The Schlicken Empire

The Elson Gallery

What happened to the unified Razorback nation I came to learn and love?

Half the reason I ended up coming to school in Fayetteville was because of the family-like atmosphere, the campus, alumni, players and fans all had with each other.

Keyword: had.

No longer do you see a random Hog fan in a Wal-Mart located in Tampa and give a “Woo Pig!” Now you have to ask whether or not they’re a “Nutt Hugger” or a “Dark Sider,” before you proceed.

Let’s look at the reality of the issue here. Houston Nutt has been given a contract extension through 2012, thanks to backseat driver of the football program and athletic director, Frank Broyles.

Yes, I said it. “Backseat driver.” But you know what? I really don’t mind Broyles giving Nutt his two cents; he is the only coach in Arkansas Razorback football history to win a national title.

You can argue that football has changed since Broyles heyday in the ‘60s and ‘70s. New formations are being run, trick plays are now, especially this season, being used a lot, players are being used successfully at different positions than their primary� the game is different. Is it really?

When Joe Namath, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, started having knee problems late in his career, the New York Jets were quick to adapt to the shotgun formation. And you know the West Coast offense that so many teams like to run today? Bill Walsh created that in the early ‘70s while offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals under the great Paul Brown.

Anyone remember the old Fumblerooski created back in the ‘60s?

“Old 83,” also known as the “Statue of Liberty,” dates back to 1916.

Georgia ran the “hook & ladder” to beat Alabama in 1965.

Flea Flicker? Yeah, that goes back to the ‘20s.

The 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears used William “The Refrigerator” Perry as a short-down back; Walter Peyton even passed for 96 yards and a touchdown that season.

Has the game really changed that much?