MEMPHIS — After both Arkansas and Texas Tech had heavy traffic in the transfer portal, attention swings back to this season for their matchup in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
The Razorbacks (6-6) will face Red Raiders (8-4) in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. The game kicks off at 6 p.m.
Texas Tech, representing the Big 12, has pulled in the No. 1 transfer portal class so far, according to 247Sports. The Razorbacks pulled in the No. 12 class but also lost some contributors to SEC rivals.
The Liberty Bowl is shaping up to be a glimpse at the future for both teams. The game gives Arkansas coach Sam Pittman a chance to preview his offense without wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, who opted out of the game and is preparing for the NFL Draft. He became the first Razorback to lead the SEC in catches (78) and receiving yards (1,140) this year.
Texas Tech starting quarterback Behren Morton is out after he underwent shoulder surgery. Freshman Will Hammond will start. He is a dual-threat quarterback who was a four-star recruit.
This section will be updated throughout the game.
Arkansas has forced its second safety of the game. Senior Anton Juncaj was the Razorback to sack TTU quarterback Will Hammond in the endzone this time. It was a seven-yard loss.
The Razorbacks keep feasting on big plays. Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green dumped a short pass to Tyrell Reed Jr. It looked innocuous but a seam opened up over the middle of the field. Reed Jr. scored on a long run after the catch.
Matthew Shipley made a 40-yard kick as time expired to extend the Arkansas lead.
Texas Tech tight end Jalin Conyers scored on a direct snap.
Texas Tech running back J’Koby Williams rushed up the middle for a 54-yard touchdown.
Texas Tech linebacker Isaac Smith sacked Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green for a safety. It was a loss of two yards.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green connected receiver Dazmin James on an in-breaking route. James outraced the TTU safety and took it the distance. It was the longest pass in Liberty Bowl history.
With just over half of the first quarter elapsed, Arkansas has its second rushing touchdown. Running back Braylen Russell punched it in on the goal line.
The Razorbacks score first on a 12-yard rush. Quarterback Taylen Green scored it himself on a read option play to the right side. Arkansas running back Rodney Hill set it up with a 70-yard rush.
The Red Raiders get the ball first.
Tahj Brooks, the all-time leading rusher for Texas Tech, is out for the game against Arkansas. It is a personal decision
The Liberty Bowl between Arkansas and Texas Tech will broadcast on ESPN. Anish Shroff and Andre Ware will call the game from the booth at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, with Paul Carcaterra reporting from the sideline. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Arkansas 24, Texas Tech 20: Red Raiders starter Will Hammond has limited experience in his freshman season. He has completed 15 of 23 passes this and has 12 rushing attempts. Arkansas has its own offensive concerns, including playing without receiver Andrew Armstrong and starting tight end Luke Hasz, so anticipate a low-scoring game even though both teams’ defenses have been gashed at times this year.
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