Like it is: Hogs call on real fans to provide surround sound

WALLY HALL
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

Today's LSU-Arkansas game is not for sissies.
LSU has a bowl date assured, probably the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, but the Razorbacks will be scratching and clawing for one more victory and that all important title -- bowl-eligible.
Obviously, there are no tenderfoots on either of these teams, and that's not what was meant about today not being for sissies.
This time, it is about the fans.
Yes, there is rain in the forecast. Yes, the temperatures will not be balmy. Yes, there could be a little minor discomfort for a few hours.
But it will still be a far cry better than a brawl in the mud in War Memorial Stadium.
The fans have a little something riding on this game, too. It could mean the difference not only in bowling but in crowing.
The Razorbacks are undefeated in War Memorial Stadium this season, and with the schedule going to only two games here next season, this is the final chance to show Frank Broyles just how important the state is to the program.
A chance to make a statement that to consider moving any more games would be a big mistake.
In the loss to Georgia, in weather similar to what there will be today, fans bailed out faster than blue-chip investors on Internet stock.
"We really need our fans," Coach Houston Nutt said. "We fed off the ones who made the trip to Starkville [Miss., last week]. They never gave up on us, and in the fourth quarter, they gave us some strength."
This is not a day for those worried about how their hair looks.
It is a day for those who truly support the team.
And not having tickets is not an excuse.
Marcus Elliott has a few dozen tickets that he is going to give away on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Some are in the end zone, some on the 40-yard line. There is no shopping. Drop by and Marcus will give you what he's got.
Where you sit really shouldn't matter, because the Hogs need surround sound today.
The only folks who need not drop by the Pig Palace for free tickets are those wearing purple and gold.
Sure, they are welcome to eat there or at the Hog Trough, but the tickets are for Razorbackers.
Real Razorbackers, not those who think wearing a poncho or garbage bag clashes with their attire.
However, if you do drop by to get free tickets and a $5 lunch, please consider adopting a child for Christmas.
The Salvation Army will be on hand for its Angel on a Tree program.
Don't feel obligated. The free tickets require only one thing, vocal backup for the Razorbacks.
That's why Coach Rip has driven more than 100 miles this week, to almost every high school in the county, giving away the tickets that were donated from fans who couldn't make it but still wanted some warm sounds coming out of what would have been cold, empty seats.
It didn't end there for Coach Rip. He got two vans and rented a third at his expense to make sure at least 60 of the kids have a way to and from the stadium.
He organized car pools for the others.
This is not a game, a challenge, for those who don't understand the Razorbacks are taking on a bowl-bound team with two freshman running backs.
And that the experienced hog-caller can make a difference.
It is not a day for boobirds, fickle fans or even those who want everyone to sit down the entire game.
Arkansas comes into this season finale with its hands almost tied behind its back.
A bruised and banged up quarterback to go with freshman tailbacks is not what CBS envisioned when it scheduled this game.
That's what it got, though. But if every fan shows half the courage and determination of Robby Hampton, there is no doubt the Razorbacks will know the support team is in place.
Can they win?
Sure, but it won't be easy, and they can't do it without their fans.
This game today is not for sissies. No excuses, either. There are even free tickets for those who want to make a difference.

This article was published on Friday, November 24, 2000

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