5 Keys for Arkansas to defeat Texas Tech

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas is headed to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Friday to face Texas Tech.

Arkansas (6-6) and Texas Tech (8-4) both looking to take a win to end the season. Arkansas is missing several starters from the season due to opt out for the 2025 NFL Draft or to enter the transfer portal. Texas Tech lost its starting quarterback due to surgery.

Here’s five keys for the Razorbacks to leave Memphis with a 7-6 record.

Eliminate Turnovers, Excessive Penalties

The Razorbacks lost the turnover battle in seven games this season. They lost six of those games. If Louisiana Tech had been better on offense they very well could have lost all seven games. The 19-14 win over then No. 4 Tennessee was an example of what this team was capable of doing. The Hogs lost to Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Ole Miss and LSU after losing the turnover battle. Ole Miss was the one game where they got blown out. LSU ended up winning by a one-sided margin, but that game saw the Hogs only trailing 16-10 with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. An interception led to quick LSU touchdown and the game was over with LSU adding 18 points for the victory. With so many new players and no Andrew Armstrong, Ja’Quinden Jackson, Luke Hasz, Isaiah Sategna and others the Hogs can ill afford turnovers.

Protect Taylen Green

Virtually all season Taylen Green has had to run for his life. He’s very mobile, but still the offensive line needs to protect him and allow him more time to throw since he has so many new receivers. The offensive line has some new starters too. The offensive line will likely have Kobe Branham and Brooks Edmonson starting. They will join E’Marion Harris, Keyshawn Blackstock and Fernando Carmona as starters. Joe More could start at center instead of Edmonson though both are expected to play. Branham has a chance to be an All-SEC offensive lineman in the future, but he’s just a true freshman getting his first start.

Get Production Beyond Isaac TeSlaa at Receiver

Andrew Armstrong led the Hogs with 78 receptions this season. The leading receiver available for the bowl game is Isaac Teslaa. He had 25 catches this fall. Counting TeSlaa all the wide receivers, running backs and tight ends available for this game have a combined 50 receptions. That is 28 short of what Armstrong himself had. This will be a chance for CJ Brown, Monte Harrison and others to show what they can do. The Razorbacks have signed eight wide receivers in recruiting, four from high school and same from transfer portal. Tyrone Broden has 15 receptions and will play. Jordan Anthony is missing the game due to a family issue. Some players stepping up and helping TeSlaa will be a key to any chance the Hogs have of winning this game.

Pressure Will Hammond

Will Hammond is the starting quarterback now that Behren Morton is out of the game. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown this season in very limited duty. Arkansas had success against a young quarterback who started for Auburn and hope to repeat that feat against Hammond. Of course players such as Landon Jackson, TJ Metcalf and others aren’t playing against Tech after dominating in the Auburn game. Quincy Rhodes, Cam Ball, strong group of linebackers, Hudson Clark and Doneiko Slaughter are among the defensive players who are expected to step up.

Don’t Waste Scoring Opportunities

The Hogs struggled some in the red zone at times this season. The field goal production was inconsistent. When Arkansas gets into Red Raider territory they need to find a way to score. If it is three points that is better than coming up empty like they did numerous times against Oklahoma State.

Prediction: Arkansas 34 – Texas Tech 31