Liberty Bowl: Kansas vs Arkansas Preview and Prediction

The Kansas Jayhawks (6-6) have had a memorable season incomes their first bowl recreation look since 2008. They’ll have their work minimize out for them with a matchup towards SEC opponent Arkansas (6-6).

I am unable to think about that many specialists had the Jayhawks enjoying in a bowl recreation coming into the season. Kansas had a wonderful begin to the 2022 marketing campaign with a 5-0 report. They put the school soccer world on discover and captured the hearts of followers in all places. ESPN’s School Gameday even got here to Lawrence for the matchup towards TCU. Sadly for Kansas, the Frogs put that magic to a halt profitable 38-31.

Following that loss, Kansas began to slide and misplaced the subsequent two video games towards Oklahoma and Baylor earlier than beating Oklahoma State 37-16. They adopted that up with three consecutive losses by a mixed margin of 76 factors. 

Quarterback Jalon Daniels had a terrific begin to the season earlier than happening with an harm in the course of the TCU recreation. He would miss the subsequent 4 weeks earlier than returning for the Texas recreation. It was Jason Bean that took over the Jayhawks offense. Kansas did job of operating the soccer all season with operating again Devin Neal accumulating over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns this season. If they’ll set up the operating recreation early, that may set them up properly later within the recreation with rollouts and play motion.

Arkansas got here into the season ranked no. 19 within the nation. They opened up with a 31-24 win over Cincinnati. They ranked as excessive as no. 10 earlier than a troublesome loss to Texas A&M. Just like the Jayhawks, they fell right into a late season collapse shedding three of their final 4 video games. Operating again Raheim Sanders had a improbable season operating for 1,426 yards and 10 touchdowns. I count on an enormous recreation for vast receiver Matt Landers who has used his physicality all season lengthy to win on the catch level. 

Arkansas will play this recreation with a lowered roster as many gamers are getting ready for the NFL draft or have already hit the switch portal. Sanders mentioned this recreation is not the top to the season however a contemporary begin for the 2023 season. In preparation for this recreation many gamers acquired the eye from coaches that they could not have acquired all through the season. It is a possibility for the youthful guys to indicate off their skillset. 

Nevertheless, with that being mentioned I feel Kansas will prevail. There may be a lot pleasure surrounding this program and this is a chance to win a bowl recreation for the primary time in 14 years. Most of their gamers will play and I count on this recreation to show right into a shootout. I predict Kansas will win this recreation 45-41. The sport will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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