.  However, I couldn't ever really get him to open up with lavish detail and descriptions like I could with many other of the former Huskies. 

Anyway, Napoleon recently gave his thoughts about the newest Oakland Raider, Darren McFadden of Arkansas.  Some are comparing the two running backs because of McFadden's explosive running style.  Click here to read Napoleon's thoughts.

Usually at about this time during the summer, I provide my preseason prediction for Razorback football in a game-by-game scenario. But I am reluctant right now to do such a thing because I want to wait at least until the freshmen have participated in practice this August.

Why am I waiting? There is too much that is unknown. We still have to see if the power spread as envisioned by new coach Bobby Petrino will succeed in the SEC against those tough defenses. If it does not this season, my guess is that the previous coach and athletic director are going to gloat with a look of “I told you so.”

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Razorbloggers:Razorbits (the boys throwing to Felix). Felix gets his rookie card. Matt Jones on the hot seat and Brett Goode is out in JAX. John Pelphrey talked to reporters recently. He also is planning a tourney at BWA and likes Snoop Dogg. D-mac picked his jersey #. Here's a Petrino Q & A. If your in a barroom brawl pick a Hog for a wingman. Finally, the Sporting News is pulling for Casey Dick.

Fairchild had been suspended indefinitely since March 25, a day after he was arrested and charged with battery and false imprisonment. His status has been unchanged until today when Coach Bobby Petrino dismissed him from the team.

But now things seem to have quieted down on the Hill, and combined with the slow news period of summer in the Razorback kingdom, it’s time for me to spin the wheel of topics to find something to write about. Wally prefers to write about Keith Jackson, Coach Rip, and his pastor during these dead periods, but since I only have negative things to say about pastors and am not out to make friends by name dropping, I’ll take a subject at random thanks to the Wheel of Topics and see what I can do.

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The Hogs should never be ninth or worse in the SEC based on all that program has been given to work with. If Dave Van Horn rolls out another stinker of a season like this next year, I will be calling for his head just like I did for Houston Nutt after two losing seasons.

That last sentence leads to this column, which is about all the e-mail that I get.

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Ladyback Dacia Barr won the NCAA Mideast 1,500 meter Title. The Men Track Hogs ended up advancing nine athletes in eight events to the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa in June. The Mideast Regional was John McDonnell's last meet in Fayetteville as Head Track Hog. Former University of Arkansas golfer Stacy Lewis Lead the US to its sixth consecutive Curtis Cup victory over Great Britain and Ireland in St. Andrews, Scotland, Sunday. And Finally, thanks to the Expats, I ran into a page of SEC Limericks...very funny stuff.

Elsewhere...
Former Ladyback Stacy Lewis and her teammates paced the United States to a 4-2 lead after first day action of the 2008 Curtis Cup Match at St. Andrews, Scotland, Friday. The Ladyback Track teams' Christine Kalmer is headed to the NCAA Championships. Hog Javelin Thrower Luke Laird also qualified. Here's a wrap up of day one for the men at the Mideast Regional in Track and Field.

In Pro Ball...
D-Mac went to the hall of fame and is coming close to signing with the Raiders. A SF Chronicle reporter was in town to do a piece on Darren. WR Matt Jones continues to be a lighting rod for the Jags. Jason Peters has been missing voluntary workouts hoping for a new contract. DE Jamaal Anderson, who has a deaf father, has been spending time at Atlanta's school for the deaf. The Expats check in on Bear WR Marcus Monk.

Thursday Ark.-5 Miss. St.-6 , Friday Ark.-5 Miss. St.-6 , Saturday Ark.-15 Miss. St.-10.
Rivals has a photo journal of the final game. The Hogs are currently hosting Western Illinois at Baum. Whole Hog Sports is calling it a Must Win. The hogs look to bolster their chances to get into an NCAA Regional. Their RPI hasn't been updated but this link will update later tonight. Here's the University's Baseball Notebook from before tonight's game.

