The Kansas Jayhawks and Arkansas Razorbacks face off on Wednesday in a college football showdown in the Liberty Bowl at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. This is the first meeting played between the two teams in recent history.
Kansas comes into this game with a 6-6 record, and they have gone 7-4-1 against the spread. Coming into the season, there weren’t many who thought they would win even three games, but here they are in the bowl game. Heading into this game, though, they have won three games in a row. In the last game against Kansas State, the Jayhawks were defeated 47-27. Jalon Daniels completed 20 of his 32 passes for 168 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Jayhawks are averaging 34.2 points, while their defense is giving up 33.8 points per game. Daniels on the season has thrown for 1,470 yards, 13 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Running back Devin Neal is having a strong season, rushing for 1,061 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the other side of this matchup is Arkansas, who sits with a 6-6 record, and they have gone 6-6 against the spread. In the last game against Missouri they were competitive, but they gave up 29 points, and that led to the two point defeat. The Razorbacks have some key players that have either transferred or opted out. Center Ricky Stromberg, linebacker Drew Sanders and wide receiver Jadon Haselwood have all opted out to get ready for the NFL draft. Ketron Jackson has also opted out to get ready for the NFL draft. Arkansas is averaging 30.7 points, while their defense is giving up 28.8 points per game. On the season KJ Jefferson has thrown for 2361 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The Jayhawks are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games on a neutral site. The under is 5-0 in the Razorbacks last five neutral site games. The under is 9-1 in Arkansas last 10 bowl games.
With all the opts out, I think the Razorbacks offense is going to struggle. Look for a big game from Daniels, and the Jayhawks' offense is going to have no issue running up the score. Look for Kansas to score at least 35 points here, and Arkansas won’t be keeping up. Back the Jayhawks against the spread.