Nobody Expected An Arkansas Collapse Like This

Even when Razorbacks were at worst under Stan Heath, the 2002-2003 team didn't get beat like this

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Feb 15, 2024 2:59 PM EST

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – There is never a reason to lose in this fashion when a team has the individual talent Arkansas has touted.

Bud Walton should be a safe-haven for the home team on a nightly basis with losses only coming once in a while. Even against ranked teams, the Razorbacks should never be blown to smithereens like it has this season.

The Hogs have now lost their second game by 29 points at home this season. Auburn made quick work of Arkansas during the SEC opener, winning by 32 points in a game that was never close at all. No. 8 Tennessee felt right at home with the arena half empty, scoring at will in the post on its way to a 92-63 victory.

There is no excuse acceptable to lose at home in the fashion Arkansas has when playing in one of college basketball's premier environments. Even on the road in SEC play, the Razorbacks have been beaten by double-digits in seven of eight losses.

With a lack of chemistry, the Hogs have lost more 20+ point games than Stan Heath's first group and John Pelphrey's second team combined. What a bummer in Year 5 after two Elite Eight's and a Sweet 16.

Records are falling for all the wrong reasons this season for Arkansas and it's far from over yet with eight guaranteed games left. Razorbacks fans are used to disappointment by now, but this was the team of destiny. Offensive specialists combined with defensive stars haven't quite meshed together well for Eric Musselman.

Khalif Battle has mentioned many times on The Buzz that his team doesn't lack for confidence. This is the same Razorback team that beat Purdue in an exhibition and Duke during the regular season, and both games were played inside 'The Bud'. The season script doesn't quite line up, nor makes sense, as to how Arkansas can sit 12-12 overall with only three SEC wins.

Pending road games against Mississippi State and Texas A&M over the next six days will test Musselman's team. Whether they want to cower down or keep trying to improve on a lost season will validate the legacy the players want to leave. Being biggest losers is the freeway Arkansas is accelerating toward and aren't slowing down anytime soon.