Arkansas vs. Texas Tech Prediction, Game Preview

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Just when it seemed like Arkansas was starting to grow into a potentially dangerous threat to the playoff chase, boom. Toledo came in and pulled of a massive upset to shake up the SEC. The Hogs can still be just fine, but they need to bounceback in a hurry against a hot Texas Tech team that’s ripped through the first two games without a problem. The former Southwest Conference brothers played last year for the first time since 1991, with the Hogs winning 49-28.

Below we dive into the Arkansas vs. Texas Tech prediction and full game preview.

Arkansas vs. Texas Tech Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: D.W.R. Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville, AR)
Network: ESPN2

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Why You Need To Care

The Big 12 came up with a huge win over the SEC last weekend when Oklahoma tagged Tennessee, and even though Arkansas is wounded after losing to Toledo, Texas Tech pulling off the victory would be a really, really big deal.

It’s been a down period for the Red Raiders, going on a 5-13 stretch before starting out the year with wins over Sam Houston State and UTEP in blowouts. While the competition might not have been anything special, the sharpness of the offense has been an encouraging sign with TCU and Baylor up next. No one’s talking much about Kliff Kingsbury’s club, but that would chance with just one win in the next three games. Win two, and the national headlines will follow.

Arkansas is still a real, live contender in the SEC race, even if it didn’t look like it against Toledo. Like Texas Tech, the Hogs rolled over UTEP without a problem, but the offense hasn’t quite worked like it’s supposed to. This is supposed to be a power running team, and instead it’s winging the ball all over the yard – that’s a problem. Can Arkansas get back to being what Arkansas is supposed to be under Bret Bielema? With road games at Texas A&M – actually, it’s played in Arlington – at Tennessee and at Auburn up next, and with road trips to Ole Miss and LSU coming, the team has to quickly round into shape.

Why Texas Tech Will Win

Can Texas Tech come up with a tight, efficient, effective day against an Arkansas secondary that’s been a big of a problem? UTEP didn’t bomb away against the Hogs, but the quarterbacks combined to hit 14-of-19 passes – 74% – for 146 yards. Toledo’s Phillip Ely wasn’t consistent, but he threw for 237 yards. What’s been the problem? There’s no pressure into the backfield with one sack so far in the two games and just three tackles for loss against Toledo. Texas Tech’s quick passing game gets the ball out of the quarterbacks’ hands in a hurry – the short, quick passes should work.

Why Arkansas Will Win

Okay, Arkansas, enough is enough. The passing game has been fun, and it’s important to show it could be done, but now it’s time to be Arkansas again. Texas Tech’s run defense has tried to make improvements, and there’s plenty of experience, but it got beaten up and run by over the first two weeks, allowing almost six yards per pop with Sam Houston State taking off for 317 yards and five scores. The Hogs ran over Texas Tech for 438 yards and seven touchdowns in last year’s win over the Red Raiders – they’ve only rushed for 285 yards and three scores so far this year.

Player Who Matters

Arkansas was supposed to be able to throw the ball a little better, but it wasn’t supposed to ramp things up like this. The loss last week might have been ugly, but it was also weird, with Brandon Allen throwing for 412 yards with no scores. The week before, he threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns against UTEP – he didn’t throw for 300 yards all of last year, and threw for just 61 yards in the Texas Tech win.

Davis Webb was under center for the Red Raiders in last year’s game, but Patrick Mahomes is the main man this year with four touchdown passes in each of his first two games. The yards have been there – 786 so far – but the accuracy hasn’t. He’s getting his throws in for big yards and big plays, but he need to be sharper and has to keep the chains moving.

What’s Going To Happen?

Alex Collins ran for 212 yards and two scores in last year’s win over the Red Raiders. He has just 181 yards and two scores on the year. This week he gets the ball, and the Hogs get back on track. The Texas Tech passing attack should be effective, but Arkansas will hold on to the ball and control the game throughout. Expect a far different, far better team this week.

Arkansas vs. Texas Tech Score Prediction

Final Score: Arkansas 44, Texas Tech 31

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 3

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