For different reasons, this Saturday’s border battle between Arkansas and Memphis carries major implications for each team.
When it comes to the visiting Razorbacks, they’re hoping to avoid an early second loss that could spell doom for their postseason hopes ahead of a grueling SEC schedule.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have quietly surged to their normal perch near the top of the Group of Five pecking order, and they are seeking a statement win that could propel them into the College Football Playoff conversation.
With all of that and more on the line, ESPN’s Football Power Index took a stab at predicting who would come out on top at the Liberty Bowl, and Arkansas has the slight edge with a 59.7% chance to head back to Fayetteville with a win.
The story of the Razorbacks’ season thus far has been that of offensive explosiveness, untimely turnovers and defensive woes.
Taylen Green & Co. lit up Alabama A&M and Arkansas State to begin the season, and they out-gained a potent Ole Miss squad 526-475 last Saturday. But a late fumble on a potential game-winning drive gave the Rebels another close win in the series, and it puts Arkansas behind the 8-ball heading into late September.
Given Sam Pittman’s high-flying offense and Memphis’ history of putting points on the board, some would expect a shootout to ensue. But the Tigers have been one of the tougher defensive teams in the nation to start the season, only giving up 11 points per game.
Comfortable wins over Chattanooga and Georgia State may not impress many, but Ryan Silverfield’s team went on the road last week and largely handled a Troy squad that put a major scare in Clemson the weekend prior. And with Nevada transfer quarterback Brendon Lewis appearing to settle in as each game goes by, Memphis is fully capable of taking the visitors deep into the fourth quarter.
Kickoff from the Liberty Bowl is scheduled for noon EST, and the game will be televised by ABC.
Current sports editor with the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. 2024 graduate from Mizzou and college athletics enthusiast.
