Despite a tough finish to the season, Arkansas football is set to play in a bowl game this winter after securing its sixth win last week against Louisiana Tech. The Razorbacks (6-6, 3-5) suffered a narrow defeat to Missouri in the Battle Line Rivalry, where Ja’Quinden Jackson scored three touchdowns. However, two costly turnovers derailed their chances.
The Razorbacks’ biggest boost to their postseason chances came from a 19-14 win over Tennessee in October, which bolstered their standing in the eyes of bowl projections. The SEC is expected to place several teams in the College Football Playoff, with the top non-playoff team likely headed to the Citrus Bowl. The conference will also assign teams to eight other affiliated bowls.
Following the regular season, multiple media outlets have weighed in on where Arkansas might play in the postseason. ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura projects the Razorbacks will face Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach predicts a matchup in the Liberty Bowl against North Carolina, which would be a reunion with former Arkansas quarterback Jacolby Criswell, now starting for the Tar Heels.
CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm has adjusted his prediction and now forecasts Arkansas playing West Virginia in the Birmingham Bowl on December 27. Meanwhile, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford believes the Razorbacks will play Texas Tech in the Houston Texans’ NRG Stadium on New Year’s Eve.
Despite the season’s ups and downs, Arkansas’ bowl berth remains a positive outcome, and fans can look forward to seeing how the Razorbacks perform in their postseason matchup.
