story by Jarrod Johnson, predictions compiled by David Rice
Editor’s note: Welcome to the fourth season of Tusk to Tail – the sport of tailgating as organized, performed and perfected by a group of Hog fans who have been tailgating together sober and otherwise for more than a decade. Members of the Tusk to Tail Team are Sean Casey, Jack Clark, Dale Cullins, Greg Houser, Craig May, David Rice and Mark Wagner. Tusk to Tail is managed by The City Wire. Legal representation is iffy at best and professional psychological help is typically ignored, if not mocked.
The diehards may also be followed on their Facebook page. Or follow the crew on Twitter — @TuskToTail
As Tusk to Tail migrates down to Central Arkansas this Saturday for what could very well be the last Razorback tailgate in Little Rock, our band of brothers has vowed to make this the most envied tailgate in all of Hog Nation. Because of the extreme success of previous tailgates, and our reputations to uphold, there are some tricks up our sleeves that even the most die-hard tailgaters have never seen.
Even in the high society of Little Rock, where the Tusk to Tailgate is also known as “Game Day with Craig May and Jamey J,” people talk about what to expect this year. Our guests have said, “I’ve been to your tailgate before. What more can you honestly do?” Well, we have two words for you: LOST FORTY! That’s right. This year, we have added a new tailgating partner.
Our friends over at Lost Forty Brewery have looked near and far to find the best tailgate to attach their name. They even considered putting their own tailgate together. Everyone that’s been to a Lost Forty event understands that they clearly know how to create an unforgettable experience. But after much deliberation, they chose to partner with Tusk to Tail to give Little Rock and Hog Nation alike something they will not soon forget.
For those who don’t know about Lost Forty, they are a relatively new brewery in Little Rock under the extremely successful umbrella of Yellow Rocket Concepts, the originators of Big Orange Burger, Zaza Pizza, Local Lime, and Heights Taco & Tamale Company.
At the helm of Lost Forty is John Beachboard, whose beer-making passion has helped create some of the best tasting beer in Arkansas. Having only been open since December 2014, they have already expanded their production capacity three times. As for what to expect from Lost Forty at the tailgate, well most must remain a secret, but we can definitely say there will be some beer, swag, a contest or two, and much, much more for our guests.
In addition to Lost Forty, we will have @nexttokimdavis live tweeting from the tailgate. That twitter handle is reportedly owned and operated by a deputy clerk of the now-infamous Kim Davis in Kentucky. They have been the best news source for everything from Kim Davis’s arrest to the status of her Diet Mountain Dew.
@nexttokimdavis was the only news source to report that former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz obtained a same-sex marriage license after the #FreeKimDavis rally on Tuesday. In the celebration of this constitutional union, we will have commemorative rainbow “HuckaCruz” (as TMZ calls them) stickers, cupcakes with glitter sprinkles, and a crockpot full of Vienna sausages.
From the 18th tee box, we will have our usual set up with a few variations and additions to previous years. Of course, Craig May will provide all the technology, power, and entertainment options. Jason Parker and Jordan Johnson will put their decorating and flower-arranging skills to good use, making the tailgater feel as if they are sitting in a five-star restaurant that just happens to be on the golf course.
Jamey Johnson will be heating his various delicious smoked meats on a set of PK Grills made right here in the Natural State, while yours truly will be shaking early bird cocktails in an attempt to protect my title as Arkansas Times’ Best Bartender of 2014. The original beacon of hope, our giant red helium balloon, will float high overhead as a landmark for our friends to find us. There will definitely be more, but our guests will have to come out to see it (not like Huckabee and Cruz though).
Remember that with the Razorbacks and the Brad Paisley concert after the game, this year looks to be a longer-than-usual tailgate. The weather looks ideal with a forecasted high of 79 degrees and no rain. We can hardly wait for Saturday to see all the usual faces and the crew from Lost Forty. Please drink responsibly, and GO HOGS!
PREDICTIONS
The Question
Which 4 teams make the playoffs this year? Who wins it all?
Jack Clark
Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, and Notre Dame make the playoff. Notre Dame wins it all.
Dale Cullins
Based upon what we saw week 1, you would have to say that the best teams so far are Ohio State, Alabama, and UCLA. I'm not ready to say a fourth team yet. Maybe TCU or Norte Dame, but you can't rule out a Georgia team with a lot of talent.
Greg Houser
I'll take Ohio State, Oregon, Baylor, and… and … oh crap I dunno. I'm a homer, and if it's not my Hogs then anybody from the SEC! And the SEC team wins the Natty. I could never root for a Buckeye.
Craig May
After week 1, it looks like Ohio State, TCU, Alabama and Baylor for the college football playoff. I’ll take Alabama over Ohio State. OSU only plays one top 25 team this season, while Alabama plays nine top 25 teams. You have to like Coach Saban’s chances in a rematch.