UPDATE: Diamond Hogs Beat Western Illinois...Ark.-12/W. Ill.-6.

Turning to other spring sports...
The Men Track Hogs won the SEC Outdoor Track & Field title this weekend, John McDonnell's last as head coach. The search for his replacement is going at a "steady" pace. Ladyback Tracksters finished third at the meet. The Ladyback Tennis Team finished the season ranked 17th this season after being eliminated in the Elite Eight. It was arguably the best season in school history. The Ladyback Softball team finished it's season with a loss in the NCAA Regionals to Oregon. Ladyback Miranda Dixon was named to the Louisville Slugger / National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I All-Region team. The Mens Golf Team Finished in 19th place at the NCAA Regional this weekend. The Ladyback Golfers start their Regional tomorrow.

Finally...
College Football News have their WAAAY early bowl predictions up (Hogs V. Nebraska in Indy Bowl). Razorback Hoopster Michael Sanchez has moved from the bench to a starting role for the Reach USA squad in China. The Expats dip into the SI archives to find a Hog football team in turmoil from 1988.

No date on the upcoming Razorback football schedule rings louder than October 25. The date, of course, is the return of Houston Nutt to the University of Arkansas campus for a game featuring his Ole Miss Rebels against his former team, the Razorbacks.

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Here's some sound from last week's Post Spring Press Conference with Bobby Petrino. The Razorbloggers talk about the High Expectations that the spring has brought. Frank Broyles will be inducted into the AD Hall of Fame. The second annual Paul Eells Stars N Strikes Celebrity Softball Game and Golf Outing is coming up and KATV is publishing more of Paul's Calls...Via Slophouse and Expats. and Freshman forward Michael Sanchez is headed to China with the Reach USA squad to play in exhibition games against Chinese Pros.

Hog Tyler Hill and Ladyback senior Dacia Barr have been named to the SEC Good Works Team. Alex and Andy McClary, Long Distance Track Hogs, are Profiled. The Ladybacks have another Basketball Signee. The Ladyback Softball team has been selected to the NCAA Tournament. The Ladyback Tennis team has made the Sweet Sixteen. The Ladyback Golfers have advanced out of their regional to the NCAA Championships. The Men's Golf team looks to do the same.

Finally one of my favorite sites, the one who's disappearance prompted me to start the Hawg Blawg, has reappeared. The Slop is now being hosted at ARSN online. I won't stop posting although they probably do a better job of what I aim to do. I just wanted to take a second to thank all of you for coming here and keeping me company. I really appreciate it. GO HOGS!

The Gainesville Sun's Robbie Andreu put out his preliminary projections for the SEC, and it got me thinking. I am not ready to put out my projections yet, mainly because there are too many good teams in the conference just to throw an order together right now. Projecting the SEC finish will take a lot of research.

I did end up looking at each school’s schedule, mainly focusing on the non-conference games. If you haven’t yet done that, you’ll be glad to know that the SEC schedules this year are less cupcake-y than past years.

For the record, I am fine with schools raiding the bakery for fundraiser games a couple times a year, but I do expect BCS schools to play at least one BCS opponent. I also think playing I-AA teams is inexcusable except for the very best I-AA teams, like Appalachian State, which are better than the Utah States and FIUs of I-A anyway.

Here’s a rundown of the SEC non-conference schedules, in alphabetical order:

ALABAMA

BCS Opponent: @ Clemson (Aug. 30)

Cupcakes: Tulane (Sept. 6), Western Kentucky (Sept. 13), Arkansas State (Nov. 1)

ARKANSAS

BCS Opponent: @ Texas (Sept. 13)

Respectable Non-BCS: Tulsa (Nov 1)

Cupcake: Louisiana-Monroe (Sept. 6)

I-AA: Western Illinois (Aug. 30)

AUBURN

BCS Opponent: @ West Virginia (Oct. 23)

Respectable Non-BCS: Southern Miss (Sept. 6)

Cupcake: Louisiana-Monroe (Aug. 30)

