Next Several Weeks Set Up Brutal Stretch for Razorback Basketball, Fans

It could be well over a month before Arkansas is favored in a game

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Dec 22, 2023 8:39 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Not since Stan Heath's 2002-03 season has Arkansas faced a stretch where it will likely be the underdog for at least eight consecutive games, but that's where the Razorbacks find themselves as the calendar gets ready to flip.

Logic would dictate that streak wouldn't start until SEC play opens against Auburn, but it will be hard for prognosticators to not favor UNC-Wilmington on Dec. 30. Not only has Arkansas struggled to master basic concepts on defense, but the 9-2 Seahawks wandered into Rupp Arena earlier this season and knocked off a Kentucky team that is firmly planted in the Top 10.

Barring a drastic upgrade defensively and more consistent cohesion on offense, Eric Musselman's Hogs will go six weeks before it's possibly favored again in a road game on Jan. 30 against Missouri. Take a look at the open to conference play.

Jan. 6 Auburn (8-2)
Jan. 10 @ Georgia (8-3)
Jan. 13 @ Florida (8-3)
Jan. 16 Texas A&M (7-4)
Jan. 20 South Carolina (10-1)
Jan. 24 @ No. 25 Ole Miss (10-0)
Jan. 27 No. 9 Kentucky (8-2)

At first glance, that home game against the Aggies sandwiched in the middle looks like a chance to break up the underdog streak, but having seen Texas A&M in person this season, the Razorbacks would need to bring the Arkansas team that faced Purdue and Duke to keep it close.

Maybe that's exactly what this team needs. The underdog role seems to fit this group way more than being favored. Perhaps, behind the scenes, that's the only time Musselman can get this group's attention.

Seeing such a long stretch of games where the Razorbacks will be picked to lose will perhaps inspire this group to put in the work needed to vastly improve. If not, it's going to be a long, cold January across the entire state.