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Articles by Bob Stephens
Reaction to High-Flying Hogs Hammering Hawaii, Now Face Cinderella
Arkansas' balanced attack and inspired effort sealed early win but High Point has another upset in mind. Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. drives against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images A sensational performance and a March Madness upset made Thursday's first round of the NCAA Tournament a thoroughly enjoyable day for Arkansas coach John Calipari and his Razorbacks.
Three reasons why Hogs football should win big next season
Silverfield brings confidence, fresh outlook plus ability to win on signing day and in transfer portal Arkansas Razorbacks coach Ryan Silverfield has high hopes entering his first year as Boss Hog. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images How many Razorbacks football fans are excited about next season? My sense is not many. There's been a regime change, yes, and that usually fosters hope but Arkansas didn't hire Lane Kiffin, lure Nick Saban out of retirement, or bring back Knute Rockne from the grave.
Former coach says magnificent Darren McFadden suffered 'injustice'
Chicago Blackhawks lose to Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in a shootout after refs wave off Tyler Bertuzzi goal On March 15, the Chicago Blackhawks traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, to play the Canucks. Center Filip Chytil was skating toward the puck at the half-wall when center Jason Dickinson trucked him from behind. After the hit, Chytil went straight to the dressing room and wouldn’t return. He was …
Poetry from Daily Life: Writing poems may not fill the piggy bank but still offers riches
This week’s guest on "Poetry from Daily Life" is Bob Stephens, who lives in Springfield, Missouri. This is Bob’s second column in the series. His first appeared on Jan. 14, 2024. He is a man of many talents and writing poetry is one of them.
Poetry from Daily Life: Writing poems may not fill the piggy bank but still offers riches
This week’s guest on "Poetry from Daily Life" is Bob Stephens, who lives in Springfield, Missouri. This is Bob’s second column in the series. His first appeared on Jan. 14, 2024. He is a man of many talents and writing poetry is one of them.
Former Razorback Benintendi enjoying recent power surge
Is he trade bait or a building block for the future? Either way, this former Arkansas Razorback great is swinging a hot bat in the Major Leagues. Andrew Benintendi continued his recent rampage with two home runs on Sunday, a hot streak which has helped fuel the Chicago White Sox's best winning stretch this season. In his last 10 games, Benintendi has eight RBIs, scored 10 runs, and walked six times. He's 14-for-38 (.362) with three home runs.
Bold Prediction: Pittman's Razorbacks will win nine games Original
Hopefully, Sam Pittman spent the weekend on his boat, with his wife, having fun and sharing a few cold beverages. It'll be the last time for quite a while that Arkansas' football coach has the chance to enjoy extended time on the lake with blue skies, a soft breeze, hot sun and a carefree attitude. That's because practice for the 2025 season starts Friday. For Sam, who is 30-31 in five seasons at the Hogs' helm, it could be the most important season of his coaching career.
The Color of Water
The work of color does not end at the shoreline by Robert W. Stephens II Water is odorless, colorless, and formless — until touched by human hands. It slips through fingers yet holds entire histories in its depths. Water remembers. I was a child when I first learned that water, in America, had color.
Former Hog, Golden Spikes winner subject of trade rumors
Former Arkansas Razorback baseball star Andrew Benintendi has been in the news for three reasons in recent days. First, he was the Golden Spikes Award winner in 2015, which goes to the nation's best amateur player. So, he was mentioned a lot with another Hogs superstar, Wehiwa Aloy, winning the Golden Spikes Award Saturday. Second, the left fielder for the Chicago White Sox was on a bit of a heater this week.
North Carolina legal leaders: Judges and the rule of law are under threat | Opinion
Today, we along with 63 other North Carolina justices, judges, and lawyers released a public statement entitled “The Rule of Law – Indispensable to Democracy” (link at bottom). We invite our fellow citizens to read it in full and to share it with family, friends, and neighbors. Our signers represent the full range of the profession.
