John Calipari makes his return to Rupp Arena.
This game needs no introduction.
Normally a big-time SEC matchup, it just means more this year.
On Saturday, the Razorbacks come to Rupp Arena with John Calipari on the sideline, making his first appearance in Rupp Arena since leaving Kentucky for Arkansas.
To put it mildly, things have not gone well for the Razorbacks in year 1 under Calipari. The Razorbacks are 12-8 and 1-6 in SEC play. The Razorbacks are also just 1-7 in Quad 1 games this season.
That doesn’t matter when it comes to Saturday’s matchup, however. This will be a motivated Arkansas team, and Calipari has been known to pull off big-time wins in situations where his back is against the wall. He may not say it publicly, but everyone knows this game has been circled on his calendar since the day the schedule was released, and this game means more than any other on the schedule.
On the other hand, Kentucky should come in motivated as well, coming off a big road win at Tennessee with what could end up being the best home environment all season at Rupp Arena waiting. The Big Blue Nation will be out in full force on Saturday, and it should be a great environment at Rupp.
Mark Pope knows how important this game is, too. This isn’t just another SEC matchup. It means so much more to him and the Big Blue Nation.
So, how do you think the game will go? Will Kentucky pick up the win in Rupp Arena? Will John Calipari and Arkansas come in and play spoiler? Kentucky is favored by 11.5 points, despite Lamont Butler being out. Andrew Carr is probable, so he should give it a go.
Let us know in the poll below and the comment section.