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Articles by Bob Stephens
Can Hogs Follow Path of Bad SEC Team Which Caught Fire in NCAAs? Original
Mediocre Razorbacks in better shape than legendary rival which barely qualified for postseason Arkansas Razorbacks catcher Ryder Helfrick, shown after his second home run beat the Auburn Tigers on the road, is the Hogs' emotional leader. | Arkansas Communications Great expectations often lead to even greater disappointment. Nobody knows that better than Arkansas Razorbacks baseball fans.
Reeling Razorbacks Routed at Auburn, Drop Fifth Straight Game
Helfrick's heroics wasted but Arkansas' catcher still garners national attention for top-notch skills Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Gabe Gaeckle against the Auburn Tigers. | Arkansas Communications AUBURN, Ala. — In the space of just seven days, Arkansas' proud baseball program went from a confident club worthy of its No. 4 national ranking to a group that seems as overmatched as Iran. Since last Friday, the usually reliable Razorbacks have faced three different teams.
Reeling Razorbacks Seek to Salvage Series Finale Versus Gators
Hospitable Hogs hand out eight more walks, making 18 in two games, and lose again to unranked Florida Dave Van Horn had a disappointing day watching his Hogs against the Florida Gators. | Nilsen Roman-allHOGS Images FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas will try to avoid what hasn't happened in 10 years at Baum-Walker Stadium, which is getting swept by a visiting SEC opponent. The unranked Florida Gators topped the Razorbacks 7-4 on Saturday afternoon before 9,847 disappointed fans.
Hall of Famer DeBriyn Honored Tonight Prior to Razorbacks' Game
Architect of Arkansas' amazing baseball program will speak to loyal fans in 5:30 pm ceremony Former Arkansas Razorbacks coach Norm DeBriyn and current coach Dave Van Horn at a game against Missouri State on April 30, 2024, at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Andy Hodges-allHOGS Images When Norm DeBriyn was hired as Arkansas' baseball coach, he inherited a program in shambles.
Can Razorbacks Turn Clock Back to 1994 and Beat Arizona Again?
Challenge even greater for Acuff and his mates in battle which features four fantastic freshman Arkansas Razorbacks All-American point guard Darius Acuff Jr. drives against High Point. He scored 36 in the Hogs' second-round NCAA Tournament victory. | Munir El-Khatib-allHOGS Images Yes, it's been 32 years since Arkansas dispatched Arizona in the Final Four before dusting Duke in the Blue Devils' backyard to win the 1994 national championship. But some Arizona Wildcat fans have not forgotten.
Darius Acuff Jr. is difference-maker as Razorbacks advance to Sweet 16
Bob Stephens Halfway through the first half of Arkansas' scintillating showdown Saturday with Cinderalla, otherwise known as the High Point Panthers, Razorbacks coach John Calipari did the typical sideline interview with a TV reporter. "It's their will against our will," Calipari said before walking away. Darius Acuff must've been listening.
Pompey Delivers Again in Clutch as Hogs Rally, Win Series Over Gamecocks
South Carolina comes out with focus after coach leaving overnight, but Razorbacks go extra immings for win TJ Pompey is having fun in South Carolina as he's homered and doubled to help the Razorbacks win the first two games of the SEC series. He scored the winning run Saturday in the 10th inning.
High Point Coach Wants Big-Time Opponent, Razorbacks Can Oblige
Panthers desire respect, but what they'll get is heavy dose of All-American Acuff, high-flying Hogs Arkansas Razorbacks Darius Acuff drives against Hawaii in their first-round NCAA Tournament game Thursday in Portland, Ore. | Munir El-Khatib-allHOGS Images There's an old adage in life and sports: Be careful what you wish for. In the case of High Point coach Flynn Clayman, what he gets are the high-flying Arkansas Razorbacks.
Razorbacks' Offense Explodes for Six Homers in Rout of Gamecocks
Niu leads long-ball barrage while four other Hogs also go deep in series opener Arkansas Razorbacks Maika Niu against Stetson. | Arkansas Communications COLUMBIA, S.C. — Arkansas looked like the best-hitting team in college baseball Friday night while slugging six home runs and embarrassing the South Carolina Gamecocks on their home field with a 22-6 victory Friday night.
