Razorbackers
Fansided

Don’t Freak Out If Austin Allen Starts

By Blake Smith

Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) and wide receiver Demetrius Wilson (85) look toward the sideline in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Mississippi 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) and wide receiver Demetrius Wilson (85) look toward the sideline in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Mississippi 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

As spring practice is gearing up, all eyes have been focused on the coveted quarterback position. Coach Bret Bielema has said Austin Allen and Rafe Peavey have separated themselves from the pack, and are the 1 and 2 right now on the depth chart.

Now with that news, a minor but yet vocal part of the fan base is stirring up. They want absolutely nothing to do with Austin Allen as the Arkansas Razorbacks QB. They think that because Brandon Allen had his share of struggles early in his career, AA is doomed to that same fate.

So, I am going to be addressing some of the more common and outlandish things I’ve seen on social media. A FAQ of sorts.

“WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER ALLEN AT QUARTERBACK, LET SOMEONE ELSE HAVE A CHANCE!”

This one I’ve seen tossed around quite a bit, and I really don’t get the reasoning. Austin Allen is not Brandon Allen in a fake mustache and glasses. They’re entirely different people who just happen to have the same last name. Also, the point of practices and competitions is to find out who your best person is. Nobody on staff cares if the name on the QB1 position is Peavey, Allen, Storey, or even Town. They just want to win.

Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

“HE’S ONLY GETTING TO START BECAUSE HIS DAD IS ON THE STAFF!”

Now, this one I actually chuckle about almost every time I see it pop up. Do people really think that in the multi-million dollar program, that some crazy, small school drama is really going on? Is his dad going up to Coach B, and demanding his kids starts or he walks? Like there’s not thousands of people who would kill to be the “High School and NFL Relations Director”? Coach B gets paid WAAAAY too much and has too much pressure on him to win, to not put who he feels gives the team the best shot of winning on the field.

“THE BEST TEAMS HAVE A DUAL-THREAT QUARTERBACK! WE NEED ONE TOO!”

This one I can almost understand, you see guys like Mariota, Winston, Manziel and this year Deshaun Watson do things with their legs that make your eyes pop. However, these guys are more the exception than the rule. Also, most of them ran the spread offense which is bigger on giving the QB a bit more freedom. Enos has opened up the offense a little bit, but it’s still a pro-style 3-5 step drop and release. Also, you need very good and athletic linemen to have your dual-threat QB be effective at all. This years line will be a little green behind the ears, and they’ll be doing good just to remember the basics. For example, Ricky Town and the “Hoganese” guys got huge talent, but if you don’t know the system, it just isn’t going to happen.

More from Razorbackers

While I know most Hog fans will be fine in putting their faith in whoever this coaching staff picks to lead the team, you’re probably going to hear, “well they should start (person here)!” We just have to trust Coach B, and just be happy the Razorbacks have an abundance of talent to choose from. This is maybe the deepest stock of quality QB’s the school has ever seen, it’s a good problem to have, and maybe we’ll start having it more often in other positions too.

Woo pig.

Home/Football