Mississippi State 86, Arkansas 77

Our bench is just so much weaker than anybody we play. You can give the starters a break without losing ground.

Since winning only 1 SEC conference game this basketball season I hope the Arkansas' coaches and the players are happy being the worst team in the SEC, this is just what happened in the football season. It is no wonder the Razorback football team and basketball team are losing their fans. Can these teams really blame their fans for not supporting them? I think not. When the basketball team was 0-4, I wrote on this blog that it was the players fought they weren't winning the games because they were playing as a team or playing with passion. Since that time the Razorback only won one lousy game and yesterday game made me want to throw up. As of today I blame the coaches and the players for having the worst season in basketball history since joining the SEC. The coaches and the players should be ashame of themselves for not being committed to their fan.

This team (kids and coaches) are capable of winning games. We saw what they are capable of against Texas and Oklahoma. The problem is that we have trouble putting together a complete game (offense, defense, coaching). This is not unusual with young players. If this was a bunch of jrs and srs it would be a different story. Fact is, this is a rebuilding year, we have a ton of young players, and we have basically no bench. Remember, we've had some significant players become ineligible for a number of reasons – for example, if Monk was still playing, the last 4-5 games would have had a different outcome.

I feel bad for this team. Since they beat TX and OK the expectations of the fans and media went from low to sky high. It's unfortunate that 'fans' react in the way Upset Arkansas Fan posted. Wake up everyone and lower your expectations. Fact is, this program was destroyed as Nolan left, Heath didn't do much to build it back, and Pelphrey has done a great job so far in helping put the Hogs back on the map with a big NCAA win last year and some major program building wins this year. Sure, it's more fun when we're winning but if you really want to help build the program and generate wins show your support for the team when they are down. These kids and coaches aren't sitting around watching TV and eating chips like we are – they are on the court every day busting their butts and enduring sleepless nights when they lose. Don't forget they are strong competitors and HATE losing.

Now, my opinion – Guys, we are really close here. Our perimeter defense is the missing link. The fact that teams are hitting all of these 3s on us is devastating. If we can find a way to defend the 3 pointer we will be in a good position for the rest of the season.

I think that I have been on the side of lowering expectations and blood pressure for the last few weeks. I hope so. I intended to be. But, and,

1-7 is pretty easy to be disappointed with. They have not played consistently (very young) and they have not caught a break since two huge ones against Texas and Oklahoma.

It is too easy to question Pelphry when six scholarships netted him one player. Perimeter defense? I bet dollars to donuts you won't see Pelphry bring in anymore guards under 6'2". Even when it's down, the SEC is long and athletic.

It's on the job training. After Texas/Oklahoma it was all about give John a big raise and add a big buyout to his contract. After 1-7 reality has set in.

Nolan left the cupboard bare and poor Stan did better than this. Stan left with talent on the floor and now we have taken a pretty big step backward. Its disappointing.

I think it is fine to bring in the unproven guys, great guys, and give them their shot. But, without a little resume, it has got to be 4 years, tops.