Arkansas vs Louisiana Tech Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 19, 2024 2:45 PM ET

Arkansas gave it a run against Texas, but came up just short in a tough 20-10 loss for its third defeat in the last four games. It needs one more win to get bowl eligible with a trip to Missouri next week to close out the season. It would be the third bowl game in four seasons.

Louisiana Tech pulled off one of the low-key stunners of the year with a 12-7 win on the road over a Western Kentucky team that should win the Conference USA title. The Bulldogs can go bowling if they pull off the upset here and beat Kennesaw State next week.

Arkansas vs Louisiana Tech: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
How To Watch: ESPN+
Venue: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR
Teams: Arkansas (5-5), Louisiana Tech (4-6)
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Why Louisiana Tech Will Win

So what did Louisiana Tech do so right in the shocker over WKU? The run defense was incredible.

When the Bulldogs get into the backfield, good things happen. They came up with seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and held the Hilltoppers to just 63 rushing yards to own third downs.

Arkansas is relatively simple. When the running game rolls, the team wins going 5-1 with the lone loss the overtime thriller against Oklahoma State. When it doesn’t get to 130 yards on the ground, the team is 0-4. The Bulldogs allowed more than 130 rushing yards just four times, but …

Why Arkansas Will Win

Louisiana Tech won’t do anything on the ground against the Hogs.

Arkansas has been terrific all year against the run, allowing over four yards per carry in the win over Auburn and against LSU and Tennessee, but that’s it. It’s possible to run on this bunch, but it takes a whole lot of carries to do it.

It’s the passing attack that has to kick in for Louisiana Tech. It has the pop to get to 200 yards, but it has to get to 200 yards on the ground and over four yards per carry. It did it last week against WKU and earlier against Middle Tennessee, and that’s been it.

The Arkansas D will hold up when needed.

Arkansas vs Louisiana Tech: Who Will Win?

This won’t be quite as easy as Arkansas fans might like, but the whole bowl eligibility thing will kick in. After a rocky first quarter, all of a sudden the offense will get going with two strong scoring drives.

Louisiana Tech will turn it over twice, Arkansas will capitalize on both, and the game will open up from there.