INJURY ALERT: Former Hog Great Out With Broken Right Hand
Andrew Benintendi enjoyed what is arguably the greatest season for a Razorback hitter in the illustrious history of the program. That was in 2015 when he delighted sellout crowds at Baum Stadium and led Arkansas to the College World Series. The sweet-swinging lefty was drafted No. 7 overall following his legendary campaign, which included winning the Golden Spikes Award as the best player in college baseball.
Coach Prime Has Louis Vuitton Bags Packed for Dallas Trip
Deion Sanders always has a bag packed. No offense to the first-ballot NFL Hall of Famer and current Colorado Buffaloes coach but the guy just doesn't stay in one place very long. Jerry Jones, the former Razorback, might provide incentive for Sanders to relocate again. Maybe Sanders' propensity to move around has something to do with his quickness and speed, a combination that made him one of the best big-play stars in NFL history. More likely, it's just the guy's personality.
Fans Thought This Coach Was Next in Line for Arkansas Job
Reality may have exceeded dreams the last few days for a former Arkansas Razorback walk-on and graduate assistant coach. Now, his dreams will be even bigger. Rhett Lashlee signed a big contract extension Friday to bring financial stability to his family and reportedly remain SMU's football coach for another six seasons. On Saturday, he guided the surprising Mustangs to the ACC championship game with a 33-7 road victory at Virginia.
Arkansas' High-Tech Machine Should Improve Hogs' Shooting
Seems like three lifetimes ago when my family was preparing to move to Fayetteville. Two teenagers, me being one of them, didn't want to move, although living in Northwest Arkansas has been a blessing for my family for decades. A positive was nobody in Fayetteville knew I was a terrible basketball player. So, I shot all summer long, practically every minute when I wasn't on a baseball field. Just me and that basketball, shot after shot, hour after hour.
Believe It! Arkansas-Texas is Truly a Rivalry for the Ages
Lots of folks are questioning whether Arkansas-Texas is a rivalry game, whether it should matter more than others. How we interpret situations is usually determined by our personal point of view — our latest election being testimony to that — but as we say in my house, there's no such thing as alternative facts. So, read on my friends.
HottyToddy.com Covers Ole Miss Sports, Oxford Entertainment, Dining & More
Jaxson Dart has one goal today and that’s beat No. 2 George at The Vaught. But if Dart and his Ole Miss mates accomplish that always difficult task, then the Ole Miss quarterback will reap the benefits of a monumental victory in another way. He’ll likely climb higher on the list of potential Heisman Trophy winners. According to BetMGM, Dart is fifth — although a distant fifth — among the Heisman favorites.
Razorbacks Squander Big Lead, Lose in Final Minute to TCU
FORT WORTH, Texas — Hall of Fame coach John Calipari may not have been ecstatic with his team's performance throughout much of Friday night's exhibition game against TCU, but at least his Razorbacks seemed to be headed for another victory. Not so fast, said the hometown Horned Frogs. Despite being picked to finish 10th in the admittedly talented Big 12 Conference, TCU is no pushover and proved it down the stretch against Arkansas.
Joy in Coaching Has Returned for Calipari Thanks to UA Fans
Those closest to John Calipari can see it. The thrill is back. The enthusiasm, the excitement, the spark. All that has returned to fuel the first-year Arkansas coach as he preps for the upcoming season. I'm not here to say Coach Cal's favorite song the last few years at Kentucky was the B.B. King hit, "The Thrill Is Gone." But like a marriage gone stale, the Hall of Fame coach and the Kentucky crazies were ready to part ways. That's Kentucky's loss.
Hogs Hoping for Improved Health as Kansas Comes Calling
The first time I heard about Kansas' revered basketball program, the best-ever Jayhawk was playing in the NBA. That was way back when Wilt Chamberlain was the NBA's most feared player and Arkansas coach John Calipari was in second grade. Calipari, who grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, got his first pair of coaching shoes as an associate assistant coach for Kansas, a campus just west of Kansas City.