Arkansas Razorbacks Plan to Win Another SEC Series in Distant Road Test
South Carolina has two outstanding starting pitchers preventing cakewalk for No. 4 Hogs Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Gabe Gaeckle will start Friday's series opener at South Carolina. | Arkansas Communication Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn's No. 4-ranked Razorbacks are on the road this weekend after playing their last 18 games in the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium. The Hogs are set to clash with unranked South Carolina at Founders Park in their second SEC series of the season.
Heavily Favored Arkansas Must Be Aware of Opening-Round Shocker
Bob Stephens History says Arkansas could be ambushed by Hawaii when the Razorbacks and Rainbow Warriors square off Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. I say that's hogwash because coach John Calipari's team is too talented, too quick, and too motivated to bite the dust on the first official day of March Madness. Nope, the Hogs will handle Hawaii, the lone tourney team from the Big West Conference.
Hogs Find Out Seeding, Face Unique Team in First-Round
Sunday's SEC Tournament title victory might've pushed Razorbacks up from a No. 5 seed Arkansas coach John Calipari directs his team during the second half of the SEC tournament championship game against Vanderbilt at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, | ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Arkansas Razorbacks were still celebrating in Nashville when the announcement was made Sunday as to where they will begin their NCAA Tournament journey.
Acuff Earns MVP Honors as Razorbacks Cut Down Nets in Nashville
Calipari wins seventh SEC Tournament championship while Hogs gets second, 26 years after first Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. receives his tournament MVP trophy from SEC president Greg Sankey after the Hogs won the men's SEC Conference Tournament Championship against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bridgestone Arena Sunday.
Cinderella Ole Miss Rebels win third straight to earn berth opposite Arkansas Saturday afternoon Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari reacts to a call against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Not a great performance by coach John Calipari's Razorbacks in their opening game of the SEC Tournament Friday night, but it was good enough to advance.
Pompey Delivers Dramatic Ninth-Inning Homer as Hogs Top Bulldogs
Razorbacks rebound to snap-two-game losing streak by topping No. 3 Mississippi State in SEC opener Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Gabe Gaeckle gave the Hogs 5.2 innings while allowing two earned runs Saturday against No. 3 Mississippi State. | Arkansas Communication TJ Pompey was benched for Arkansas' SEC opener but the junior shortstop was ready when called upon and delivered the biggest hit of the Razorbacks' season.
Razorback Baseball Fans Should Calm Down, Trust Van Horn
Diamond Hogs need to improve quickly to meet high expectations, reach coach's lofty goals Arkansas Razorbacks coach Dave Van Horn knows his team must improve to achieve what both he and fans expect. | Nilsen Roman-allHOGS Images FAYETTEVILLE - Here's my biggest takeaway from Arkansas' baseball team losing its last two games to Stetson: The college season is a marathon. Simply put, the Razorbacks haven't played a third of their season and lots of supposedly loyal Diamond Hog fans are up in arms.
Dietz Dominates Again as Razorbacks Roll to Fifth Straight Win
Hot-hitting Hogs play again Sunday, Monday in final preparation for SEC Opener at Baum-Walker Arkansas Razorbacks' starting pitcher Hunter Dietz struck out 12 and walked none in a second straight impressive outing Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium. | Arkansas Communications Pencil in hard-throwing left-hander Hunter Dietz as Arkansas' Saturday starter in SEC games this season. He's earned that spot with his last two impressive performances.
Four big takeaways from Razorbacks' impressive road win at Mizzou
Bob Stephens No Darius Acuff. No problem. Road game. No big deal. Emotional Senior Day for Missouri. Didn't matter. Arkansas overcame all three of those major obstacles to score its most impressive win of the season Saturday with a thrilling 88-84 overtime victory at Missouri. Arkansas coach John Calipari saw several Razorbacks step up with outstanding performances in the wake of Acuff's first missed game of the season.
Time for Everyone to Admit Razorbacks' Acuff is SEC Player of the Year
Razorbacks' talented freshman about to equal achievement of greatest player in SEC history Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. is all smiles prior to the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bud Walton Arena Feb. 25. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Darius Acuff was named SEC Freshman of the Week a record eight times this season and is a shoo-in to be the conference's Freshman of the Year. He should also win SEC Player of the Year honors.
