Arkansas vs Texas: Preview and Prediction

Only one team will walk away with a winning record on the season when the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Texas Longhorns in Houston, Texas next Monday, December 29th. Both teams finished the regular season at (6-6), but there could be a significant advantage for the Razorbacks. Despite only a two and a half hour drive from Austin, the Longhorns are currently a 6-point underdog. The Hogs hold a big advantage according to most statistics.

Arkansas offense vs Texas defense –

“Texas could stack the line of scrimmage in attempt to slow down two 1,000 yard rushers”

The Razorbacks rushing offense ranks 26th in the nation at 220.3 yards per game while the Longhorns rush defense ranks 64th. The 162.1 yards per game that Texas allows on the ground looks surprisingly bad in a conference that primarily throws the ball. They would rank 9th in the SEC in this category.

With the two man punch of Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams, the Hogs will pound the ball often, attempting to exploit the weakness.

Big advantage Arkansas!

Arkansas’ passing offense is ranked only 99th in the nation, but their passing efficiency is significantly better than last year as they ranked 66th and complete 56% of their passes. The Texas defense is allowing only 186.3 yards per game passing, which ranks them 12th in the country. The statistic looks like a huge advantage for the Longhorns, but the Razorbacks simply don’t throw the ball.

The Longhorns also offer a dynamic pass rush. They’ve accumulated 39 sacks this season with eight players having 2 or more. They’ve also intercepted 15 passes in 2014, ranking them 17th in that category.

Slight advantage for Texas.

Texas offense vs Arkansas defense –

The rushing game for Texas ranks 85th at 148.7 yards per game. Their leading rusher is Malcolm Brown with only 683 yards on the season. To put in perspective, Arkansas’ duo of Collins and Williams have rushed for 300 yards more than the entire Longhorns team.

The Razorbacks’ rush defense ranks 22nd in the nation, allowing only 124 yards per game. This statistic is even more incredible when you factor in the opponents. Arkansas has faced seven of the top 32 rushing attacks in the nation.

With Trey Flowers and SEC’s leading tackler Martrell Spaight playing their final games in a Hog uniform, expect Arkansas to shut down the burnt orange rush attack.

Big advantage Arkansas!

The Texas passing game doesn’t rank much better at 81st in the nation. They average 211.8 yards per game and have thrown 10 interceptions to just 14 touchdowns. The Hogs’ passing defense ranks 57th in the nation, allowing 221.4 yards per game. However, the Razorbacks are without two crucial defensive backs in Rohan Gaines and Carroll Washington.