College football's odd couple
Call 'em The Odd Couple. In a lot of ways, probably most ways, these two couldn't be more different. But in some ways, they're quite similar. Both are major college football coaches. Both are enjoying some success this season, but crave more. Their teams have the potential to achieve it, despite the experts who say otherwise. But, in personality, these two coaches are vastly different. One exudes bravado, wears sunglasses to indoor press conferences.
Can Singleton Lead Razorbacks to Another Game-Winning Drive?
Most popular guy on a lot of football teams is often the backup quarterback. That'll be at colleges or NFL franchises without a star passer, leading fans to want the next guy in line to get a shot. I doubt most Arkansas fans are clamoring for redshirt freshman Malachi Singleton to take over for redshirt junior Taylen Green, who is slowly evolving into an efficient QB and team leader.
Joy, Relief for All as Sam Thanks Fans After Downing Vols
Let's say it was 90% unbridled joy on Sam Pittman's face following Saturday's 19-14 win over No. 4 Tennessee. The other 10% was probably relief. Coaches spend nearly all their time thinking about how to make their team better, how to help their players, how to improve the program in other ways off the field. Their spare time? That's to spend with family or friends.
Razorbacks’ Belief Was Strong When It Mattered Most
Oh, ye of little faith. Jesus said those five words a handful of times to his disciples, as depicted in the book that’s sold more than any other in history of the world. No comparison intended, of course, but most Arkansas fans likely lost faith in the Razorbacks during the second half of Saturday night’s game. But the players didn’t. The Hogs believed in themselves. They continue to believe in coach Sam Pittman.
Calipari, While Great Recruiter, Also Teacher at Heart
Every good coach is a teacher, first and foremost. The best rival or exceed the professors who lead classes in the various halls across campus. Profs, like coaches, have their own style. Biggest difference is professors aren't judged on their students' grades while coaches are, and if the players don't win, the coaches get the blame — deserved or not.
Legend of the Lost: Five Most Heartbreaking in Arkansas History
20 hours ago On This Day: Plane crashes into Amsterdam apartment building United Press International - By UPI Staff • 20h Oct. 4 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now Texas A&M, opened. It was the first public … College & University 2 hours ago Texas A&M International University president dies texastribune.org - By Kate McGee • 2h Pablo Arenaz died unexpectedly Thursday night, according to a university statement.
Hog Hoops: Cell Phones, Diet, Injuries and Perception
Lots of public schools have banned cell phones for their students. John Calipari has threatened to go the other way — and it would be fun to watch. Arkansas' basketball coach had a bit of a tongue-in-cheek moment while discussing his players and their reliance on cell phones Tuesday. Thing is, he's got an interesting way to prove to them that phones can be a hindrance to their everyday tasks and inhibit their ability to function. "Some of them have two phones or three phones," he said. "What?! ...
John Daly's Florida Home Destroyed by Hurricane Helene
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Rebels Enjoy Fast Start, But Bigger Challenges Ahead
From Archie to Eli, from A.J. to DK, Bruiser to Deuce, and Charlie C. to P. Willis, Ole Miss alumni and fans couldn’t be more excited about this year’s version of the football Rebels. Of course, two of those Hall of Famers — Bruiser Kinard and Charlie Conerly — have long since passed along with other Ole Miss legends like Don Kessinger and William Faulkner. Nobody can argue that the University of Mississippi has produced some of the most influential alums of any school in the country.
Razorbacks' Green Showing Flashes of Dallas Cowboys Great
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Razorbacks' Green Showing Flashes of Dallas Cowboys Great
He was called "Roger the Dodger" and seemed like an innovation, a revolutionary figure in the world of quarterbacks. He won the Heisman Trophy long ago and two Super Bowl trophies with the Dallas Cowboys. Boasting a great arm and quick feet, Roger Staubach was the first dual-threat quarterback I watched in the NFL.
