For the last time this season, the Razorbackers staff makes their game predictions.
Tomorrow, January 2nd, at 2:20 pm central time, the 2015-2016 Arkansas Razorbacks season will come to an end. It’s been a wild ride for the team and for us fans. From 3 game losing streaks to 4 game winning streaks, it was a roller coaster season to say the least.
The Hogs square off against a Kansas State team that had an up and down season of their own. They won their first three games, then lost six in a row, only to come back and win their last 3 games to get bowl eligible. Neither team has quite lived up to their preseason expectations, and they will both be looking for a big win on Saturday to take momentum into the offseason.
How do we think this game will shake out? Check out our predictions here, and then let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comment section.
Nov 27, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Barrett Pfeiffer: In my heart I want to think the Liberty Bowl will just be a repeat of the Texas bowl last year. We ended the last half of our season on fire, while Kansas State was shaky all the way to the end. The Wildcats have an offensive scheme that has brought trouble to our defense all season, but those other teams (Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas Tech) were of a higher caliber. That’s why after a month of preparation the Hogs should have no trouble keeping Bill Snyder’s team behind the whole game. I think Arkansas will keep the hot streak rolling and send BA and the other seniors off in a grand fashion. All the while keeping the Wildcat defense tired with our smack-you-in-the-mouth run game. Razorbacks get the win 35-20.
Matt Jenkins: Razorbacks are heavily favored in this game. While I’d love a blowout, something tells me this is going to be closer than the experts think, even though nobody from the national media gives a crap about this game. Anyway, Hogs offense will be dominant, running the football and passing the football, giving Brandon Allen his swan song for his Razorback career. The defense is the question; the last time we saw the defense, they destroyed a sorry excuse for a junior varsity offense in Mizzou. K-State will pose different threats, and jump out on the Razorbacks early in the 1st half. But the defense will settle down in the 2nd half, and run away with the victory to finish the year 8-5. Arkansas wins 42-24. Side prediction, Arkansas will not allow a point in the 2nd half.
Blake Smith: Arkansas and K-State are two very similar teams. However, Arkansas does it a lot better. K-State does an okay job stopping the run, but like Arkansas, has had issues stopping the pass. Brandon Allen and Co. have tore it up the back half of the season, while the Wildcats haven’t had much production from the passing game. I think that will the difference in the game, and while Coach Bill Snyder will have his team ready. Arkansas has too much firepower and wins by 3 TD’s. Editor’s note: No score prediction, Blake? Really? You wuss.Â
Jose Harber: Here it is, the last game of the Razorback football season. A tear comes to my eye why I think about how long till next season, but such is life. With that said, all eyes are on Kansas State. It could very possibly be Bill Snyder’s last game as a coach and I think that has to factor in. The Wildcats, however, are not a better team. They have some athletes and they may even make this game closer than some people think but I still don’t believe they even cover the spread. The Hogs are the most highly favored team of all the bowl games at -13.5. Given that this is the last game for Brandon Allen, Hunter Henry, and Alex Collins (don’t kid yourself either, they all going to the draft), I think they end this one early. I look for the Hogs to win big, 41-10 and bring home their third trophy this season.
Cory Thone: There are a few things about Kansas State that worry me. Mostly their hall of fame coach and their QB that is a better runner than a passer. But the Hogs are objectively the better team in this game, and they should win in Memphis. THAT BEING SAID, when I pick the Razorbacks to win, they lose. So I won’t jinx them here. Kansas State wins in 4 overtimes by a score of 3-0. It’s a defensive battle in Memphis.
More razorbacks: Liberty Bowl Preview and Stats
Alright, that’s it. There’s nothing left but the game. We’ll see you all tomorrow! Happy New Year! Woo Pig!