Arkansans should not let losses define Razorbacks

The final “Quarter Century of the Hogs in the SEC” article, although unsurprising, was a disappointment to this reader. Not the article itself, but the resonating stigma picking such a gut-wrenching loss evoked. It reminded me of what appears most characteristic of the attitude of our state’s flagship football program; a taste of success but continually wallowing in failure and self-pity. It is the failures, not the successes, that seem to define us. Don’t believe me? Then answer me why eight of the 25 games picked to write about were losses? I understand “The Stoernover” being in the mix of those 25 games, but to pick it No. 1 speaks volumes.

The SEC is not where this started. Wally Hall correctly pointed to the source of our angst. In his article, he quoted former head coach Danny Ford as saying, “All I’ve heard about since I got here was that loss to Texas in 1969.” Instead of emphasizing the tremendous achievement of a national championship five years removed, fans continued to point to that one game that got away. Yes, “The Great Shootout” was a big game. President Nixon proclaimed the victor the year’s national champion. But is that game all we have to hang our hat on?

Now, we have another game in another conference with another clever moniker upon which to rail. How typical. I wish we could all do as Frank Broyles has done since that infamous loss … never watch the replay. Let’s move on, Razorback Nation! Go Hogs!!!

Since you asked, my pick for the No. 1 game of the last 25 years would have to be the 50-48 three-overtime win at LSU in 2007. We beat the eventual national champion in their own house with, quite possibly, the best running back trio to grace college football. BRAD WELCH Fayetteville