Is Arkansas solid for an NCAA bid? *Note, tune into ESPN, about to assess ARK

[WBChogfan]

We gotta win.

I hope Ervin and Beverley hear all about this.

[neahogfan]

After George Mason's run last year, most people are praying for another Cinderella story.  Make reporting easier for the national analysts.

[NuttMustGo!]

I hope Arkansas makes it but they are not even getting mentioned as a bubble team (i'm assuming they are on the outside)...what makes you all think they are solid on getting in? I hope they get in as much as anyone, but it appears we really need to win tommorrow to get in

What most people forget is that the ESPN commentators are not partial. It is a TV show and ratings are what drive TV shows. ESPN often ignores us because we only have 2.3 million people in this state, However If they say that some Big East school that is located in a large metro area is "In" then those people that live there are happy until the selection show, and then at that point they show the whole team in the coaches living room looking disappointed and then they talk about how they were robbed, so either way it goes we don't get much publicity, but it all boils down to numbers. With that being said we are in because the SEC never send less then 5 teams to the Tournament and usually sends 6, so ESPN's  prediction that the SEC will only 4 is just way off base. They are expecting 3 teams from the Colonial conference to get in and that will not happen.

[WindyCityHog]

Per http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2007/rpi...

Arkansas is the highest-rated team (per RPI) with as many as 12 losses....then it's Bradley and Florida State.

You have to go way down the list to find the highest-rated 13-loss teams....Georgia and MSU.

Hogs currently #33 with a 12 in SOS....

I don't think this bodes well for the Hogs when coupled with the "pundits" basically saying the Hogs have to beat Florida.

Just my .02.

[ak5150]

Were gona get screwed

[rebelhogdog]

I was listening to ESPN Gamenight and they just said we should be "nervous" it isn't sounding good for the Hoga

[fullygruntled]

Were gona get screwed

We will get what we deserve. If we win Sunday we deserve it. If we lose, we don't. Somebody on the hill figured this out 2 weeks ago discussing Stans fate.

[ErieHog]

right now, the national view on Arkansas seems to be

Lunardi - OUT
Mandel(SI) - OUT
Dance Card - IN
CBS Sportsline - OUT
ESPN Gameday Crew - OUT

If only one said out I'd think he's wrong. With the majority saying we're out, I tend to think we're probably out.

however, those are all 'pundits', not computer #s

and frequently the committee uses #s as the backbone, and rejects the feelings of pundits... like last year the screamfest over including George Mason (EGG IN YOUR EYE JIM NANTZ!) and rejecting Hofstra

The pundits factor RPI in as well.   Again, ask Missouri State what you can get with a high RPI and no signature wins to give separation from the other bubble squads.

[hawgbawb]

The Hogs are in. These "bubble talk" talking heads are mainly about ratings. Pump up the Cinderellas and the schools with the largest TV followings.

[silvertip]

If we don't get in, the selection committee will be ON NOTICE...perhaps even DEAD TO ME!

LOL. Give 'em hell, Steven!!

[woghild]

ESPN's "Drive to 65" says we may be IN even with loss to Florida:

"As tight as the bubble seemed to get Friday, it could get a whole lot more snug on Sunday if NC State or Arkansas have anything to say about it.

"NC State's situation is simple: Beat North Carolina to win the ACC tournament, and the Wolfpack steal a bid from the bubble. Arkansas', though, is more complex.

"After three straight wins at the SEC tournament, the Hogs' at-large profile is surprisingly competitive. Even with a loss to Florida in the SEC final, they would be 8-10 away from home and 5-5 against the RPI Top 50, having played what's currently rated as the No. 14 schedule in the land. They also beat Southern Illinois, West Virginia and Oral Roberts, so the nonconference profile has a little bite to it.

"Bottom line: They might not need to win the game to have a claim. If they do win, someone else definitely goes home."

Link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch?id=59

[jbcarol]

If Arkansas is out, then how is Vanderbilt in? You always here about how a team is playing at the end of the season is a factor. We beat Vanderbilt by 15 at their house, and in the same week beat them on a neutral court.

The quality road win against Vandy and Alabama at the time it was done differentiates Arkansas.  The other positive is on a roll at the end.  Check the Arkansas is a Lock and Bubble Teams look for Hope to compare best road wins for the bubble teams if any at all.

Already repeated how important true road wins indicate how you are not as likely to be a one-and-done on a neutral court.  Of course, I don't expect Arkansas to be favored in Round One based on seed but that's why you play the games.

Drexel for example had a high quantity of road wins.  They could get neither Vandy or 'Bama on the schedule.  They should have been in over Stanford though.  They should have also won their conference tournament.  Their champ was not Florida