But in Week 2, Toledo quickly brought the Hogs back to reality by handing them a shocking loss in Little Rock. Week 3 brought another loss, to Texas Tech, and after the game, Red Raiders coach Kliff Kingsbury took a few shots at Bret Bielema.Game 4 was another loss, in overtime to Texas A&M, and at 1-3, the season looked as if it could spiral out of control.
The Hogs had suffered numerous injuries, but the natives placed all the blame squarely on Bielema, new offensive coordinator Dan Enos and quarterback Brandon Allen. But a win at Tennessee, a respectable loss at Alabama and an overtime win over Auburn started balancing things out, and a stunning overtime win at Ole Miss appeased the fan base as the Hogs were on their way to eight wins.