The Texas Longhorns have a chance to recover from a tough defeat at Georgia as they face the Arkansas Razorbacks in a key SEC matchup on Saturday. Ranked No. 17 in the standings, Texas is 7-3 and is carrying one of the Southeastern Conference’s toughest defenses, a defense that allows only 18.3 points and 317.9 yards a game and thus is the second- and third-best in the SEC respectively.
Offensively, the Longhorns average 27.6 points with approximately 370.7 yards in each contest. The Razorbacks, by contrast, have cemented their place as one of the Southeastern Conference’s leading offensive teams with an unremarkable 2-8 record, and are averaging 34.1 points for a total of 470 total yards per game — figures that would put them near the top four in the SEC on a per-game basis according to these benchmarks. Arkansas has a particularly strong offense, with a ground attack of 205.4 rushing yards per match (2nd best in SEC), or almost 6.0 yards per carry. Yet worries have arisen for their defense, which has struggled significantly this year with 32.3 points and 426.5 total yards allowed each week — numbers that have pushed it toward near-bottom spots across conference standings.
The Razorbacks are winless in conference play, losing each of these games by one score. With a high-powered offense led by senior quarterback Taylen Green, Arkansas has the potential to pull off an upset in Austin. Texas is in a must-win game for a multitude of reasons, and will need to be focused and ready in order to win a game in which they are favored by 8.5 points.
Who wins this game and why? Our staff weighs in with their thoughts.
Jameson McCausland (8-2)
It is hard to have much faith in the Texas defense right now, particularly in the secondary. Arkansas is a top 5 offense Texas has faced this year and presents a lot of challenges. Taylen Green is one of the most underrated players in college football.
I trust the Texas offense to get into the low 30’s against a very bad Arkansas defense, but this might be another nail biter where Texas has to hold on for dear life late.
Score Prediction: Texas 31, Arkansas 27
Aaron Carrara (6-4)
Texas needs to win this game for a morale boost just as much as they need to win it for an outside chance at making the CFP (should they beat Texas A&M next week). If the team can get past last week’s loss to Georgia and not focus ahead to the Lone Star Showdown, they win this game with no problem. They are the much better team on paper, but this is set up to be a trap game. Texas needs to play cognizant and consistent football for four quarters, or Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green will make them pay.
There has been some distraction this week for the team, but hopefully Sark has done a good enough job of having them tune out the noise. Texas wins this one in a close game and head into the game against Texas A&M with an 8-3 record.
Score Prediction: Texas 34, Arkansas 27
Marc Henry (6-4)
Texas returns home to Austin after a tough road loss to Georgia, coming in ranked No. 17 in the nation. The Longhorns are looking to regain momentum, but to do that, they’ll need to fix a few things that have held them back early in the season.
The biggest key: establishing the run game. Texas has yet to find consistent success on the ground, and controlling the line of scrimmage will be essential in a matchup they should be able to dominate physically.
Defensively, the Longhorns must eliminate explosive plays and keep Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green contained. Green is dangerous outside the pocket, so discipline and containment on the edges will be crucial.
If Texas takes care of business up front and plays clean defensively, they should be in control throughout.
Score Prediction: Texas 31, Arkansas 14
Devon Messinger (7-3)
The Longhorns find themselves in a difficult spot after dropping last week’s game to Georgia. With Texas A&M looming next weekend, it will be important to not overlook a stumbling Arkansas Razorbacks team this Saturday.
While Arkansas’ defense has struggled mightily all year, its offense has actually been among the best in football. That means Steve Sarkisian’s squad will need to score – something that hasn’t been a guarantee this season.
With Saturday’s matchup shaping up as a true “must-win” for Texas, expect some fireworks on both sides of the ball. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if Arkansas keeps things uncomfortably close.
Score Prediction: Texas 31, Arkansas 27
Mitch Lovell (7-3)
Texas is coming off a brutal loss and their season goals are no longer in their own hands. Arkansas can and should be a get-right game for the Texas offense. If there is a worse defense in the SEC than the Razorbacks, I have yet to see it. Quarterback Taylen Green can present some problems but at some point the Longhorns’ secondary will stop blowing coverages… right? Look for Texas to start fast and pounce on the Hogs early and often.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, Arkansas 17
