Arkansas football vs. Kansas in Liberty Bowl: Score prediction, scouting report
FAYETTEVILLE — When Arkansas football plays in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, it will face an opponent it hasn't played in more than 100 years.
The Razorbacks are set to take on Kansas on Dec. 28 (4:30 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Simmons Liberty Stadium in Memphis.
The Jayhawks (6-6) are playing in a bowl game for the first time since 2008. Kansas exceeded expectations this year, and making it to the Liberty Bowl is a big deal for the Jayhawk faithful.
For Arkansas, however, a 6-6 finish was an underperformance. The Razorbacks went 9-4 last season, including an Outback Bowl win. A road loss to Missouri ended this season on a sour note.
But the Razorbacks have a chance to finish strong at the Liberty Bowl. Here's a look at Arkansas' opponent: Kansas.
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Kansas' season in review
The Jayhawks were the talk of college football early in the season after starting the year 5-0. Five wins were as many as Kansas had in the previous three seasons combined.
But then Big 12 play began in earnest, and Kansas' starting quarterback got hurt. The Jayhawks lost six of their last seven games and finished with two conference wins over Iowa State and Oklahoma State.
The season is still seen as a triumph for the program. First-year coach Lance Leipold's name was floated for vacancies at Nebraska and Wisconsin, but Kansas managed to sign him to an extension through the 2029 season. His salary starts at $5 million per year.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels back from injury
Daniels was the driving force behind Kansas' early success. He had a .682 completion percentage in his first five games, throwing for 983 yards and 11 touchdowns.
But in Week 6 against TCU, Daniels fell on his throwing shoulder while being tackled in the first quarter. He left the game and missed the next four, and Kansas lost all but one of them.
Daniels was back for Kansas' game vs. Texas in Week 12. He threw for 230 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss.
He was named second-team All-Big 12 at the end of the regular season after finishing with 1,470 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Jayhawks' defense
Kansas' defense has individual talent: Defensive back Cobee Bryant was named first-team All-Big 12, and defensive lineman Lonnie Phelps made the second team. As a unit, however, the Jayhawk defense is among the least effective in the conference.
Kansas ranks last in the Big 12 in points per game allowed (33.8), rushing yards per game allowed (193.75) and tackles for loss per game (4.75). The Jayhawks' pass defense hasn't been stout, either, giving up about 258 yards per game. That puts them at No. 7 in the Big 12, and would put them at No. 12 in the SEC — just ahead of Arkansas.
Score prediction
Arkansas 35, Kansas 28: The Razorbacks will have quarterback KJ Jefferson, and Arkansas will be able to move the ball well against an inefficient Kansas defense. Coach Sam Pittman will get his second bowl win for the Razorbacks.
Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Times Record and USA TODAY Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@swtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs. Kansas: Liberty Bowl prediction, scouting report
