Schwartz Stories: Jesus and Ryan Mallet

A few years ago, a fellow Razorback told me--"Arkansans have faith in two things right now, Jesus and Mitch Mustain." I thought it was witty and fairly accurate. We had McFadden and Jones ready to run with a very hyped-up quarterback coming to lead the way. Finally, a team we could rally behind. Finally, a chance to make some glory days. Finally, a chance to win again. When I left Arkansas last winter and walked under the 10-foot high McFadden cut-out at the local Mexican restaurant, I realized the good streak we almost had is gone. There won't be any cut-outs of any players this year... anywhere.

Fastforward to now...McFadden and Jones have gone on to bigger and better things... Nutt left for pseudo glory at Ole Miss... and Mitch is cemented in his Judas status (and we hope on the USC bench as well) .... it looks like a really, really tough year. And after getting drummed by Alabama this week, we know just how bad of a year it will be. I think Arkansans will get more satisfaction cheering for USC's Mark Sanchez and watching Mustain go further down on the depth chart.

Now, there's hope for next year and Ryan Mallet. But, it's a much smaller beacon this time.

Last November, I made the Schwartz family watch Arkansas upset LSU. I screamed until I was hoarse, and immediately ran my phone batteries down calling people and talking about the game. Even the Schwartz fam started cheering, and nephew Jake knew the fight song by the time the game was over. We like and try to beat Tennessee every year to make up for Clint Stoerner's notorious fumble, but we never, never, ever expect to beat LSU. It's like a punishment you know you are going to receive--you take it, wince, and move on. There's no 'Battle of the Boot' for us--in fact, most Arkansans I talked to have no idea about the pretend rivalry or any trophy. Sheesh, we know we're going to get beat, why bring a trophy in the mix? It's ridiculous.

God help us when they take their revenge this November.