Dick Vitale says Kansas will have their hands full against Arkansas

Kansas is heading into a dangerous matchup against an Arkansas team that’s as athletic as they are unpredictable. Without head coach Bill Self on the sidelines to lead the Jayhawks yet again, perhaps they’re the next one-seed on upset watch. Longtime college hoops announcer Dick Vitale believes the Razorbacks will give KU a real run for their money today.

“Well, the Jayhawks are going to have a real tough time I think in this game,” said Vitale on ESPN’s College GameDay Saturday morning. He thinks the size and athleticism from the Hogs can give Kansas some trouble.

“I think one thing you look at Arkansas, Rece, having Nick Smith back healthy is really a big plus. (Ricky) Council certainly can play, and (Anthony) Black, and they’re very athletic. And I think also, for Arkansas, they got a real break playing Illinois. Illinois has some elite athletes and I think that will help them in preparation for a game like this. So I really think this can be a real tough game when you look at Kansas right now, the Jayhawks.”

Another obvious factor at play is the absence of Bill Self, which Vitale says the Jayhawks will feel no matter how prepared they are under acting coach Norm Roberts

“You know, we can say we want, that the team is prepared and Norm Roberts is an experienced coach. But when you got your leader, a Hall-of-Fame-er in a situation like he has been in recently, I think that affects the mindset of a team.”

Per Dicky V, the key for KU is getting big performances from Jalen Wilson and point guard Dajuan Harris. “But they’re talented. I mean, I think for them to win, Kansas needs Dajuan Harris to be Dajuan Harris. We know Jalen Wilson is going to be super. He’s just been incredible all year long.”

Overall, Dick Vitale is expecting a competitive matchup between what was supposed to be two of the best teams in the country at the beginning of the season.

“So the bottom line is…I think in this matchup, we got the athletes at Arkansas — and their expectations were unreal. I look for them to have a great game today. I think Nick Smith can be the difference-maker. He would have been such an impact Diaper Dandy had he been healthy all year.”

Arkansas and Kansas will tip off at 5:15 p.m. ET (4:15 p.m. CT) on CBS this afternoon with a trip to the Sweet Sixteen on the line.