John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks are starting to make some serious noise, showing real promise after impressive wins over Kentucky and Texas. Although they fell just short in a thrilling 81-85 loss to the NCAA tournament favorites, Alabama, the Razorbacks are proving they’re no longer a team to sleep on.

Why do I say this? Because, despite trailing by 18 with just 6:29 left on the clock, Arkansas showed incredible determination and fight. They went on a fiery 13-2 run, cutting Alabama’s lead down to just two points with less than a minute to go. While it wasn’t enough to get the dub, it was certainly enough for analysts to think they can make it to the NCAA tournament despite being among the bottom teams of the competitive SEC.

The analysts at ‘The Field of 68: After Dark’ podcast broke down Arkansas’ postseason hopes, diving into whether John Calipari’s men can still punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. With March Madness looming, the analysts laid out exactly what John Calipari’s squad needs to do to make the cut.

Jeff Goodman thinks Arkansas needs to win the next four of their remaining eight games to proceed to the NCAA tournament. Mike LaTulip shared his own thoughts on the podcast saying, ” I will say this, you’ll (Arkansas) probably have to get two of Mississippi State, Missouri, Auburn, and A&M. You probably have to get two of those.” 

If Calipari manages to weave his magic and help the Razorbacks when those games is something we’ll have to wait and watch. But make no mistake, Arkansas have a mountain to climb. With games ahead against ranked powerhouses like Mississippi State, Missouri, Auburn, and Texas A&M, the road to March Madness is anything but easy. So far, their only wins against ranked teams have come against Michigan and Kentucky.

For Arkansas to keep their March Madness hopes alive, they’ll have to keep their foot on the gas and take it one game at a time. No time to get comfortable, each win is crucial. So, let’s dive into who they face next!

What’s next for John Calipari and co ?

“I think you have to win the next game, you lose that, you’re scr–ed,” reiterated Jeff Goodman, highlighting just how crucial Arkansas’ next matchup is. With their tournament dreams on the line, Calipari and the Razorbacks will host the LSU Tigers on February 13th at the Bud Walton Arena.

LSU Tigers have lost all their last five games while Arkansas for a chance have 3 wins in their last 5 games and will be heading into the game as favorites! ESPN predicts a 72.9% chance for the Razorbacks to come away with a much important win but let’s not forget that when these two teams last faced off, LSU came away with the win! The Razorbacks will have to be on their toes, not only to avoid a slip-up but to prove they’ve learned from that last encounter.

Much will rely on how junior forward Adou Thiero performs! He has been putting up solid numbers averaging 16.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting an efficient 57.4% from the field. But the Razorbacks can’t afford to overlook LSU’s senior guard Cam Carter. Averaging 17.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 44.1% from the field, Carter has been a key threat for LSU. If the Razorbacks are to come away with a dub they have to find ways to keep him quiet!

John Calipari’s Razorbacks still have a shot at March Madness, but with tough matchups ahead, they’ll need to win key games against ranked teams to secure a spot. As analysts like Jeff Goodman and Mike LaTulip suggest, Arkansas must capitalize on their upcoming games, starting with a critical clash against LSU to keep their postseason dreams alive. What do you guys think? Can Arkansas pull off the impossible?