Haynes makes mark as Hogs new DC

The script was flipped in Arkansas' 29-16 win over Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. We were led to believe the Wildcats Tim Tebow-like Collin Klein would continue the Razorbacks struggles in defending the dual threat quarterback.

Watching the game unfold, you kept waiting for one of the nation's top TD makers to grind away on that suspect Arkansas defense - but it never happened.

Instead we saw the unflappable Klein look befuddled, yelling at his line as if they were in divorce court. The end result: six sacks, two forced turnovers, and zero big plays - in what turned into Arkansas' most complete defensive outing of the season.

So what was the difference? The players were the same as were the uniforms, the man calling the plays, however, was not. In his first game as defensive coordinator, Paul Haynes influence was blatantly obvious. Upon his arrival from Ohio State, Haynes said time and time again that wholesale changes weren't needed, just a few simple tweaks. And he was right. The biggest tweak was not in scheme but in attitude.

They played with their hair on fire. They played like they'd run through a wall for a man they'd barely known for a month. That's impressive. And what's even more important, the groundwork has been laid. Sure, they lose five starters for next season, but at least Hog fans know the Haynes formula can work - there's now tangible proof.