The 66th annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl is set to take place as Arkansas football prepares to take on Texas Tech at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. This matchup marks a return to the traditional SEC versus Big 12 format following Memphis’s victory over Iowa State in last year’s game.
Arkansas previously triumphed in the 2022 Liberty Bowl against Kansas. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, with a record of 8-4 (6-3 in the Big 12), completed a successful second eight-win regular season under head coach Joey McGuire. After experiencing a setback against Colorado on November 9, the Red Raiders bounced back impressively, securing victories with high scoring performances against Oklahoma State and West Virginia.
On the other side, the Razorbacks finished the season with a 6-6 record (3-5 in the SEC). They kicked off the season strong, winning four of their first six games, including a notable victory over Tennessee, but struggled in the latter half of the season, winning just two of their final six games.
For viewers eager to catch the game, it will be broadcasted live on ESPN, with Anish Shroff and Andre Ware providing commentary, while Paul Carcaterra reports from the sidelines. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, December 27.
According to betting odds from BetMGM, Arkansas is favored slightly with a spread of -1.5 and a money line of -115, while Texas Tech stands at -105. The over/under for the game is set at 60.5.
In terms of historical context, Arkansas leads the all-time series against Texas Tech with a record of 29 wins to 8 losses, although Texas Tech last secured a victory in their last meeting in 2015.
This matchup showcases two competitive teams, setting the stage for an exciting bowl game that could serve as a springboard for both programs into the next season. Fans should look forward to a thrilling contest filled with potential and sportsmanship.