re: Why are Arkansas fans so obsessed with Auburn?

quote:

---

Bret Bielema notes to Arkansas fans, donors how much he 'hates' Auburn

Bret Bielema brought some extra noteriety to Friday night's kickoff event in the Springdale Convention Center. While speaking to fans and donors, with members of the local media nearby, Bielema threw some gasoline on the fire that is the modern Arkansas-Auburn rivalry. 

"Probably doesn’t need to be said in here how much I hate Auburn," Bielema said. 

It was just one phrase, reportedly said without hostility, but it was certainly calculated. Bielema and Gus Malzahn's relationship is not nearly as contentious as it was during the 2013 SEC Media Days during the well-publicized debates of hurry-up, no huddle debates.

For Bielema, some of this fan angst is something he has inherited as Arkansas' head coach. Gus Malzahn is, after all, a former Arkansas offensive coordinator and 5A state champion head coach at Springdale High School. But Bielema's actions and comments are more than chum for the fans. The stylistic divide and Bielema's desire to put Arkansas at the top of the SEC West make Auburn a natural enemy for the program.

---