Nobody has more pressure than Houston Nutt of the Arkansas Razorbacks. When you are at the top, there is always more pressure. Houston is getting a ton of criticism from Arkansas fans. But let's keep this in perspective. Houston Nutt was last year's SEC Coach of the Year as voted on by his SEC coach peers. Houston Nutt led Arkansas to be the SEC West champions in a tough conference. Arkansas won 10 games in 2006. All four teams that Arkansas lost to were in the Top 5 in the final Coaches Poll (USC, LSU, Wisconsin, Florida).

The Story Line-So why is Coach Nutt under so much pressure? The fan pressure started in 2005 after a second losing season and no bowl game. Reportedly, there was a meeting with Athletic Director Frank Broyles that ended in replacing the offensive coordinator as part of a deal to keep Houston Nutt's job as head coach. Winning high school coach Gus Malzahn was brought in as offensive coordinator and he brought two stars with him. Enter star recruits Mitch Mustain as quarterback and Damien Williams as wide receiver. Mitch Mustain was one of the highest recruited quarterbacks in the country; so when he chose the Razorbacks, expectations went way up.

The Opportunity Came Early-Mitch Mustain became the starting quarterback for the second game of the season after the razorbacks were blown out by USC 50-14 at home in Fayetteville. Mustain had an 8 game winning streak going when he threw an interception early in the South Carolina game. The coach changed quarterbacks and Casey Dick led the Razorbacks to a 26-20 win over the Gamecocks.

Tipping Point-- A healthy Casey Dick would now get the starting job as quarterback. Arkansas proceeded to win over highly ranked #13 Tennessee. The winds had changed in Arkansas with the quarterback situation. The head coach went with Casey Dick. Mustain didn't like sitting on the bench. A lot of the fans wanted Mustain playing quarterback.

Momentum Begins to Change--The Hogs lost their final game of the season to LSU 31-26. The Hogs next played the Florida Gators for the SEC championship and lost 38-28 with two plays removed, possibly changing the outcome of the game. Arkansas then proceeded to play Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day and lost again.

The House Starts to Crumble-- At the conclusion of the season, offensive coordinator Malzahn resigns and takes a similar position at the University of Tulsa. Malzahn's departure raised a lot of flags because the offense had been revived in 2006. Arkansas fans feared Houston Nutt would return to his preference of calling his own plays, again. Soon after, Malzahn's two star players decide to transfer to Southern California. Mustain left with a lot of fanfare and media attention.

The events that followed from lawsuits to public accusations were detrimental to the Arkansas program. All the negative media attention was just a distraction and an unneccessary sideshow to embarass Coach Nutt.

Breaking it Down-- Arkansas fans are divided about Houston Nutt. Even though Coach Nutt was voted by his peers as the 2006 SEC Coach of the Year. And SEC Coach of the Year is a big honor with the kind of company Nutt is competing with week in and out in the SEC. Coach Nutt has recruited Darren McFadden who is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Nutt has six returners on offense and only four on defense, but the SEC coaches chose 12 Razorbacks as All-SEC players which leads the conference.

Unfortunately, in the spring game only 2000 fans showed to support the team. A divided fan base is a killer to programs, coaches and teams, regardless of the super talent. It doesn't send the best message to the players or recruits that Arkansas is a great place to play football. Lot of talent, lot of controversy. With so many off the field theatrics, most pre-season polls put Arkansas at #3 or #4 in the West. Anything can happen. I wouldn't count Arkansas out of the championship game just yet. Last time Arkansas was counted out, they won the SEC West. 

Jay Holgate is an analyst and sports writer for www.secsportsreport.com.
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