J.R. and Henry: A plot thwarted, a nation saved
Add band director to Houston Nutt’s expanding resume. We didn’t know that was one of his talents when he was hired at Arkansas, but we’re grateful that it is. After Arkansas lucked-by Alabama, Nutt threw himself onto the field and up the ladder to lead the band in song.
Maybe the reports that Broyles told Nutt to stop leading the team out of “A”, throwing fits on the sidelines during games, and spending significant time after meaningless victories organizing pep rallies as if he’s just won a BCS championship, were false. Nutt hasn’t calmed down a bit. In fact, his behavior has intensified.
We think it helps the program. After all, as the cheerleader-in-chief, Nutt needs to make best use of situations like Alabama (think Ole Miss last season). These pivotal games mean the a lot to Nutt. He’s got a job that pays pretty well, and unless a better program comes and courts him away (take that Nebraska and LSU!), he intends on keeping it.
So it’s only reasonable that Nutt would tear off out into the field accelerating with every stride, dodging trombonists and trumpeters to get up that ladder. The “top of the mountain” metaphor has logical application here. Nutt was there, waving his hands and expelling all of that energy he once saved for hand signals, calling the same play on third down and chewing his fingernails. He’d just beaten Alabama, by golly. He deserved to be on top of the mountain.