Setting the table: No. 7 Texas vs. Arkansas
Well, it's gameday again already. The Hogs will be attempting to knock off the second top 10 team in a week after just a 72-hour turnaround from a game against North Texas in Little Rock.
I think this is the biggest test for Arkansas this season. Nevermind Oklahoma. They didn't have much depth and Blake Griffin was a bit too passive in the first half. That's what did them in.
But Texas... man, Texas has got some beef, depth, athleticism and a great coach. This is the type of game that could get Arkansas in foul trouble early. Nearly everyone is bigger and longer at every position on the floor. The match-up to watch tonight is Courtney Fortson vs. everyone. Former middle school, high school and prep school teammate Varez Ward is a freshman for the Longhorns, and recently said he has a pretty good scouting report on the long-haired circus passer.
We'll see.
Plus, they've got the ultimate bro-fan — Matthew McConaughey. I mean, the dude fought dragons with Batman once. No idea if he'll be at the game tonight. I'm sure he's still rejoicing in Texas' 24-21 win over Ohio State in the final seconds of the Fiesta Bowl last night with some "all right, all right, all rights."
Anyway. Can the Hogs match up with Texas' depth and athleticism? Can they shut down star guard A.J. Abrams? We'll see. Heck, will Jason Henry return to the lineup as coach John Pelphrey said was possible yesterday (watch)?
Here are some news and notes to tide you over until we start up the live game blog tonight. Make sure and come back to the Slophouse for coverage!
IN THE NEWS
Pelphrey talks Texas (video)
— Perfectionist Horns still looking for consistency on court (Austin American-Statesman)
— Hogs, Horns renew rivalry with fresh faces (Northwest Arkansas Times)
— UA Notebook (Northwest Arkansas Times)
— Pelphrey: Texas SEC-like (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
Texas' Harrison Smith, left, A.J. Abrams (3) and Dexter Pittman celebrate after No. 9 Texas beat Wisconsin 74-69 on Dec. 23, 2008, in Madison, Wis. Abrams had a game-high 21 points. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
No. 7 TEXAS (11-2) at ARKANSAS (11-1)
When: 8:05 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville
TV: ESPN2 (Cox channel 24 in Northwest Arkansas)
Radio: KEZA-FM 107.9, KUOA-FM 105.3, KKEG-FM 92.1 in Northwest Arkansas (click here for more affiliates)
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
Texas (stats)
F Damion James (6-7, 222)
F Connor Atchley (6-10, 228)
C Dexter Pittman (6-10, 298)
G A.J. Abrams (5-11, 161)
G Justin Mason (6-2, 194)
Arkansas (stats)
F Michael Sanchez (6-8, 236)
F Michael Washington (6-9, 239)
G Courtney Fortson (5-11, 180)
G Rotnei Clarke (6-0, 184)
G Stefan Welsh (6-3, 185)
– Brandon Marcello
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If the Hogs can run on offense and press on defense they stand a chance. On "D" they have to play sound positional defense, you can't reach and you can't try to block every shot, just hold your ground and keep your hands up. I think the Hogs can score against Texas but keeping them off the free throw line and off the boards is paramount to a victory. I'm confident the Razorbacks will be competitive tonight.
Go Hogs, Beat Texas!!!