Muss Takes Jab at Hogs' Fans

Absence of Razorbacks supporters noticed as Tennessee, Kentucky fills void

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Razorback fans may have missed it because of how subtle it was, but, whether intentional, Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman took a jab at their noticeable absence as of late.

He was asked about the energy of the crowd during the Hogs 90-85 overtime win over Vanderbilt Wednesday night. And while he was appreciative of the environment, he was quick to point out who was responsible for providing it. 

"Awesome crowd," Musselman said. "A lot of fans from other teams. You see Tennessee fans, you see Kentucky fans. Just a great, great environment tonight. Lower bowl full. Tomorrow, there'll be more people in, and when you advance, the stakes get higher. You can feel the electricity, but tonight was a great basketball game."

The analysts helping ask the questions, which included former Arkansas Razorbacks guard Pat Bradley, took a moment to remind Hog fans that it's just a three hour drive from East Arkansas to Nashville. However, there's been an issue simply getting to drive down the street.

Even though the team showed dramatic improvement and Khalif Battle went on an SEC record breaking shooting binge, maybe 6,000 people at best wandered into cavernous Bud Walton the final couple of weeks. They had long since quit on a team that was just now finding itself.

It wasn't as if they weren't willing to come to Bud Walton. A much larger crowd packed into Bud Walton for the Arkansas-Oklahoma gymnastics meet. They just weren't willing to show up for this particular basketball team.

Maybe it was the record setting number of massive blowouts where fans thought the players quit on them. For whatever reason, Razorbacks fans just weren't up for hope or a redemption story, so they decided to reflect back what they thought they saw and quit also.

So, that leaves Musselman and his group of Hogs more or less alone to face the gauntlet in Nashville. A fan base that was brought into the SEC to rival Kentucky because of how well it traveled for basketball has abandoned its program. 

Musselman just wants to make sure Arkansas fans know he notices. When times got tough, Tennessee and Kentucky fans were there, but hardly a Razorbacks fan could be seen.

HOGS FEED:

• SEC does Arkansas no favors with tournament schedule

• Emotional team meeting turns tide at half for struggling Hogs against Vanderbilt

• Hogs' best performer at Pro Day highlights why Arkansas struggled in football

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