Head-to-head history
While there have been many meetings between these two programs over the years, that’s not the case over the last decade. Texas and Arkansas have only faced off three times since 2000, with the Razorbacks winning two of those matchups. Arkansas beat the Longhorns 40-21 in 2021. That was considered an upset since Arkansas wasn’t ranked, while Texas was.
Important game for Texas
Unless they completely unravel, it does feel likely that the Longhorns will make the expanded College Football Playoff. After all, Texas did come in at No. 3 in the latest rankings and has looked quite dominant for most of the campaign. Steve Sarkisian’s squad is very solid on both sides of the ball.
The Longhorns are 11th in total yards and 10th in points, scoring 38.9 per game. Defensively, they’re allowing the fourth-lowest total yards per contest. Although quarterback Quinn Ewers has faced criticism at times this season, he’s been relatively consistent. Ewers has completed 69.3% of his throws for 1,722 yards and 19 touchdowns against six interceptions in seven games. He missed a pair of contests due to injury but Arch Manning stepped in and did a fantastic job. Tight end Gunnar Helm is Ewers’ most reliable target, reeling in 34 receptions for 461 yards. Texas has a very well-rounded offense, but their passing game is undoubtedly the strength.
The Longhorns outgained Florida 562-329 in Week 11, with Ewers having a day. He threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns and Matthew Golden had two scores. The rest of the Texas schedule isn’t all that difficult, either. After Arkansas, it’s Kentucky and Texas A&M next. The Longhorns are a 12.5-point favorite for Saturday’s clash at Sports Interaction.
Tough year for Arkansas
It hasn’t been the greatest campaign for the Razorbacks. They own a 5-4 record and just got blown out 63-31 by Ole Miss last Saturday. Arkansas is in 11th place in the SEC do actually have a decent offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green. The Razorbacks are fifth in the country in total yards and 33rd in points. However, it’s a different story defensively.
The Hogs are giving up 26.3 points per game and allowing 400.9 yards per contest. It’s a huge reason they’re not even in playoff contention at all. That will certainly be a problem against a Texas team with a plethora of weapons. Ole Miss isn’t Texas and they put up 63. LSU also scored 34 against Arkansas.
To make matters worse, the Razorbacks have lost two straight contests at home to LSU and Ole Miss. Their last win on home turf was against Tennessee in Week 6. I expect Arkansas to score some points because they do have lots of weapons. However, it’s unlikely they will be able to contain the Longhorns’ firepower. It’s why they’re a big underdog at online betting sites.