Time for SEC's Best Player to Take a Seat, Heal Before Tournaments?
Sore ankle put Acuff in walking boot, but star freshman marches on Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against Texas A&M Aggies guard Jacari Lane (5) during the second half at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Darius Acuff will soon be crowned SEC Freshman of the Year and might also take home the hardware as the conference's Player of the Year. If there was a trophy for such a thing, he'd surely be recognized as the league's most durable dude.
Razorbacks exposed in embarrassing blowout by Go-Go Gators
Bob Stephens FAYETTEVILLE - Talk about false hope. When Darius Acuff Jr. netted one of his dependable mid-range jumpers to give Arkansas a 16-11 lead against No. 7 Florida, it seemed the Razorbacks were primed for a great game Saturday night. The Hogs had quieted the Rowdy Reptiles who populate the student section in Florida's O-Dome with an 8-0 spurt. Billy Richmond III was off to another explosive start with three buckets, all layups and two in heavy traffic.
Hogs' Taylen Green Sets Records in Amazing Day at NFL Combine
Athletic Arkansas quarterback evokes memories for NFL brass of legendary Michael Vick Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (QB08) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images FAYETTEVILLE — Pro scouts are rarely surprised by what they witness at the annual NFL Scouting Combine but Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green certainly wowed everyone in attendance Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Razorbacks Rebound Behind Dietz's Domination, Three-Run Homers
Hogs put on a show for Baum-Walker's biggest crowd this season but Van Horn wants to see hitters do it again Arkansas Razorbacks coach Dave Van Horn had a front-row seat for one of the Hogs' best perrformances of the season Saturday at Baum-Walker Stadium against UT Arlington. | Nilsen Roman-allHOGS Images Pitching, fundamentals and three-run homers. It's been the recipe for winning baseball for a century but a Hall of Fame manager gets the credit for that great quote 50-some years ago.
Listen Up Baseball Fans: It's Mostly Good News So Take a Deep Breath
Van Horn's track record says Razorbacks will be in the mix for SEC title and World Series trip Arkansas Razorbacks outfielder Kuhio Aloy is a key hitter in this season's lineup, which has potential but has suffered inconsistency int he first 10 games of 2026. | Brett Rojo-Imagn Images Dave Van Horn's highly regarded Arkansas baseball team opens SEC play in just 13 days.
Hogs, Gators showdown also features player of the year contenders
Bob Stephens Will the Arkansas Razorbacks play spoiler or falter down the stretch against another national title contender tonight in Florida's O-Dome? Darius Acuff Jr. has the opportunity to stake an undeniable claim as SEC Player of the Year if he can perform better than the Gators' best man, Thomas Haugh. The Florida forward has the ability to dominate the Hogs in this marquee match-up with his 17 points and six rebounds per game.
Hogs, Gators Showdown Also Features Player of the Year Contenders
Arkansas' Acuff, Florida's Haugh Headliners Game That Could Clinch Share of SEC Title for Gators Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. celebrates with the bench after coming out of the game in he final minute of the Hogs' 99-84 victory against theTexas A&M Aggies at Bud Walton Arena. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Will the Arkansas Razorbacks play spoiler or falter down the stretch against another national title contender tonight in Florida's O-Dome?
Hogs Need Win Over Arkansas State to Hold Off Taunts from Tennessee Volunteers
Razorbacks surrender several home runs as Red Wolves pin Van Horn's team against wall Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn knows Tuesday's loss is just one of 60 regular-season games but hopes for a quick rebound in today's 3 p.m. finale of the short series. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images In this story: Arkansas RazorbacksArkansas State Red WolvesTennessee Volunteers Arkansas baseball fans delighted in taunting the Tennessee faithful after the Vols lost a three-game series to mid-major Kent State last week.
Diamond Hogs Start Fast, but In-State Rival Dreams of Upset
Kozeal, Aloy headline Arkansas Razorbacks' offense with aspirations of returning to Omaha Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn, in his 24th season as bench boss for the Razorbacks, is eyeing another trip to the College World Series. | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dave Van Horn, as usual, has led his Arkansas baseball program off to a fast start in February. And, like every year, the coach, his players and Razorback fans hope the season culminates in a trip to Omaha.
