The Texas Tech Red Raiders and Arkansas Razorbacks meet in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis Tennessee on Friday night. Texas Tech finished up their season with two straight wins and an 8-4 record. The Razorbacks ended their regular season with a loss and a 6-6 record. They are currently 2 point dogs and this Texas Tech vs. Arkansas matchup is set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2) at Arkansas Razorbacks (+2) o/u 52.5
7:00 p.m. ET, Friday, December 27, 2024
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
TV: ESPN
Public Betting: Public Bettors Leaning Red Raiders
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 52% of bets are on Texas Tech. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders finished off their season with a dominant 52-15 win over West Virginia. Behren Morton completed 28 of 41 pass attempts for 359 yards. He also had 2 touchdown passes and an interception. Tahj Brooks went off for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries. Josh Kelly led receivers with 9 receptions for 150 yards. The defense had 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, 4 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss.
Behren Morton had shoulder surgery and will not play in this bowl game. True freshman Will Hammond is expected to get the start. Star running back Tahj Brooks is still undecided on if he will participate in the bowl game. He is expected to declare for the draft at some point. Brooks is listed on the team’s depth chart, has practiced all week and traveled with the team to Memphis but is still very much a 50-50 if he will play or not. Leading receiver Josh Kelly is not a 50-50. He has opted out of the bowl game to prepare for the draft. Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley accepted the job as head coach at FAU. The new OC, Mack Leftwich won’t be coaching in this game. The defensive coordinator was fired.
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks ended their season with a 28-21 loss to Missouri. Taylen Green completed 21 of 35 pass attempts for 229 yards. He also rushed for 53 yards and lost a fumble. Ja’Quinden Jackson was the lead back with 18 carries for 87 yards and 3 touchdowns. Taylen Green will remain at Arkansas and will play in the bowl game. Ja’Quinden Jackson has declared for the NFL draft. Also the Razorbacks lost 3 defensive linemen to the portal.
Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Betting Trends
Texas Tech is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
The OVER is 5-1 in Texas Tech’s last 6 games
Arkansas is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
The UNDER is 6-3 in Arkansas’ last 9 games
Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Prediction:
Take the over 52.5 points in this matchup on Friday night. Texas Tech ranks 5th in points per game averaging 37.4. Will Hammond saw most of his action on the season in the TCU game where he completed 10 of 15 pass attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 16 yards and a touchdown in the 35-34 loss. In his senior year of high school, he threw for 3910 yards and 35 touchdowns (and 14 interceptions) and also averaged 5.9 yards on the ground for another 19 touchdowns. I think the Red Raiders will be able to move the ball with the young dual threat QB. Arkansas ranks 74th in ppg allowed giving up 27.2. They also just lost 3 guys off their defensive line.
On the other side, the Razorbacks will have their starting qb in this game. The offense averaged 26.6 ppg. The over was 4-0 in Arkansas games against non conference opponents. The Texas Tech defense ranks 111th in ppg allowed giving up 33. They won’t have a defensive coordinator and they gave up 41+ points in 2 of the last 3 games. The weather should be perfect in Memphis for a lot of points on Friday night.
Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Prediction: Over 52.5