The Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Tech Red Raiders are no strangers to each other. These two clashed annually as Southwest Conference rivals from 1957 to 1991. Arkansas holds a dominant 29-8 advantage in the all-time series, but Texas Tech claimed bragging rights in their last meeting with a 35-24 victory in 2015.
Who takes the edge this time? Our Texas Tech vs. Arkansas prediction dives into everything you need to know—from the latest betting odds to what’s on the line as these teams square off in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
Texas Tech vs. Arkansas Liberty Bowl Betting Preview
All Texas Tech vs. Arkansas odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Texas Tech -1.5 - Spread
Texas Tech -2.5 - Moneyline
Texas Tech -142, Arkansas +130 - Over/Under
52.5 points - Game Time
7:00 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 27 - Location
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | Memphis, Tenn. - Predicted Weather at Kick
TBD - How To Watch
ESPN
The Red Raiders ended the season hot, going 4-1 against the spread and pushing the total over in five of six games.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
The same can’t be said for Arkansas, which went 2-4 ATS in its final six contests and saw under cash in six of its last nine.
Texas Tech’s Winning Probability
Joey McGuire has yet to post a losing record with the Red Raiders, and he’s won back-to-back bowl games — can he make it three straight? The FPM likes his odds, giving Texas Tech an over 51% chance of defeating Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl.
- at Arkansas: 51.8%
Arkansas’ Winning Probability
The Sim Pittman era has been filled with ups and downs. The future is even less concrete, with QB KJ Jefferson returning to the program after spending a year with the UCF Knights. Making the situation even more awkward, 2024 starting QB Taylen Green announced he would remain in Fayetteville in 2025.
- vs. Texas Tech: 48.2%
Prediction for Texas Tech vs. Arkansas
Texas Tech showed consistency throughout the season, aside from a two-game stumble against Baylor and TCU. They finished strong, winning three of their last four games, with their high-powered offense leading the Big 12 at 38.58 points per game. The Red Raiders also hit the over in five of their final six contests.
The biggest storyline for Texas Tech—outside of QB Behren Morton being sidelined following shoulder surgery—is the status of star RB Tahj Brooks. Brooks needs just 23 yards to set the school’s career rushing record, but it remains to be seen if he’ll suit up or sit out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
MORE: 2024 College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker
On the other side, Arkansas heads into the Liberty Bowl in disarray. Reports indicate the Razorbacks will be without star WR Andrew Armstrong, two starting defensive linemen, and at least eight players who’ve entered the transfer portal, including TE Luke Hasz and QB Malachi Singleton.
With the SEC’s second-worst scoring defense, Arkansas has its work cut out. Still, I’m leaning toward the Razorbacks here. Starting a true freshman QB (Will Hammond) against an SEC defense could spell disaster for Texas Tech, especially if Brooks decides to sit out.
Arkansas, meanwhile, retains its QB1 and has a reliable stable of running backs. While turnover on the offensive line and among pass catchers will be a challenge, Texas Tech’s defense isn’t exactly a fortress. If Arkansas can play to its strengths, they have a real shot in this matchup.
Prediction: Arkansas 31, Texas Tech 27
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