BAZZEL: Keeping Expectations Low

(David Bazzel, co-host of "The Show With No Name" on KABZ-FM, 103.7 "The Buzz," is a former all-conference linebacker with the Arkansas Razorbacks in the mid-1980s. He offers his thoughts as the Hogs prepare to begin preseason practice leading up to the first game Aug. 30 against Western Illinois.)

AS360.com: What do you see with this team under new coach Bobby Petrino?
Bazzel: The expectations are such, I don't know if anybody is going in with hopes that are beyond realistic. For me personally, is like when I hear about all the freshmen they think might contribute: I can't remember a year since I've been here when you know so little about the team going in. Just like the guy [Elston Forte] who's only played six games at linebacker is on the cover of the media guide. Of course, with so much up in the air, it gives great opportunities for freshmen to come in and make an impact. Defensively, that's not a good thing. I know from playing linebacker that as a freshmen - and they're saying some of these guys have the physical size to step in - it's one thing to be physically prepared to play in the SEC, but mentally everything is happening so fast all around you.

The guy [Bobby Petrino] was known for great offense at Louisville and it will be enjoyable to watch them bring guys along who will eventually have a big impact on the program, but for this year I think there will be opportunities for some of the better teams on our schedule to beat us pretty easily.

So, you see little hope for success?
 It's like Urban Meyer of Florida said down at the SEC Media Days, in this league you win with athletes, and with teams like Florida you win seven games based on talent alone, then you have the other variables such as leadership and coaching. Nothing against the kids up there now, but they just don't have a whole lot of talent. If Petrino can manufacture something above the expectations, it will go a long way to making the fans happy. I'm just keeping my expectations low.

Things go in cycles in the SEC. If we can sneak up on a team or two this season, it will be a successful year.

I'm going to enjoy watching the other teams in the league play at a higher level while we hope for some progress. Some of the young guys are going to be rock stars in three or four years, though, and this will give us a look at what maybe to expect down the road with the program.