Some Folks Believe Darius Acuff Not as Good as Arkansas Fans Thinking
Razorbacks' uber-talented point guard has skeptics despite superb season for Top 20 team Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., who put up 49 points at Alabama earlier this week, is the most prolific freshman scorer in Razorbacks history. Seemingly a lock as an NBA lottery pick, some dispute his ability.
Petrino may join Belichick, inspiring social media criticism
Lots of back and forth in regard to whether Razorbacks' former interim coach will join UNC staff Bobby Petrino looks over his notes during Arkansas' loss to the Auburn Tigers at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. He hopes to avoid the spotlight in his next job. | Ted McClenning-allHOGS Images FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — One is an NFL legend who is failing as a college coach. The other is a failed NFL coach who once experienced nothing but success in college. Sounds like the newest Odd Couple, right?
Former Razorbacks star Treylon Burks makes NFL 'Catch of the Year'
Spectacular touchdown grab quickly went viral and might spark resurgence to Burks' pro career Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (13) makes a catch for a touchdown defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) in the third quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium.
Five reasons why Petrino is best fit for Razorbacks' coaching job
Razorback fans can't be too happy with Arkansas' interim coach Bobby Petrino since the Hogs have lost all five games since he took over. Yes, the Razorbacks have played close in all five, losing by a total of just 19 points with four of those by a mere 10. Is that reason enough to remove the interim tag attached to Petrino? No way. His "audition" has been a disaster. But if we look deeper, there are good reasons to keep the veteran around for next season.
Arkansas fans are angry and here's the solution for Hunter Yurachek
Here's a suggestion for the folks who run Arkansas' football program. It's a simple idea but submitted only after a great deal of thought and careful planning. This proposal evolved over the course of the last few months and led to what I'm sure even Bobby Petrino will agree is a phenomenal idea. After all, the objective of this grand scheme is to help Razorback fans. Surely the University of Arkansas administration and Trustees care about the fans.
If Hogs top LSU, should Petrino remain coach next season?
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Nothing has changed since Monday, when Arkansas' Bobby Petrino was asked his biggest challenge as an interim coach. The Razorbacks have still lost seven straight games, four since Petrino took the reins from ousted head Hog Sam Pittman. To the players' credit, and let's give a lot to Petrino also, the Hogs have fought their tails off each and every week since behing humiliated in a 56-13 home loss to Notre Dame.
Razorbacks make hoops history thanks to Calipari's bold decision
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas has made college basketball history even though the Razorbacks have only played two games this season. The record has nothing to do with points scored, fewest points allowed, or historic shooting numbers. The record has everything to do with Arkansas coach John Calipari. It was he who created a schedule like no other since the game of basketball was invented 134 years ago.
Hogs could've beaten Michigan State but here's why they didn't
John Calipari didn't say it, and nobody asked him or me, but I'll give the Razorbacks a "C" for their performance at Michigan State. The Saturday night showdown before 14,797 raucous fans at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Mich., was a tough early-season test for Arkansas' young but talented team. The Hogs held their own and had the chance to escape with a victory. Specifically, they had the opportunity to force overtime in the final seconds but couldn't get a good shot while losing 69-66.
Can Razorbacks find their own Calipari in football coaching search?
Nobody expected John Calipari to be Arkansas' next basketball coach when Eric Musselman bought a bus ticket to Los Angeles and left the Razorbacks high and dry. Musselman, always the nomad, had worn out his welcome in Northwest Arkansas, both with boosters and the UA administration. Good riddance was the response to the Muss Bus heading to Southern Cal back in the spring of 2024.
Can Calipari's Razorbacks pass first big test at Michigan State?
Two Hall of Fame coaches are just part of the story when the young and talented Arkansas Razorbacks face their first big test tonight in what could be the most hostile environment they'll face all season. Hogs coach John Calipari and his old buddy, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, will work the sideline at a sold-out Breslin Center where a rowdy crowd of 15,000 will do its best to rattle the Razorbacks. Tipoff is at 6 p.m. on Fox for the batttle between the No. 14 Hogs and No. 22 Spartans.
