Texas Tech vs Arkansas A Clash of Depleted Teams in the 2024 Liberty Bowl
Texas Tech vs Arkansas: 2024 Liberty Bowl Preview – A Clash of Depleted Teams
The 2024 Liberty Bowl on December 29th promises a compelling matchup between the Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-4) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (6-6) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. With both teams dealing with key injuries and player opt-outs, this game holds plenty of intrigue as they look to end their seasons on a high note. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM EST.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Closing Strong Despite Injuries
Texas Tech enters the Liberty Bowl on a two-game winning streak and eager to secure their ninth win of the season. With head coach Joey McGuire leading the charge, the Red Raiders are aiming to cap off an impressive season that saw them go 6-3 in the Big 12. However, they will face adversity in the form of significant injuries and player departures heading into the bowl game.
The Red Raiders’ offense has been explosive all year, ranking fifth in the nation in scoring. Running back Tahj Brooks, who ran for over 1,500 yards and scored 17 touchdowns, will lead the charge on the ground. Quarterback Behren Morton, who had a standout season with over 3,300 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, will not suit up for the bowl after being lost to injury. In his place, freshman Will Hammond, who has thrown for 536 yards and one touchdown this season, will take the reins.
Despite losing several key offensive players, including wide receiver Josh Kelly (89 receptions, 1,000+ yards), the Red Raiders will look to their high-powered passing attack, which finished 10th in the nation. However, they will have to compensate for their weak defense, ranked 111th in scoring defense. They allowed 131st in passing yards per game, making their defense a critical point of focus. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who had 118 tackles and five sacks, will be key to slowing down Arkansas’s offense.
Key injuries for Texas Tech include QB Behren Morton, RB Cam’Ron Valdez, LB Joseph Adedire, and TE Charles Robinson, while several other key players are listed as questionable.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Struggling to Overcome Opt-Outs and Injuries
The Arkansas Razorbacks enter the Liberty Bowl with a .500 record, finishing the SEC season 3-5. Although they secured bowl eligibility, Arkansas’s path to a strong finish has been marred by key departures and injuries. They come into the bowl game with significant roster changes, including multiple key offensive and defensive players opting out or entering the transfer portal.
Quarterback Taylen Green has been a bright spot for the Razorbacks, accumulating over 3,300 yards and 20 touchdowns through the air. However, with three starting offensive linemen and three top receivers unavailable, Arkansas’s offense will need to rely more heavily on the run game. Their rushing attack ranks 45th in the nation, but it could be tested with a makeshift line. Despite these challenges, Green’s dual-threat ability will be crucial in keeping the offense balanced.
On defense, Arkansas faces further setbacks due to opt-outs on the defensive line. The Razorbacks, who were 24th in the nation against the run, will now be forced to field a much thinner defensive front. Their struggles against the pass (110th in the country) could also be a major concern as they face a potent Texas Tech passing attack. With a defense ranked 75th in scoring defense and 107th in penalties per game, Arkansas will need to rely on their reserves to step up in a big way.
Key injuries for Arkansas include RB Braylen Russell, DB Anthony Switzer, TE Var’Keyes Gumms, K Kyle Ramsey, RB Tyrell Reed Jr., DB Jaylon Braxton, and WR Khafre Brown, with many listed as questionable.
Conclusion
This Liberty Bowl matchup will be defined by both teams’ ability to overcome roster depletion and injuries. Texas Tech enters with a high-powered offense but a weak defense, while Arkansas will look to lean on their run game and hope their defense can weather the storm despite missing key players. As both teams aim for a strong finish to their seasons, this game presents a unique opportunity to close out 2024 on a high note.
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