Arkansas Coach John L. Smith wants the world to smile

Why all the sad faces?

That’s what Arkansas Coach John L. Smith wanted to know at the beginning of his first news conference this week after Saturday’s 52-0 loss to No. 1 Alabama.

That loss followed a shocking upset defeat by Louisiana Monroe.

Smith announced in a video now making the Internet rounds he wouldn’t start his news conference until everyone smiled. Was this the rantings of a coach losing his grip?

The video has sort of a “Caine Mutiny” feel. You know, the film where Humphrey Bogart as Captain Queeg talks about strawberries as he loses control of his faculties and his ship.

Smith hasn’t lost his marbles yet, we don’t think. And he was a quirky guy before he was hired to replace Coach Bobby Petrino, fired in April after he was involved in a motorcycle accident involving a mistress on the company payroll.

But maybe Smith is on to something. Why not look on the bright side of life? Alabama beats up on a lot of schools.

Cheer up, Arkansas, you could be Savannah State.

Monty Python had it right:

“When you’re chewing on life’s gristle, don’t grumble give a whistle. And this’ll help things turn out for the best.”

Arkansas hosts Rutgers this week. That should put a smile on their faces.

What, Rutgers is 3-0?

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