Texas football will head to Fayetteville, AR, this Saturday to face the Arkansas Razorbacks in their second-to-last away game of the regular season. The Longhorns are looking for redemption after losing to Arkansas in 2021 during Steve Sarkisian’s first true road game. Ranked No. 3 in the latest poll, Texas is also aiming to make a strong impression on the College Football Playoff Committee.
However, Arkansas won’t be an easy opponent. The Razorbacks pulled off an upset against Tennessee earlier this season and are vying for a bowl game berth. A win on Saturday would secure their eligibility for postseason play, so they’ll be motivated to knock off the Longhorns and shake up the playoff rankings. Here are four reasons why Texas is likely to come out on top:
4. Longhorns excel at containing mobile quarterbacks**
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green is known for his ability to scramble when under pressure. The Longhorns have already proven they can manage mobile quarterbacks, having successfully contained Oklahoma’s Michael Hawkins Jr. earlier this season. Texas will look to keep Green from making big plays with his legs, which will be key to securing a win.
3. Getting the ball to the outside**
Texas has done a great job of moving the ball quickly to receivers and running backs on the outside. A prime example is Isaiah Bond’s impressive run against Florida last week, which set up a significant gain. The Longhorns will need to continue this strategy against Arkansas to stretch the defense and create big plays. Getting the ball to the outside should be a top priority for Texas’ offense to potentially end the game early.
2. Defense wins championships**
Texas’ defense has been one of the best in the SEC this season. While they might not be at the level of Georgia’s defense, which can shut down the run game instantly, the Longhorns have been solid against middle-tier offenses. Their defense should be more than capable of keeping Arkansas’ offense in check and preventing them from making big plays on Saturday.
1.A ball-hawking secondary**
Texas’ secondary has been a pleasant surprise, especially after concerns heading into their first SEC season. The Longhorns have consistently broken up passes and intercepted the ball, making it difficult for opposing offenses to sustain drives. After a stellar performance shutting down Florida’s passing game, the secondary should be well-positioned to neutralize Arkansas’ passing attack and help Texas secure the victory.
With these advantages, Texas looks set to beat Arkansas and continue their march toward a College Football Playoff spot.