I back Bret ... but ...

Let me preface this blog by saying, "I back Bret." I think Bielema was a great hire as football coach at the University of Arkansas. Despite the Hogs' woeful season thus far, I think he's going to get it turned around. I believe the Razorbacks, under Bielema, will contend for the SEC title one day. The Hogs don't have the talent, especially defensively, to beat the heavyweights of the SEC. Most of that blame can be laid on Bobby Petrino's doorstep. Fact is, it was obvious Arkansas had nothing on defense a year ago when they were ready to use fullback Kiero Smalls at linebacker. This ain't Sparkman. Guys don't go both ways at the SEC level. It will take Bielema some time to recruit the kind of talent he needs to compete in the premier league in the country. But, the Razorbacks could compete better, right now, if the quarterback situation wasn't so bleak. I think Bielema made a mistake when he named Brandon Allen the starting quarterback way back in the spring and pretty much eliminated any sort of competition for the position. When he did that, both Brandon Mitchell and Taylor Reed took the hint that they weren't going to even get an opportunity to compete for the job and did what any competitive person would. They looked for a place that would allow them to compete for the job. Mitchell went to North Carolina State and Reed is at UCA. Now, I'm not saying either of them would've beaten out Allen, although I think both are just as good. But, one thing I do know, both of them are miles better than current Arkansas backup A.J. Derby. Allen is a mediocre, at best, SEC quarterback. Derby is a mediocre, at best, Sun Belt quarterback. I don't remember a time when the Razorbacks were so weak at the position. It's too bad, too, because Arkansas has good backs and a young but talented offensive line. But, it doesn't matter because the Razorbacks have no passing game. When Derby entered Saturday's game, I could practically hear Auburn's linebackers laughing on a play-action pass. In their defense, Arkansas' receivers suck. I can't blame Bielema for that. Can't even blame Petrino. Fact is, the Razorbacks' style of offense is not going to attract big-time receivers. I'm hoping the tight end will become a bigger part of the passing game. But, until Arkansas gets a quarterback, it doesn't matter. I've seen Mitchell play this season and I watched Reed play at Memphis. You will have a hard time convincing me they aren't just as good as Allen. I will never believe they can't compete with him. If they had been given that opportunity, even if they weren't starters, they'd be very good backups. I back Bret. Most of the issues on the hill were there when he arrived. But, the quarterback position shouldn't be as bad as it is. For that, the new coach has to take responsibility.