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Texas Bowl: It's a Southwest Conference matchup of 6-6 teams

Graham Watson

Texas Bowl
Arkansas (6-6) vs. Texas (6-6)
Houston
Dec 29, 2014

If you have to pit two 6-6 teams against each other, you might as well do it with a historical rivalry in mind.

Texas and Arkansas are two former Southwest Conference rivals that used to engage in some epic games, but the two teams haven’t played since 2008. However, this game has the potential to get Arkansas on the right side of this rivalry after losing the last two in the series.

And Arkansas has to be feeling pretty confident after winning two of its final three — both wins against to 25 teams — become bowl eligible.

It’s fair to say Arkansas was the best 6-6 team in the country and it certainly played the toughest schedule with eight of those opponents ranked in the Top 25. However, the Arkansas offense, especially its running game, always seemed to be step-for-step with its competition. That’s due in part to Arkansas gigantic offensive line, which allowed the running game to average 220.3 yards per game, which ranked 28th in the country.

Running backs Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins have both rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season and are responsible for 23 of the Razorbacks’ 30 touchdowns. The strong running game has taken some of the pressure off quarterback Brandon Allen. Allen is coming into the game recovering from a hip injury he suffered against on Nov. 22 against Ole Miss. He played the following week against Missouri, but was clearly hobbled. Coach Bret Bielema said Allen is completely healthy heading into this contest.

The Arkansas offense should have a major advantage against a Texas offense that has struggled all season. Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes has thrown 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and eight of those interceptions have come in losses. He’s coming off a game where he threw a career-high four interceptions in a 48-10 rout by TCU. Swoopes will face a similarly tough defense in Arkansas, which ranks 17th in country allowing just 20.3 points per game.

There’s no doubt both teams are looking for a win to propel their respective squads into a better 2015. Both of these programs are in a rebuilding phase and a win in the Texas Bowl could be a sign of positive things to come.

Vegas odds: Arkansas (-6.5)

FUN FACTArkansas faced eight teams ranked in the AP Top 25 and though the Razorbacks only won two of those games, it was only outscored 177-165. Only two of the losses against a ranked opponents were by more than a touchdown.

PREDICTIONS

Graham: Arkansas was so close to being a 10-win team this season that it’s difficult to pick against them. The Razorbacks offense is better than Texas’ and I don’t think the defense can keep the Longhorns in the game forever.Arkansas 35, Texas 17.

Nick: How can Bret Bielema keep trolling Texas and Charlie Strong? Maybe he'll run a five-wide empty backfield set on the first drive? That'd be awesome. Arkansas is the better team here, and as long as they avoid a costly mistake (which is a huge if) the Hogs win. Arkansas 26, Texas 20

Sam: Arkansas plays an old-school brand of football that was really effective late in the year. If the Razorbacks can get out to an early lead and force Tyrone Swoopes to throw more than he likes, Bret Bielema's team should be able to win the game. Arkansas 20, Texas 13.

For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.

For more Texas news, visit Orangebloods.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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