Lance Leipold knew what he was getting into when he took over a Kansas program that had struggled for years and hadn’t been relevant in college football since the 2007 Orange Bowl. KU entered 2022 having gone 18-99 in the previous ten seasons, including a pair of winless campaigns in 2015 and, most recently, in 2020.
A 2-10 season in 2021 didn’t provide fans of the Jayhawks much hope, as they were picked to finish dead last in the Big 12.
Arkansas, on the other hand, qualified for back-to-back bowls under Sam Pittman, a veteran SEC offensive line coach who was a surprise hire three seasons ago. The Arkansas Razorbacks‘ nine wins a season ago were its most since 2011.
It’s safe to say that reaching the postseason, meeting in Memphis in the Liberty Bowl, and having a .500 record represent different things to each of these programs: a major accomplishment for Kansas while somewhat of a regression for Arkansas.
In this piece, we will get you ready for your NCAAF picks and make a definitive Kansas vs Arkansas prediction, as it’s one of four NCAAF games on the NCAAF schedule Wednesday.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Matchup Info
- Date: Wednesday, December 28, 2022
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Venue: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
- How to Watch: ESPN
It is literally impossible to find anyone who was in attendance who witnessed the last two times these teams met (1905 and 1906). Kansas holds a 2-0 series edge.
Kansas Performance Recap and Analysis
The Kansas Jayhawks were the toast of college football and one of its main stories in September, going 4-0 on the month to double its win total of last season when they finished at the bottom of the NCAAF standings. Following a home win over Iowa State to move to 5-0, KU was ranked heading into a home matchup with TCU, a CFP participant.
The luck ran out that day for Kansas as they fell victim to TCU quarterback Max Duggan’s heroics late in a 38-31 loss. The win was somewhat out of their sails as they dropped two more, at Oklahoma and in Waco against Baylor.
A win over Oklahoma State secured a bowl bid for the first time in 15 years, but then the team returned to its losing ways, dropping its final three contests.
Statistically, Kansas was more successful on offense running it while the Jayhawk defense, an Achilles heel for quite some time now, finished the year 241st overall among FBC and FCS programs in yards allowed.
Key Injuries
Thankfully for Jayhawk fans and those favoring KU in their Kansas vs Arkansas prediction, QB Jalon Daniels does not show up on the list of college football injuries as he is fully healed and ready to lead Kansas.
Betting Trends to Know
- The Jayhawks are 5-1 against the number in their last six neutral site contests.
- Kansas is 0-4 in their last four contests as an underdog.
- KU coach Lance Leipold 2-1 SU in bowl games.
Arkansas Performance Recap and Analysis
Much was expected of Arkansas heading into 2022 despite residing in America’s toughest conference. The Hogs began the year with promise, dispatching Cincinnati on a neutral field and then defeating South Carolina in Fayetteville. Following a win over former coach Bobby Petrino’s FCS Missouri State side, Arkansas went into a slide.
Three straight league losses were followed by road wins at BYU and Auburn and then losses to Liberty and LSU. The team was never able to generate any momentum the rest of the way, with a 42-27 victory over Ole Miss Rebels being the highlight.
Offensively, Arkansas had a much better running team than a passing squad, while on defense, Hogs were much more susceptible to the pass than the run
Key Injuries
A lot to digest here as a pair of first-team all-league players, LB Drew Sanders and C Ricky Stromberg, are out, preparing themselves for the upcoming NFL draft, as did top receiver Jordan Haselwood. LB Bumper Pool is out due to injury. Razorbacks to enter the portal include DB Myles Slusher, TE Trey Knox, and WR Ketron Jackson.
Betting Trends to Know
- The Under is 9-1 in the last 10 Arkansas bowl games.
- The Under is 5-0 in the last 5 Razorback neutral site games.
- The Razorbacks are 4-0 in their last four bowl games as a favorite.
Kansas vs. Arkansas Odds
A quick glance at the NCAAF odds shows the Razorbacks as 3-point favorites. The game total currently stands at 69. Arkansas bettors will get – 140 on the moneyline, while those choosing to back the Jayhawks will get a price of + 120.
Kansas vs. Arkansas Betting Picks
Moneyline
Kansas was a team that captured the imagination of all in college football following its 5-0 start. Then, we all know about the 1-6 finish. Arkansas also wasn’t exactly stellar, losing three of its final four contests. Not exactly two teams entering with momentum. We lean toward Kansas here since they are relatively healthy and intact and definitely have motivation following a long bowl drought.
Over-Under
Hard to ignore trends when it comes to totals. Arkansas has gone over nine times in 2022. However, this is the largest number that has been set in any of its games. With the exception of 70 against TCU, Kansas has never been in a spot with a total this big. To that end, we’re going under.
Spread
Not exactly an easy spot since both teams come limping into this game. However, we are choosing to side with a team that comes in much as it was during the regular season as opposed to a side cobbling together a lineup in the wake of lots of defections. This trend has been a winning one early in the bowl season. So, Kansas it is.
Kansas vs. Arkansas Score Prediction
In carefully analyzing all that goes into making winning NCAAF picks, we have devised our Kansas vs Arkansas prediction. We like the Jayhawks to prevail 37-28.
NCAAF Pick: Kansas 37, Arkansas 28.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.