A little over two years ago, the Arkansas Razorbacks’ then-starting quarterback Brandon Allen woke up to find his truck had been set on fire. Allen had been highly criticized in his first season by Arkansas fans with unusually high expecations. A police investigation ultimately didn’t prove the fire was a result of arson, but Brandon Allen likely felt anything but ecouraged when he stepped on the field six days later to begin the 2014 season.
Now, Brandon Allen’s younger brother, Austin Allen, has taken over as the Razorbacks’ quarterback. After he was named the starter during the spring, I could almost sense my fellow Hog fans sharpening their blades with visions of his head on a silver platter, all because of his last name. When he threw two interceptions in the 2016 opener against Louisiana Tech, matters got worse.
But since then, Austin Allen has improved. He’s beaten a top 15 team on the road and boasts the SEC’s second best quarterback rating. His critics seem to have temporarily shut their mouths.
Because I’m a Hogs fan, I can relate to frustration toward a football team. Trust me, one does not endure losses to Louisiana-Monroe and Toledo without garnering some resentment. But Razorback Nation needs to take a step back. The days of calling into 103.7 The Buzz to demand the coach’s termination (John L. Smith the obvious exception), dogging on athletes on Twitter (at least be a man and tag them) or pelting the quarterback’s truck with eggs (yes, this also happened to Brandon Allen) need to end.
College football is by far my favorite sport to watch, and not just because of the excitement a Lee Corso-filled Saturday morning brings. NCAA competition brings a passion to the game that professional football doesn’t have. That’s what I’ve grown to love about watching the Hogs over the years. The same buzz fills the Arkansas air each August as football season approaches, regardless of how disastrous the previous one was. One hundred or so players continue to suit up, burst through a giant “A” on Saturdays and fight their hearts out for 60 minutes.
So, for the Razorback supporters out there: as Austin Allen steps into his brother’s shoes entering conference play, let’s refrain from bashing him when (not if) he makes mistakes. And more importantly, let’s relax. (Easier said than done, I know, considering our 3-0 Hogs play a top 10 team this weekend.) Remember why you came to love Arkansas football in the first place. Keep in mind that everyone involved in the program is doing everything in their power to win games. And please, I’m begging you, don’t do anything to Austin Allen’s truck.