Time for memorial service for War Memorial in Little Rock
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Recognizing when to quit something is vitally important in life. Pro athletes face the issue as talent fades and Father Time wins again. Families decide when to lovingly end the life of a suffering pet. Then there's the restaurant buffet line and knowing when to put the fork down. Whatever the circumstances, choosing to end well is important. Which brings me to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Did Oklahoma State See Enough to Lose Sleep Over Hogs' Win?
Nobody, except Sam Pittman and his staff, was as interested in seeing what the supposedly rebuilt Razorbacks looked like in their season debut than Mike Gundy. What Pittman and Gundy both saw was akin to a dad taking his misbehaving son to the proverbial woodshed. 70-0, a shutout Pittman coveted. The UA offense orchestrated by new (or should we say former) offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino scored on all 10 possessions. No team had done that in their opener in 20 years.
Is Tradition Enough for Hogs to Overlook What They Lose in LR
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Tradition is nothing more than a fond look at history. The Arkansas Razorbacks have been struggling with moving on when it comes to playing football games in Little Rock for a decade now. Yes, I spent many fall Saturdays growing up at games in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The place was in need of drastic repair as far back as the 1970's in my opinion.
At least Arkansas Razorbacks can get win against somebody else Thursday
FAYETTEVILLE — Dress rehearsals are over. Now comes the off-Broadway debut on Thursday. Then, the big time, the Broadway premiere. That's how the Razorback football team is thinking as it head into its first game-week preparations of the 2024 season. Hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff is akin to staging your first show far, far away from the bright lights of the big city. Heck, in Arkansas' case it's more like showing off in front of friends and family at the local theater.
Williams Knows What Other Defensive Coordinators Dealing with Now
Some of us love to go to the movies. Count Bobby Petrino in that group but I doubt he goes to the theater much. Arkansas' offensive coordinator, by all accounts, spends hours alone in his office, watching video. It's his passion, his comfort zone, his laboratory. Is he a mad scientist? Well, if mad is a synonym for genius, perhaps he is just that. This is certain: defensive coordinators don't sleep much the week they're going to face Petrino's offense.
Petrino Just Following Advice from His Dad About Goals for Hogs
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Petrino Just Following Advice from His Dad About Goals for Hogs
Why Razorbacks keeping goals high for coming season, despite projections for doom and gloom in lot of corners In this story: 1. National championship. 2. Undefeated season. 3. SEC title. 4. Reach the 12-team NCAA playoff. Achieve #3 and #4 is guaranteed. 5. SEC West title. Wait, there is no East and West anymore in the SEC. 6. Winning record. 7. Bowl victory. 8. Bowl game. 9. Don't get the coach fired. In case it's not obvious, those are the unstated goals for Arkansas' football team for the 2024 season.
Petrino Getting Green Like Overcoming Rejection for Second Date
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Do you think Bobby Petrino ever asked a girl out in high school if she'd already turned him down once? Did he go back and try again, hoping for the best? Couldn't help musing over that while pondering the recruitment of Taylen Green. Yep, the same Taylen Green who spurned Petrino's offer coming out of high school. But Bobby swallowed his pride because knew what he wanted. That was the multi-talented Green to be his quarterback. So he went courting a second time.
Arkansas Razorbacks' Andrew Armstrong expecting Bobby Petrino offense to explode
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Andrew Armstrong didn't waste words when asked how Arkansas' new offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino, will affect the offense this season. "We're trying to be explosive this year," Armstrong said. That's likely the most encouraging statement to come out of Thursday's gabfest known as SEC Media Days in Dallas. Arkansas led off the fourth and final day of the event that featured the head coach and three players from four teams each day.
Former Razorback All-American Thinks Smith Could Rise Fast
Hagen Smith is the best pitcher in Razorback history, bar none. Hard to imagine anyone arguing that point and it seems obvious he has the highest ceiling of any pitcher to come through the Arkansas program. All Smith has to do to reach his vast potential — sounds easy, huh — is follow his own blueprint of hard work and continuing to mature, on the mound and off the field. He did that in amazing fashion to produce a startling spike in improvement from his sophomore to junior season at Arkansas.