Brazile must be centerpiece if John Calipari's Hogs are to reach potential
Trevon Brazile put himself in the crosshairs of Michigan State's defense, but also grabbed the attention of NBA scouts with his explosive performance in Arkansas' season opener Monday. The 6-foot-10 senior forward scored a career-high 25 points to go with 11 rebounds to excite the announced sellout crowd of 19,200 at Bud Walton Arena.
Former Razorbacks kicker Cam Little finally gets record against Raiders
Former Arkansas Razorbacks kicker Cam Little came up big when he booted the longest field goal in NFL history Sunday when he drilled a 68-yarder to end the first half. Little's booming boot from the left hash mark was well within the uprights and easily cleared the crossbar, appearing that it would've been good by at least five more yards. The field goal delivered the first points of the game by Little's Jacksonville Jaguars, bringing them within 6-3 of the Las Vegas Raiders at intermission.
Hogs' frustration boils over but lucky fans missed debacle
My Saturday began with disgust aimed at ESPN and YouTube TV. My afternoon ended with empathy for Arkansas football fans. Like millions of folks, I'm irritated by ESPN's big money power struggle with YouTube TV. Besides losing four ESPN channels, it also means no access to the SEC Network.
Are hoops Hogs ready for prime time as season opener looms?
Part two of the John Calipari era is upon us as the Hall of Fame coach's Arkansas Razorbacks are just two days from tipping off their new season. When Calipari stepped into the job last spring, expectations were clear: Rebuild the program, establish a winning culture, and contend in the Southeastern Conference. His first season as Arkansas' bench boss delivered mixed results. Yes, he led the Hogs to a Sweet 16 finish and nearly reached the Elite Eight.
Green has rare skills, but can he become Hogs' next Matt Jones?
Michael Vick set the bar pretty darn high when it came to dual threat quarterbacks. In today's lingo, he was a dog, among the most feared and productive quarterbacks in the NFL. Cam Newton, taller and faster than Vick, but still an elusive and bullish runner, picked up that baton while winning the Heisman Trophy and the national championship with Auburn. He was NFL Most Valuable Player in 2015 and led the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl.
Nutt says 'unbelievable' how Ole Miss buys high-priced stars after he left
This is the fourth in a series of articles based on conversations with former Razorbacks football coach and player Houston Nutt. There's a guy sitting in McKinney, Texas, who has unique insight into the Arkansas-Ole Miss football rivalry. That's because he's seen it from the sidelines. Both sidelines: Razorbacks and Rebels. Houston Nutt spent 14 consecutive seasons prowling SEC sidelines.
Former Hogs All-American leads Sox with two 'Benny Bombs'
Although he's battled injuries and an uneven season, former Razorback All-American Andrew Benintendi still shows flashes of greatness like when he was the national college player of the year for Arkansas. The sweet-swinging lefty did it again Tuesday night when he led the Chicago White Sox to an easy 12-3 road win against the Minnesota Twins.
Houston Nutt: Do Fans Most Remember Upset Wins or Betrayal?
This is the third in a series of articles based on conversations with former Razorbacks football coach and player Houston Nutt. Frank Broyles famously refused to allow his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks to play any in-state school, lest a virtual miracle occur and the Hogs suffered a shockingly embarrassing loss. That all changes Saturday when coach Sam Pittman's Razorbacks travel to Little Rock for what should be the school's last-ever appearance in War Memorial Stadium.
Why the Razorbacks Might Be a Tough Opponent for SEC Teams
Winning 52-7 against a highly inferior opponent doesn't usually say a lot about the victor. What always seems obvious is how bad the loser was, and will likely be most of the season. But Sam Pittman's Arkansas Razorbacks did show their fans a bit of what to expect this fall, even against better competition. Question is, as always, is if the Hogs can compete with the best of the best — the likes of Georgia, Alabama, LSU and Tennessee.
Arkansas fans have seen highs and lows of season openers
As season openers go, this one won't rival Arkansas' 1974 upset of No. 5 Southern Cal. Lord willing, says Sam Pittman, it won't evoke memories of The Citadel, either. The 20th-ranked Razorbacks grabbed the nation's attention with a 22-7 beatdown of the mighty Trojans in Little Rock 51 years ago. How good was USC that year? The Cardinal and Gold didn't lose again, finishing 10-1-1 and winning a share of the national championship back when there were two national polls.
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