The Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Tech Red Raiders are far from strangers. The two dueled annually as members of the Southwest Conference from 1957 to 1991. While Arkansas has dominated the series with a commanding 29-8 lead, Texas Tech had the last laugh in their most recent encounter, a 35-24 victory in 2015.
Who will come out on top this time around? Our Texas Tech vs. Arkansas prediction breaks down everything you need to know — from the latest betting odds to what’s at stake for both teams as they battle 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 Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Texas Tech -1.5 - Spread
Arkansas -2 - Moneyline
Arkansas -120, Texas Tech +100 - Over/Under
54.5 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 was consistent throughout the season, aside from a two-game stumble against the Baylor Bears and TCU Horned Frogs. They closed strong, winning three of their last four games, and their high-scoring offense (first in the Big 12 at 38.58 points per game) hit the over in five of six contests.
The biggest storyline for the Red Raiders — outside of QB Behren Morton being out due to shoulder surgery — is whether star RB Tahj Brooks, who needs just 23 yards to set the school’s career rushing record, will suit up or sit out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
MORE: 2024 College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker
Meanwhile, Arkansas enters the Liberty Bowl in turmoil. Reports indicate the Razorbacks will be without star WR Andrew Armstrong, two starting defensive linemen, and at least eight players who have entered the transfer portal, including TE Luke Hasz and QB Malachi Singleton.
Coupled with the SEC’s second-worst scoring defense, Arkansas faces an uphill battle. That said, I’m still backing the Razorbacks. Starting a true freshman QB (Will Hammond) against an SEC defense is a recipe for disaster, especially if Brooks opts out.
Plus, Arkansas still has its QB1 in place and has a solid stable of RBs. The OL and pass catcher turnover won’t be easy to navigate, but the Red Raiders’ defense doesn’t exactly elicit fear.
Prediction: Arkansas 31, Texas Tech 27
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