With Texas and Texas A&M in the SEC, Arkansas fans are reminded of the Southwest Conference days at least once a season, but this year is special. The Hogs are playing Texas Tech in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, giving Arkansas its third former SWC matchup of the season. And with its losses in the transfer portal, reverting to an old SWC style of play may be Arkansas's best chance to win.
In the 34 SWC matchups between Arkansas and Tech, the Raiders finished only seven times with 20 or more points.
With a significant portion of their defensive lineup returning, the Hogs have a clear advantage on the field for Friday's game, particularly against Tech's freshman quarterback, Will Hammond. Tech faces additional hurdles with a few offensive linemen and their leading receiver, Josh Kelly, not making the trip to Memphis.
A few Arkansas defenders have left the team, like brothers TJ and Tevis Metcalf, Nico Davillier, and Brad Spence, who entered the transfer portal. Landon Jackson and Eric Gregory declared for the draft and will miss the game as well, making the defensive line the hardest-hit position.
However, it gives talented young guys like Charlie Collins, Kavion Henderson, and Quincy Rhodes an opportunity to showcase their game. Altogether, defense is the Razorbacks' strongest side of the ball.
On the other hand, Arkansas's offense is the weakest. It's been stripped for parts in the transfer portal. Three offensive linemen, two running backs, two wide receivers, and three tight ends who played significant roles in 2024 either declared for the draft or entered the portal.
Unlike Tech, the Razorbacks' QB Taylen Green is still with the team, but he had enough trouble passing with the starting lineman. Now, he's working with Jerry-rigged OL and missing his top two receivers.
Just getting the snap could be a problem for the Hogs; the starting center, Addison Nichols, and backup center, Amaury Wiggins, transferred at the end of the season. So, even though Texas Tech's defense gave up the most points per game in the Big 12, Arkansas likely can't lean on its offense to win.
If the Hogs can keep the high-scoring Tech team with a new QB under 20 points as they did many times in the SWC, Arkansas has an excellent chance to win. But if it turns into a shootout, it may be a long Friday evening for Razorback Nation.