Predictions: No. 3 Texas Longhorns @ Arkansas Razorbacks

The No. 3 Texas Longhorns (8-1, 4-1) will meet former Southwest Conference foe, the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-4, 3-3), on Saturday in Fayetteville. The meeting will mark the 80th between the two storied programs and the first as members of the Southeastern Conference. The Longhorns have fared well in Fayetteville against the Hogs, notching a 26-10 all time series advantage there.

As a 13.5 point favorite, Texas is expected to win this game outright. The Longhorns need a win to continue their hopes of playing in the SEC Championship game, and more, in the postseason. Arkansas looks to become bowl eligible with a win and hopes to defeat Steve Sarkisian’s team for the second time in four seasons. The last time Texas was in Fayetteville (2021) they were boatraced out of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium 40-21.

The Longhorns are currently enjoying a nine game true road winning streak.

Will they make it ten after Saturday’s contest? Our staff shares their score predictions and their thoughts on Saturday’s game in Fayetteville.

Jameson McCausland (8-1)

This is a tricky game for Texas with Arkansas coming off a bye and Sam Pittman fighting for his job.

By some metrics, Arkansas is a borderline top 25 team in the country but they have really struggled in the margins and let games slip away earlier this year that they should have won (Oklahoma State and Texas A&M come to mind).

Arkansas had a tremendous gameplan against Tennessee in a big upset win at home and I’m expecting the kitchen sink to be thrown at Texas on Saturday.

I think this is going to be a close game but at this point in the season, a win is all that matters.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Arkansas 24

Aaron Carrara (8-1)

This game brings a bad taste to my mouth, perhaps because of how old I am and what I remember about the Arkansas teams over the last four decades. The Hogs are traditionally a big team on both sides of the ball and play with a lot of grit and intensity – particularly when it is against Texas. Sam Pittman’s team this season has had its ups and downs, but they have an impressive 19-14 home win against Tennessee under their belts.

The Hogs rack up offensive yards behind quarterback Taylen Green, averaging almost 484 yards per game – good for second best in the SEC. The Texas defense will have their hands full trying to stop Green and former Texas quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson, who leads the Razorback rushing attack this season with 592 yards and ten touchdowns.

Quinn Ewers and Sarkisian’s offense must settle down early and establish the running game. The Arkansas secondary has had their challenges all season, and Ewers will test them if given ample opportunity. A limited number of mistakes and penalties from Kyle Flood’s offensive line is a must if Texas wants to leave Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium with a critical win.

Despite all the chatter regarding Texas’ schedule, leaving Fayetteville with a win on Saturday would be impressive. Texas is walking into the lion’s den but they get the job done.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Arkansas 27

Devon Messinger (8-1)

The Longhorns will roll into Fayetteville hoping for a different result than the last time they faced the Razorbacks in 2021. A lot has changed since Steve Sarkisian’s first year on the job, but the Longhorns head coach surely hasn’t forgotten the sting of his last encounter.

This time around, Sarkisian will be able to trot a seasoned quarterback out onto the field in Quinn Ewers, whose confidence should be trending upwards following his five touchdown performance against Florida. Against a lackluster Arkansas secondary, expect number three to have his fair share of passing opportunities on Saturday. 

If the Texas running back room can hold their own against a solid defensive front, the Longhorns will be well-positioned to take care of business on the road in Hog country.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Arkansas 20

Marc Henry (8-1)

Texas will face a significant test as they travel to Arkansas for an SEC showdown. The Razorbacks boast one of the most electric quarterbacks in the conference, Taylen Green, who has already thrown for over 2,200 yards and is a dangerous threat on the ground. Texas will need to focus on containing Green, as well as limiting explosive plays in Arkansas’s run game led by Ja’Quinden Jackson and in the air with top target Andrew Armstrong.

For Texas’s offense, led by Quinn Ewers, it will be crucial to get off to a fast start, avoid penalties, and minimize turnovers. Performing well in these areas will be essential to maintaining momentum in what is sure to be a hostile road environment.

Score Prediction: Texas 35, Arkansas 21

Dylan DeRaud (7-2)

Texas looked dominant against Florida last week as Ewers appeared more like himself and the defense was flying all over the field. Arkansas comes off their bye week following a loss to Ole Miss who scored 63 on them and tallied 9 sacks on the day. QB Taylen Green is expected to play after a knee injury but if he lacks mobility against a Longhorns front seven, the Razorbacks will be in for a long day. Fayetteville is a tough place to play and at the same time, the Texas offense matches up great against an Arkansas defense allowing 387.4 yards of offense per game. Which ranks 90th in the country out of 134 teams. 

Score Prediction: Texas 45, Arkansas 21

Mitch Lovell (8-1)

I was in Fayetteville in 2021 and Texas got manhandled from the start. Steve Sarkisian and a few of the guys from the 2021 team like Alfred Collins, Jake Majors and Jahdae Barron surely remember that game. They will know what they are walking into and will have revenge on their minds. Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense will ultimately prove to be too much. Arkansas had a difficult time with Jaxson Dart and Ole Miss two weeks ago in a 63-31 defeat. This game will be Arkansas’ Super Bowl of the season but it won’t matter. Another big day from Ewers and the play of the Texas defense will dominate the Razorbacks.

Score Prediction: Texas 45, Arkansas 14