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GAMETHREAD: Arkansas at LSU; 4 pm, ESPNU

The UK win must be the start of something big if LSU wants to reach March Madness. Beating Arkansas would be a nice step toward that goal.

USA TODAY Sports

Now it's back to the grind.

The Kentucky game was an outlier in so many ways, but now the spotlight - and the pressure - is squarely on LSU.

This home game against Arkansas kickstarts a completely winnable stretch for the Tigers, with six games vs. SEC opponents that are a combined 15-28 in league play. Despite their 2-5 conference record, the Hogs are the best of that bunch.

LSU already had the upper hand anyway, because Arkansas has exactly two road SEC wins under Mike Anderson in 2.5 seasons, both at Auburn. The task only gets easier. Michael Qualls and Alandise Harris are both suspended for today's game and did not make the trip to Baton Rouge.

The duo combined for 21 points and 44 minutes per game. Though Arkansas has a deep rotation, the Hogs will still miss the production and lanky athleticism both bring to defense and rebounding.

There's no excuses here. It's all on the table for LSU. It's a weak bubble this year, and the schedule is in the Tigers' favor the rest of the way. Roast the Hogs today and then move on to the next one.