There is only one thing that is objectively incontestable concerning John Pelphrey: He must win.
Bo Mattingly asked yesterday, "What does Pelphrey have to do this year"?
The answer Bo was eliciting can be determined by simple deduction.
Arkansas won 7 games in conference last year, and let's face it, this conference is even worse than it was one year ago. The conference isn't only weaker this year, but Pelphrey has a more complete team. This team consists of all Pelphrey's recruits, and according to the media, this team is better than a year ago.
That being said, lets look at the current state of things. The Razorbacks have to date won 11 games, including their opening conference game against Tennessee. They now have 14 conference games remaining and one late season non-conference game against Florida A&M. Let's all agree, however hesitantly, Arkansas will win that game. That puts their win total at 12. In order for this team and Pelphrey to show improvement upon a year ago, Arkansas must win seven of their remaining 14 conference games. Now, there is the SEC Tournament at the end of the season, and it is possible Arkansas could win four games there. But are any of us really counting on that?
This is where we are, and I'm prepared to let it play itself out. But at the end of the year, don't show up arguing Pelprey showed improvement this year if there aren't 19 wins in the book. He has to win that many before anyone can claim this team was better and improved upon a year ago. Arkansas played the sixth easiest non-conference schedule in the country this year, and while their total wins might be more than last year, it will only be because they won against inferior talent.... No, in order for this team to have shown improvement, and for anyone to claim they have, Pelphrey and this team must get to 19.
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