What to Expect

It is hard to predict if the NCAA suspensions next season will be a distraction for the bowl games. It is quite possible the team will rally around the adversity and come out strong. Arkansas had one the top-ten strongest schedules this season, but they did lose two of the three biggest games of the season, against Alabama and Auburn. Alabama was a close game 20-24, while the Auburn game was an offensive shootout with Auburn winning 65-43. Arkansas depends on the air attack of QB Mallett, but the running game does pretty well. OSU will limit Arkansas to 110 yards on the ground and 240 yards in the air. I have been concerned about the OSU secondary for most of the season, as I see this as the one potential weakness on the defense. OSU had many injuries in the secondary, but the team has done well against the pass limiting teams to 229 yards. OSU will get 230 yards on the ground and 220 yards in the air. The OSU running game will get things going early and will be the main choice of attack in the second half. The passing game for OSU will mostly be some big passes and some critical first downs, along with a touchdown or two. OSU will win 31-21.