An analysis of the Razorbacks' 2016-17 nonconference schedule

Arkansas coach Mike Anderson yells to players during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against LSU, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas won 85-65. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker)

— Arkansas has released its 2016-17 nonconference basketball schedule.

The Razorbacks will play nine games at home, twice on the road and two games at neutral sites. Games at Minnesota and Oklahoma State, against Texas in Houston, and against Houston at home highlight the schedule.

Here are some other takeaways:


— Overall, this is one of Arkansas' strongest nonconference schedules in many years. There are seven teams that were in the top 140 RPI last season, including four in the top 90. That doesn't include Oklahoma State or Minnesota, teams with name appeal from power conferences.

— It appears the SEC schedule will begin in December for the first time since the Razorbacks joined the league. Arkansas is one of several schools that have their final December nonconference game scheduled before Christmas, an indication the final week is being left open for conference games. The SEC season began Jan. 2 last season, but the league has not announced its schedule for 2016-17. An SEC spokesperson didn't return an email seeking comment.

— The games against Minnesota and Houston are the first in two-year agreements. The Golden Gophers are scheduled to visit Fayetteville the following season, while the Razorbacks will play a game at Houston. Arkansas is also scheduled to begin a home-and-home with Colorado State beginning in 2017-18.

— Games against Minnesota, Texas-Arlington, Mount Saint Mary's and Southern Illinois are part of the Golden Gopher Showcase.

— This is the first time in 10 years that Arkansas has not had a team from either the SWAC or MEAC on the schedule.

— Arkansas is playing Texas at a neutral site for the first time since the 1991 Southwest Conference Tournament in Dallas. The Razorbacks are also hosting Houston in Fayetteville for the first time since that season, their last in the SWC.

— Arkansas will play at Minnesota for the first time since 1985 and at Oklahoma State for the first time since 2002.

— Fort Wayne, Mount Saint Mary's and North Dakota State are on the Razorbacks' schedule for the first time.

— The Razorbacks are playing in the SEC's designated conference challenge for the sixth time in seven seasons. Arkansas has wins over Texas Tech and Seton Hall, and losses to UConn, Syracuse and Iowa State in past SEC-affiliated challenges.

Arkansas' 2016-17 Nonconference Schedule

Oct. 28 - Central Missouri (Exhibition)

Nov. 4 - Emporia State (Exhibition)

Nov. 11 - Fort Wayne

Nov. 14 - Southern Illinois

Nov. 18 - Texas-Arlington

Nov. 22 - at Minnesota

Nov. 28 - Mount Saint Mary's

Dec. 1 - Stephen F. Austin

Dec. 3 - Austin Peay

Dec. 6 - Houston

Dec. 10 - North Florida

Dec. 17 - Texas (Houston)

Dec. 20 - North Dakota State

Dec. 22 - Sam Houston State (North Little Rock)

Jan. 28 - at Oklahoma State