Sam Pittman 'comfortable' as Arkansas Razorbacks coach
This is the seventh and final article in a series of stories about Arkansas football and head coach Sam Pittman, who recently sat for a lengthy interview with veteran columnist Bob Stephens, who covered the Razorbacks for 23 years. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Quarterback Taylen Smith, wide receiver Andrew Armstrong and defensive end Landon Jackson will accompany Arkansas coach Sam Pittman to SEC Media Days in Dallas on Thursday.
Razorbacks' Pittman Knows They Don't Top Deion Sanders' Son
In often secretive, mysterious world of Arkansas' Pittman admits they are behind, but not saying how far if he even knows In this story: This is the sixth in a series of stories about Arkansas football and coach Sam Pittman, who recently sat with writer Bob Stephens for a lengthy interview. Check back tomorrow to read the finale of the series' stories on the Hogs. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.
Calipari, Razorbacks Get No Respect in Preseason Ranking
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Calipari, Razorbacks Get No Respect in Preseason Ranking Original
Most coaches love it when they have what is commonly called bulletin board material. Well, John Calipari has a dandy if he chooses to share with his team. In the old days, an unflattering article would be pinned to the bulletin board in the locker room for all the players to read. Now, it might be an assistant emailing or texting the link to the team. The hope is to light a fire under the guys and inspire them to prove the article wrong.
Razorbacks' Pittman Simply Enjoys 'Making People Happy' Original
Pretentious Pittman? Not Hardly as Arkansas coach sounds like common man worried more about helping others In this story: This is the fifth in a series of stories about Arkansas football and coach Sam Pittman, who recently sat with writer Bob Stephens for a lengthy interview. Check back tomorrow to read the series' sixth story on the Hogs. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sam Pittman is the kind of man you hope buys the house next door when the current neighbors move away.
Are Arkansas' Football Facilities Good Enough to Win?
This is the fourth in a series of stories about Arkansas football and head coach Sam Pittman, who recently sat with writer Bob Stephens for a lengthy interview. Visit us daily this week to read a new article. There was a time, and it was quite long ago because Sam Pittman was about 12 years old, when Arkansas' football team suffered through off-season winter conditioning workouts in a dirt area behind the temporary basketball bleachers on the south side of Barnhill Arena.
Sam Pittman looking to turn momentum for Hogs in close games
This is the third in a series of stories about Arkansas football and head coach Sam Pittman, who recently sat with writer Bob Stephens for a lengthy interview. Visit us daily this week to read a new article. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Nothing was more humiliating for Arkansas' football team last season than being outscored 96-24 in its last two SEC games. Both of those contests — here's where readers can shake their head if they've forgotten — were at Razorback Stadium.
Pittman likes way Petrino helping Taylen Green develop quickly for Razorbacks
This is the first in a series of stories about Arkansas football and head coach Sam Pittman, who recently sat with writer Bob Stephens for a lengthy interview. Visit us daily this week to read a new article. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Whether Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino can help turn Taylen Green into a reliable dual-threat weapon who consistently produces points and shreds SEC defenses is the question on the mind of every Razorback fan.
What Mays meant brings up memories of Razorbacks history
Many of you will wonder why a column that references Juneteenth comes a few days after that holiday. My simple explanation: it seems altogether appropriate because even the pretense of equality for African Americans arrived late in this country and around most of the world. Respect, acceptance and true equality for African Americans still isn't afforded by many but we hope and pray that day arrives soon.
'Long John' Daly has shown Arkansas folks his good side for years
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — We were each sitting alone, me having just finished 18 holes and about to eat lunch while waiting for friends so we could play play 27 more. It was obviously a great day at Paradise Valley Athletic Club in east Fayetteville. "You here to practice?" I asked casually to the blonde-haired guy a couple tables away who was eating a sandwich. Turns out he had a more important mission that day. "I'm here for the Make-a-Wish program, to play with a guy from Florida," he said.
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