Arkansas @ Texas Tech (-2) TV: ABC 3:30 pm Saturday
Daniel: I actually like the direction Arkansas is going right now. That may sound odd after the Razorbacks just came off a 10-game losing streak, but hear me out. They were much more competitive at the end of 2013, they scared playoff-contender Auburn on the road to start this season and were absolutely dominant in a 73-7 win over Nicholls State. Now Bret Bielema gets his chance for his first respectable win during his Arkansas tenure, and I think he pulls it off. Texas Tech hasn’t impressed me too much this season – only defeating Central Arkansas and UTEP by a combined total of 11 points. And I don’t think the Red Raiders can stop Arkansas’s run game, which, quietly, is one of the best attacks in the SEC. Winner: Arkansas 28-21
Houston: Call me crazy, but I smell a shootout in this one. Arkansas had a big day running the football last week and should have continued success in that area against the Red Raiders, but can they stop anyone? Texas Tech has had a slower start to the season than they had hoped for (winning 42-35 over Central Arkansas and 30-26 over UTEP), but I still think the Fighting Kliff Kingsburys can find their stride offensively this week against the Razorbacks. I like Texas Tech at home . Winner: FKKs 38-31
Reed: This is a matchup between a bottom barrel SEC team (I picked them last in the SEC West) and a middle of the pack Big 12 program. Arkansas, believe it or not, has the talent edge in this one but Texas Tech’s home field advantage may be able to negate that. Arkansas brings one of the nation’s best rushing attacks to the home of the Red Raiders and I think their offense line will pave the way for a massive day on the ground. Can their defense slow down Texas Tech enough for it to matter? I think so. The Red Raiders have struggled against inferior opponents and will be in for their toughest task of the season Saturday. Arkansas wins a close one. Winner: Arkansas 35-31
Richard: Talk about a total contrast in styles. Kliff Kingsbury and Brett Bielema are on total opposite ends of the spectrum. Kingsbury runs a fast paced spread offense that looks to spray quick passes all over the field. Bielema wants a ground and pound offense that sets up play action passes. Kingsbury is seen as a sex symbol who is full of Swag. The same has NEVER been said of Bielema. Looking past the coaches to the matchup, Texas Tech is going to have to play significantly better than they have the first two weeks if they are going to win. They were able to overcome their own sloppy play to outscore two inferior opponents so far. The Red Raiders have been an undisciplined bunch to this point. They have been flagged for 25 penalties through 2 games. They can’t keep shooting themselves in the foot and expect to beat Arkansas. The Razorbacks have looked much improved from last year, but the only way they could go was up. They have a dynamic running game that is filled with explosive depth. The Hogs will lean heavily on their ground attack to control the clock and keep the Red Raider offense off of the field. Texas Tech’s defense has struggled against the run, and they haven’t seen a backfield as good as the one they will see on Saturday. Arkansas played pretty decent at Auburn, so going to Lubbock shouldn’t be an issue. Arkansas’ run game and mistakes by Texas Tech will allow Arkansas to get a nice road win. Winner: Arkansas 31-27