I-AA: Tennessee-Martin (Nov. 8 )

FLORIDA

BCS Opponents: Miami (Sept. 6), @ FSU (Nov. 29)

Respectable Non-BCS: Hawaii (Aug. 30)

I-AA: The Citadel (Nov. 22)

GEORGIA

BCS Opponents: @ Arizona State (Sept. 20), Georgia Tech (Nov. 29)

Respectable Non-BCS: Central Michigan (Sept. 6)

I-AA: Georgia Southern (Aug. 30)

KENTUCKY

BCS Opponent: Louisville (Aug. 31)

Cupcakes: Middle Tennessee (Sept. 13), Western Kentucky (Sept. 27)

I-AA: Norfolk State (Sept. 6)

LSU

Respectable Non-BCS: Troy (Sept. 6)

Respectable I-AA: Appalachian State (Aug. 30)

Cupcakes: North Texas (Sept. 13), Tulane (Nov. 1)

OLE MISS

BCS Opponent: @ Wake Forest (Sept. 6)

Cupcakes: Memphis (Aug. 30), Louisiana-Monroe (Nov. 15)

I-AA: Samford (Sept. 13)

MISSISSIPPI STATE

BCS Opponent: @ Georgia Tech (Sept. 20)

Cupcakes: Louisiana Tech (Aug. 30), Middle Tennessee (Oct. 25)

I-AA: Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 6)

SOUTH CAROLINA

BCS Opponents: NC State (Aug. 28), @ Clemson (Nov. 29)

Cupcake: UAB (Sept. 27)

I-AA: Wofford (Sept. 20)

TENNESSEE

BCS Opponent: @ UCLA (Sept. 1)

Cupcakes: UAB (Sept. 13), Northern Illinois (Oct. 4), Wyoming (Nov. 8 )

VANDERBILT

BCS Opponents: Duke (Oct. 25), @ Wake Forest (Nov. 29)

Cupcakes: Miami University (Aug. 28), Rice (Sept. 13)

* * *

Only LSU doesn't have a BCS opponent. Alabama, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt do not have I-AA opponents. LSU should not lose anything for playing Appalachian State, though, especially because Mountaineer fans have already begun predicting a victory on Charlotte sports talk radio.

LSU's slate is the only one I'd call "shameful" in the bunch, though I am not happy about all of the non-App State I-AA teams you see listed. However, until the NCAA reverses the rule and stops allowing wins over I-AA teams to count towards bowl eligibility, those games are sadly inevitable.

Sonny Weems and Stacy Lewis were among the athletes honored at the UA's Senior Banquet. Arkansas Lady Razorback Katie Stripling set a school record in the pole vault at Friday night's Arkansas Twilight at John McDonnell Field with a height of 14-2. Stripling and Dacia Barr were name SEC Athlete of the Week Tuesday. Starkitsha Luellen has become the eighth signee of the Lady Backs 08 basketball recruiting class. And finally, the Men's Golf team is headed to the NCAA Central Regional while the Lady Backs are headed to the NCAA West Regional.

4/30 UA-14 Missouri St.-6

5/2 Alabama-11 Arkansas-7

5/3 Alabama-11 Arkansas-6

5/4 Arkansas-5 Alabama-4

And finally, former Hogs Jess Todd and Casey Rowlett, and their Springfield Cardinals, will swing thru both of Arkansas' minor league teams in the coming weeks. Todd will face the NWA Naturals 0n 5/7 and will possibly start against the Ark. Travelers during a 4 game set at Dickey-Stephens 5/12-5/15.

Spring football practice for the Arkansas Razorbacks is over and many pundits are already giving their preseason predictions mostly because they have nothing else to talk about. I will wait a little longer before going out on that limb because the results of spring practice offered no certainties for the success of next season.

So in the down time, I will jump on one of my favorite subjects since it’s been a few months since I have written about it. The subject of course is: Great Stadium Debate for 200, Alex.

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