College Football Predictions: Kansas State vs. Arkansas Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Thursday, 05 January 2012 07:19

Cotton Bowl predictions are ready in the college football game between Kansas State and Arkansas.

The #10 Kansas State Jayhawks (10-2) and the #7 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2) will meet up in the 2011 Cotton Bowl on Friday, and we’ll preview the action and release predictions on how we feel the game will play out.  Legends Sportsbook currently has the Kansas State vs. Arkansas odds favoring the Razorbacks by 7.5 on the point spread, while the total sits at 63.

Despite being the large favorite, it is worth pointing out that Arkansas has just a 2-2 record on the road.  Those two losses were against LSU and Alabama, but it is interesting to note how little time the Razorbacks have spent away from home this season.  Kansas State is 4-1 when having to travel, with their only loss a narrow 45-52 defeat against Oklahoma State.

The Cotton Bowl has a start time of 8:00 PM ET, and the game between Kansas State and Arkansas will be shown live on the FOX channel.  These two teams have no recent meetings, making Friday’s Cotton Bowl showdown that much more intruiging.

Arkansas’ Offense vs. Kansas State’s Defense:

Quarterback Tyler Wilson (3422 yards, 63.1%, 22 TD, 6 INT) leads an Arkansas offense that averages 37.4 points per game while throwing for 307.8 yards per contest.  The Razorbacks have come up empty offensively in their two losses, but those games were against the elite defenses in college football.  Kansas State’s defense is not spectacular and their secondary has been a huge letdown against any team that can throw the ball well.  I see Arkansas scoring quite a few points here, although Kansas State’s running game will keep them off the field a bit if it’s successful.

Kansas State’s Offense vs. Arkansas’ Defense:

The Wildcats average 33.1 points per game but do so without much of a passing attack.  Kansas State only averages 149.8 yards through the air, and their running game (193.7 yards per game) really doesn’t match up to the points they are scoring.  Arkansas has only allowed 22.8 points per game but their rush defense has been a big problem.  That being said, Kansas State was held in check by Texas and Oklahoma, and they’ve done most of their damage against some poor defenses.

Cotton Bowl Predictions – Kansas State vs. Arkansas Game:

The only hope for the Wildcats to keep the final score close will be if their offense is capable of going on long drives that keep the Razorbacks’ offensive weapons sidelined.  Arkansas has not fared well against the run this season, but I just don’t believe that Kansas State mixes it up with the pass enough to beat them consistently.  Look for Arkansas to win by a large margin as the Wildcats’ lack of a defense and a balanced offense finally catch up with them.

Bet on the 2011 Cotton Bowl game between Arkansas and Kansas State at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus just for clicking on our link to get started!

Kansas State 24

Arkansas 45