Rosey O. Donall
It’s too early for the question. Right now, Ohio State, an Sec West team TBD, Notre Dame, and either TCU, Baylor, or Florida State finish out the group.
The Games
Toledo @ #18 Arkansas
Sean Casey
The Toledo Rockets should be tougher to play than the UTEP Miners with a little more potent offense and better players all around. This is still an easy win for the Hogs despite being on the road at War Memorial Stadium. Hogs win the game 48-21.
Greg Houser
One week into the football season, and I am already having to see our Fayetteville contingent drive down to Little Rock without me. My five kids are already setting up a statue of me in the front yard. Arkansas starts the run game on a better note this week and keeps the play calling as vanilla as possible. I liked how the freshman Williams has SEC size and should contribute with Collins and Walker. Piggies 56, Toledo 12. Tell Brad Paisley I said, “Hi!”
David Rice
I predicted last week that Arkansas would score 150 points in their first three games. They only got 48 last week, so that means they need 52 to stay on pace Saturday. Let’s say the Rockets only score 9 in the loss.
Mark Wagner
Brandon Allen picks up where he left off against UTEP. Although the Rockets will be a tougher opponent, they have a new O-line and their top running back has been suspended. Our tackling will be improved, and the running game will get going. I expect a score similar to last week. Hogs win 43 - 17.
Todd Rudisill
The one game in Little Rock a year is upon us. The game has not sold out yet, but hopefully will by kickoff. Tailgates on the golf course will be rocking all day, with possibly double the people with a Brad Paisley concert on the golf course that night. This will be a lot more exciting than the game itself. I think we will see a much better running game this week. Hogs roll 45-13 in 78 degree weather in Little Rock in September. Wait ... What?
Kentucky @ South Carolina
Sean Casey
Kentucky travels to South Carolina to face off with the Gamecocks in William's-Brice Stadium Saturday night. Steve Spurrier no longer has his edge, but I like USCe for several reasons. Kentucky doesn't have the depth of most SEC teams and they should wear down against South Carolina. The environment favors South Carolina and will have an impact, the Gamecock fans will be rowdy and the stadium will rave to Sandstorm. Gamecocks win 42-24.
Todd Rudisill
USC looked awful last week against the Tar Heels. They had no business winning that game. UK pulled one out again Louisiana-Lafayette in the last 3:00. Oh what the hell? Cats over Cocks 34-30.
#21 Missouri @ Arkansas State
Craig May
Arkansas State takes on the Missouri Tigers on Saturday in Jonesboro with Missouri looking to extend a school record road win streak to 11 games. The Red Wolves have won 21 of their last 24 home games but are hosting a Top 25 opponent for the first time since a 47-35 loss to No. 25 Memphis in 2004. Missouri will probably be without their top tailback Russell Hansbrough and top offensive lineman Evan Boehm, both were injured last week. ASU returns nine starters on offense including Fredi Knighten who threw for 3,277 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Look for Missouri to struggle early then win a close game in the 4th quarter. Missouri 24, ASU 17.
Rosey O. Donall
Arkansas State's streak of solid seasons comes to a nasty ending. Missouri wins in a convincing manner.
#19 Oklahoma @ #23 Tennessee
Dale Cullins
Oklahoma looks to be improved this year on offense, and that might be too much for Tennessee's defense. I think Tennessee will score and keep the game close but I just think Big Game Bob will find a way to win this game on the road 28-20.
Todd Rudisill
The game I want to see the most this week. “Big Game” Bob rolls into Knoxville saying he is not worried about the 102,000 Tennessee fans. It takes four weeks of Big 12 games to get that number in his conference. OU came out the gates slow against Akron last week but turned it on eventually, as did Tennessee against Bowling Green. A Bowling Green wide receiver lit up UT last week so what will their secondary do against multiple talented OU receivers this week? I would love to see Tennessee win this one, but I don’t think they are ready for prime time yet. OU 36-30.
#14 LSU @ #25 Mississippi State
Jack Clark
LSU will beat Mississippi State 5-2 in double OT.
Rosey O. Donall
Although LSU didn't have a chance to work out any early issues last week, they have more players coming back and they want payback from last year. LSU wins a tough one on the road.
#7 Oregon @ #5 Michigan State
Mark Wagner
The only question is will Michigan State be able to score as often as the Ducks. Michigan State is at home, and their only loss there in the past 14 games was to National Champion Ohio State last year. I'm picking Michigan State in a fun game to watch, 45 - 41.
Todd Rudisill
A college football playoff implication game for week 2 in this top 10 matchup. Oregon won this one 46-27 last year. Mariota is gone, and they a new QB who got banged up in their win last week. Oregon’s offense looked better than Michigan State’s offense who struggled against FCS Western Michigan. But the Spartan’s defense looked better than Oregon’s who gave up 42 points against FCS Eastern Washington. 42? Wow. This has East Lansing Magic written all over it. Spartans on a last-second field goal for the win 40-37.