Brett Bielema to Arkansas?

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Seems like a step down for Bielema but I would imagine he'll make a lot more money and Arkansas has way, way better facilities and resources than Wisconsin. Also gives him the chance to step out of Alvarez's shadow. And yes, he's conservative, but the SEC seems to be moving that route now anyway - LSU and Alabama certainly don't spread it and fling the ball around, and Florida's moving that way as well. The question is whether he can bring in enough talent to be competitive with those teams. I suspect the answer will be 'no'. I do think it's probably a better hire than any of the other names I've heard though, with the possible exception of Gus Malzahn, and he's obviously back at Auburn.

The theory down here, which I tend to favor, is that Arkansas needs a "niche" that doesn't overlap with the other SEC West teams. If we're trying to compete in recruiting and such in those areas in which they (Alabama and LSU) already excel, we're going to lose out. However, if we become known for our great receivers and QBs, then we're distinct from our competitors and may draw some of those 4-5 stars at those positions. We need our own distinct identity separate from the rest of the West, otherwise we're doomed to always be below the other programs.