Guys I realize we are in mid stream with the season. And anyone who knows anything about football knows that Arkansas is still in a re-building transitional period. These fools that are predicting 10 and 11 wins are on crack and never had a grasp on reality. Personally 8 or 9 wins were a very lofty goal this year.
I felt going into the season that with the defense we had in place that the Razorbacks were a 6 win team, 7 at best. I really thought we had a chance to be competitive this year. A chance to gain respect from our SEC competitors.
But it's now come time to call a spade a spade. The SEC is traditionally known for it's defense winning championships. And Willy Robinson isn't going to he that coordinator that will take us to a Western Division title.
Offensively in two years, if Mallett remains at Arkansas and injury free, the Hog look very very good on paper. Good enough to take the west and contend for a SEC Championship.
So to go with a potent offense, we need a defensive coordinator that can deliver us to the level where championships are won. And IMO the number one choice and the perfect guy to bring a hard hitting style to Arkansas would be Bud Foster, current Defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech and past Broyles Award Winner. He and Petrino could make some great things happen with Arkansas Football. And the guy would look good in Razorback Red patrolling the sidelines.
So Coach Foster, it's time to showcase your talents in Amercia's best conference of football. Quit hiding it in the third world conference of the ACC. It's time to step up and play with the big boys.

I agree. Willy cannot get it done.

outsiders POV

first off i don't think you can score a DC from VT......lateral move, don't make sense for him

secondly Ive seen huge growth in your Defense and you guys certainly bowed up on run D agin the Tide so I see it happening...........my opinion is you have to give the guy another year

Why does our defense have to get better throughout the year each and every year? It's the same dang players we had last year. Maybe he oughta get it right the first time.

I'm torn on this one. On one hand, he's had these players for almost two years now, so we should see results sooner. On the other, our defense is composed of mostly sophomores, and the past three weeks he has had them playing at a solid level. Save a blown coverage here and there (see the 77 yard td pass against florida), missed assignment by the safety, Robinson had the defense in position to make plays all day against the Gators.
If they chose to make a move after the season, I'd be fine with it. If they keep him on, I probably won't mind that either. What I really want to see is more emphasis on defensive recruiting.

The defense has gotten better, at least the defensive front and linebackers, but they are still giving up close to 400 yards/game. I'm not buying the masses around here saying Willy Robinson is now the man. He is good at defensing the spread. That's about it.

I'd agree with that.

I think you may be onto something. While it's pretty obvious the defense has improved in recent weeks, maybe there's just a ceiling for the current players. After giving up a ton of points and yards the first couple weeks, they've done much better the last 3. But, at some point, maybe the talent level and/or depth is just tapped out.

You have to consider the depth, as that's always a vital aspect of any defense. Having a great starting lineup isn't enough in the SEC for a whole season... you really need a sound 2-deep. Injuries and just plain old exhaustion will compromise even the most talented defense if they never get a break, both in games and over a whole grueling SEC season.