J.R. and Henry: It’s Really a Six-Game Season

You have been reading the newspapers, message boards and listening to talk radio just like us. The Razorbacks are wrapping up spring practice. The number one thing we have ascertained thus far – thank goodness it’s only spring practice.

The only good news from the Hill is that Michael Grant will be our starting safety. Yee-haw! Casey Dick hasn’t solidified himself as the No. 1 alternative to Mitch Mustain, how, we have no idea (while we’re pleased that Robert Johnson has shown improvement, we’re very concerned that Dick has apparently regressed since the end of last season). Darren McFadden and Felix Jones look great, but it turns out that our linemen can’t figure out how to block under Malzahn’s schemes.

We won’t panic just yet. After all, they have the entire summer to spend in the weight room and the film room studying schemes and learning the plays (we disagree with Clay Henry of Hawgs Illustrated that it’s all about the quarterback. Great quarterbacks have become mediocre with poor offensive lines). Nevertheless, we hope Mike Markuson does something – anything – for this team other than scream in running plays. The offensive line is his responsibility and Malzahn is his offensive coordinator. Step it up, Mike, and teach these players how to block.