John Calipari is on his way to Lexington, but it doesn’t feel like a homecoming this time. His Arkansas Razorbacks have been struggling this season, but their recent loss hit close to home for the legendary coach. A close loss against the Oakland Sooners is nothing new for Coach Cal, reminding us fans of his last season with the Wildcats. The four-point upset was a major reason for Calipari’s departure from Lexington, and a three-point loss illuminates his path back.

On The Field of 68: After Dark, show hosts John Martin, Kevin Sweeney, and Jerel McNeal speculated about this important occasion for Calipari. When asked what the reaction would be from Kentucky fans, Sweeney had a lot to say. “I think in the future, there will be applause….But I think the first time, it’ll be boos. I think there has to be a welcome back.”

Sweeney pointed out that Kentucky fans never had the opportunity to express their displeasure at the Oakland loss. “If nothing else, Kentucky fans didn’t get a normal opportunity to boo because of Oakland. Like, they didn’t get to ever fully explain to Cal what that loss meant to them.” And John Martin chimed in with a quick “Let it out!”

Soon after the loss, Calipari took his talents to the University of Arkansas. His departure was a blessing through and through for the Kentucky Wildcats, as the athletic program would otherwise have to shell out upwards of tens of millions of dollars to get rid of the coach. His lifetime contract, thanks to UCLA’s interest, granted him a lot of security. If Calipari had not moved on to another program, the buyout would have been around a whopping $33M. That was around 75% of what he was owed. But he was respectful in his departure, going out in a way that required no payment.

“Also remember, Kentucky doesn’t have a single player back.” Sweeney said, as he pointed out that none of the resentment is first hand with the Wildcats. “None of these guys played for Cal. The emotions are all external. Y’know, again, maybe a little bit for Wagner and Ivisic and guys like that who were either at Kentucky or committed to Kentucky like Karter Knox was. But I think big picture, it’s just a basketball game once it’s tipped off.” 

Regardless of the crowd reaction, John Calipari and his Razorbacks have a tough ask in front of them. Beating Kentucky at home is hard enough, but Mark Pope also has a lot to prove. It will be interesting to see what comes out of such an exciting match-up for both sides.

What to expect from John Calipari’s hostile return?

Arkansas and Kentucky are about to go head-to-head. There’s a lot of history, and there’s a lot on the line for both teams. The Calipari-led Razorbacks cannot afford a single loss going forward, as their NCAA tournament hopes remain in the smallest of embers. Mark Pope and his Wildcats, however, have to prove that they can leave Coach Cal in the rearview mirror. Both teams need this win desperately.

Mark Pope is in the hot seat. His stint at Kentucky has been full of ups and downs. They have beat teams like Duke, and their losses caught everyone off guard. Let’s be clear here, it is Kentucky’s game to lose.

Arkansas and Kentucky have dueled it out about 50 times so far, and the records don’t favor the Hogs. The Wildcats have won 36 games to the Razorbacks 14. Coach Calipari is relying on his core to defend the three-ball, and for Johnell Davis to keep up his efforts on the defensive end. Adou Thiero and Ivisic have been holding down the fort as well since Fland’s injury.

The matchup of Mark Pope and John Calipari will be one for the ages. This game has a lot of history behind it, and a ton of narratives that are fueling the play. Fans will be hostile, the game will be tough, and it will be a lot of fun! Who do you think will win? Can Arkansas pull off their greatest upset so far? Only time will tell.