The existential crisis the University of Arkansas football program and its most ardent of fans would have had last year if Bobby Petrino would have defeated the Razorbacks was going to be monumental.
Arkansas escaped its FCS opponent, Missouri State, thanks to a fourth-quarter rally and a punt return for the ages. The exhalation was almost palpable inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium when the final buzzer sounded. Arkansas was given a reprieve.
And much like in 2022, an Arkansas win is required against Petrino, now in his first season as Texas A&PM offensive coordinator, on Saturday to avoid a meltdown.
The Razorbacks enter the game at .500 with two straight losses having damaged the team’s outlook. Petrino, given his legacy at Arkansas, could provide either the spark to get things back on track or the spark that ignites a Dumpster fire.
Because of Arkansas’ mixed start, some of the angriest in the fan base have been calling for coach Sam Pittman’s job. Those types of people often bring up Petrino as an example of the standard Arkansas should have. Presumably they mean the on-field standard.
As far as Pittman’s awareness of the situation, he’s keeping it blocked out, instead focusing on Texas A&M and getting things that actually matter turned around.
“Coach Petrino is one of the best offensive minds in the game and we respect them a lot. They’re doing a really nice job on offense,” Pittman said.
Some of the old feelings Arkansas, specifically its fan base, had about Petrino dissipated with last year’s Hogs win over Missouri State. But Arkansas’ start this year have brought his old die-hards back out of the woodwork.