Matchup Ratings – Horns vs Hogs

Texas QB/WR/TE’s vs Arkansas DB’s

Tyrone Swoopes has been a rollercoaster in regards to his statistical performances in contests throughout the year. While he has shown the ability to perform on a high level, he has also performed poorly against good defenses.

The Arkansas secondary is nearly as unpredictable as the Texas passing attack. The Razorbacks performed quite well against the passing attacks of Alabama (161 yards), Ole Miss (235 yards), and Missouri (265 yards), but had problems stopping the pass against A&M (386 yards) and Miss. State (331 yards).

For Texas to be able to move the ball on offense, it will have to rely on the arm of Tyrone Swoopes.

Edge: Texas RB’s v. Arkansas LB’s:

It is no secret that the Longhorn rushing attack has struggled throughout the year. When Texas runs the ball well, they generally find a way to win. When the running game is held in check, Texas has a hard time winning games.

Unfortunately for Texas, Arkansas brings in a top 25 rush defense. The Razorback defense is led by All-SEC LB Martrell Spaight, who has collected 123 tackles on the year.

The Longhorns will have a hard time moving the football on the ground.

Edge: Texas OL v. Arkansas DL:

The Texas offensive line has difficulty protecting their QB and moving the football on the ground – they rank 72^nd in sacks allowed (26) and 85^th in rushing yards per game (148.7 ypg). Both marks can be attributed to the ineffectiveness of the offensive line in many games.

Arkansas’ defensive line has done a good job of holding opposing rushing attacks in check with a national ranking of 22^nd (124 rushing ypg). However, the Hogs have had problems getting to the QB in passing situations, as they rank only 90^th in sacks (21 for 1.75 sacks per game).

The Texas offensive line faces a very tough task against Arkansas’ stout defensive front.

Edge: Texas DB’s v. Arkansas QB/WR/TE:

The Texas defense has been a strength throughout much of the year, often holding opponents well beneath their season average in passing yards. Even though they played against the top ranked passing attacks of Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech, the Longhorns still rank 12^th nationally in passing yards allowed (186.3 ypg).

Arkansas, on the other hand, is very average in terms of passing the ball, as they like to use the short passing game utilizing routes within 10 yards of the LOS. QB Brandon Allen is not a very accurate QB, but he also doesn’t turn the ball over often.

If Arkansas is forced to pass, they will be in for a long day.

Advantage: Texas LB’s v. Arkansas RB’s:

Texas’ LB group is led by 2^nd team All-American, Jordan Hicks along with Senior Steve Edmond. After a poor performance against the rushing attack of BYU early in the year, the Longhorns have clamped down against the run, only allowing an average of 133.6 rushing yards per game (which would rank in the top 30 nationally).

However, the Razorback offense has a pair of 1,000 yard rushers: Jonathan Williams (1085 yds, 11TD) and Alex Collins (1024 yds, 12 TD). The Arkansas ground game has been very effective throughout the season, ranking 28^th nationally with 220.3 rushing ypg. The one area of concern for the Razorbacks on offense and with their running game is the fact that they have lost fumbles 11 times this season.

Both teams have been performing well in each of their respected areas in regards to LB’s and RB’s late in the year, but Arkansas was more consistent throughout the season.

Advantage: Texas DL v. Arkansas OL:

The strength of the Texas defense is without a doubt the defensive line. Led by All-American DT Malcom Brown, the Longhorns have consistently been able to push the pocket, sack the QB, and slow down opponents’ rushing attacks.

The Arkansas offense is based on being able to rush the ball and protect the QB, both of which they have succeeded in this season. That success is mainly due to the quality play of Arkansas offensive line which paved the way for 220.3 rushing ypg and protected the QB, only allowing 12 sacks (which ranks 11^th nationally).

This game will most likely be won in the trenches.

Advantage: SPECIAL TEAMS:

Texas’ special teams have been, at best, a big problem this year. From poor kick returns to even worse kick coverage, it’s been hard to find any bright spot in that phase of the game.

Arkansas has had nearly the same issues as the Longhorns, with the exception of a good kick return unit (25.32 ypr, 1 TD).

Both teams have had their issues on special teams. One mistake in any phase of this unit could cost either team the game.

Advantage: Even