We just weren’t prepared at all for that environment and an Arkansas team that was actually good. They were 17 all with Rice going into the fourth quarter the week before, and despite all the warnings from the coaches, it was probably human nature to underestimate them (don’t eat the cheese). And the coaches probably underestimated the hatred the pig fans would have for us, even with their SEC background. Texas is a whole different level.
They were better than us, more ready than us, and the energy in the building must have been at 💯. Card and the rest of the team were overwhelmed, and it took Thompson reverting to Herman-style QB Hero Ball to rally us to any semblance of an offense in the second half.
It’s probably unfair to write off Card just due to Fayetteville, but in subsequent appearances, I didn’t see much reason for optimism. Situational awareness seemed off, which is just about everything for a QB. I expect Ewers to be just the opposite, a different arm angle, different trajectory, different speed on the ball… depending on the situation. And maybe he’ll actually know to scramble for the first down marker when he leaves the pocket. Card’s history as a good receiver never squared with his mediocre QB running ability, and that doesn’t make sense to me.