Arkansas Basketball: Ranking Hogs 2019-20 non-conference opponents

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TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 22: Drew McDonald #34 of the Northern Kentucky Norse passes the ball around Brandone Francis #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 22, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

9. Rice (Nov. 5)

2018-19: 13-19 (8-10 C-USA)

Key Returners: Robert Martin, Chris Mullins, Ako Adams

One could argue that Rice may need to be ranked a bit lower on this list. Keep in mind, though, that this is the season opener and will be the much-anticipated debut of Eric Musselman and his new look Razorbacks. That alone gives this game more appeal than some others. For the nostalgic, this is also a throwback match-up between old Southwest Conference foes. The Owls should be in line for an improved season in Conference USA as they return all three players who averaged double-figures in scoring a year ago.

8. Northern Kentucky (TBD)

2018-19: 26-9 (13-5 Horizon)

Key Returners: Tyler Sharpe, Jalen Tate, Dantez Walton

Northern Kentucky poses one the more scary match-ups on the non-conference slate, and the Razorbacks will need to be sharp in this one. Another game that could be ranked higher, it stays middle of the pack for now as we are unsure of the exact date that these teams will play. The Norse won 26 games a year ago and pushed national runner-up Texas Tech into the second half in the NCAA Tournament before the Red Raiders pulled away. Despite losing coach John Brannen to Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky returns several key pieces and have added depth with grad-transfer Darrin Horn and a pair of junior college signees expected to contribute right away. This will be anything but an easy win for the Hogs.

7. Austin Peay (Dec. 3)

2018-19: 22-11 (13-5 OVC) *L @ Arkansas 65-76 last year

Key Returners: Terry Taylor

Austin Peay gave Arkansas fits in a non-conference game a year ago. The final score was a bit deceiving as the Governors held a lead midway through the second half and kept the game within two possessions until the final minutes. Coming off a solid 22-win season, a good deal of the intrigue here centers around Austin Peay’s star Terry Taylor who is the type of mid-major standout that can will a team to an upset. A two-time 1st Team All-OVC selection, Taylor’s size and versatility will create some match-up issues for the new-look Razorbacks. This is a game that is also sandwiched between two tough road trips and could be a “trap” if Musselman does not keep his group focused.

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