After four consecutive years of opening SEC play on the road, the Hogs finally caught a break from the SEC office in Birmingham.
The Hogs (11-1, NR AP, #18 RPI) open conference play with a challenge against Florida (9-3, #25 AP, #3 RPI) at Bud Walton Arena. The Gators have played a tough schedule, but lost their three biggest games (Duke, Florida State, Gonzaga). According to RPI, their best win (Seton Hall) is about equal to Arkansas’ best win (UT-Arlington).
A win in this game will all but guarantee big crowds for the next several SEC games as confidence in the program will be renewed.