#8 Kansas State (10-2) vs. #6 Arkansas (10-2)
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8:00 PM, FOX, Friday, Jan. 6, Arlington, TX
Why Watch: Haven’t been able to get enough of the offensive firepower this bowl season? Get ready for more. The Wildcats and Razorbacks both score over 30 points a game, and have played a couple of the toughest schedules in the country.
Who to Watch: For the Wildcats, it’s all about their run game. It’s not your typical lineup and hand-it-off style, though. It’s more like snap and go. K-State quarterback Collin Klein has been the motor that makes it run. Just a junior, Klein’s first year as the Wildcats starter was capped off by 1,099 yards rushing and 26 ground scores. He scored two plus touchdowns on the ground in seven games. Through the air, Klein passed for 1,745 yards, with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. When Klein does pass, he’ll need to be weary of Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette. As a senior, Bequette brought in eight sacks in just nine games played. He also brought in four forced fumbles. Against a team that has given up 36 sacks on the year, Bequette could have a huge night.
How it’s Going Down: Both teams are basically forgotten, overshadowed by other conference powers. The fact is, though, both are Top-10 teams, and both have played like it this season. The Wildcats turned around a 7-6 year last season, reeling in seven straight wins to begin the year. The Razorbacks made many forget Ryan Mallett left early for the NFL. Their two losses of the season came against Alabama and LSU, who will battle it out for the National Title. The quarterbacks are what make each team function as well as they have, because neither team really plays strong defense. The Wildcats will look to control the ball, running it with Klein, while adding in a few deep passes down field. The Razorbacks will go for the jugular early. They’ve scored over 40 points in seven games this year, thanks much in part to quarterback Tyler Wilson. Kansas State has been the better coached team this season, ranking No. 5 in the country in turnover margin and No. 7 in penalty yards per game. Because of their ability to control the ball, and their emotions, the Wildcats walk away with the Cotton Bowl. Pick: Kansas State 46 – Arkansas 38
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