Texas Bowl Arkansas vs TCU Odds, Lines and Spread
- Arkansas and TCU face off in the Texas Bowl on Thursday, December 31st at 8pm EST
- TCU has won five of their last six games while Arkansas has not won since November 7th
- See the odds, spread, analysis, and best bet below
TCU (6-4) will look end the season on a high note when they take on Arkansas (3-7) in the Texas Bowl at NGR Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game will kick off at 8:00 PM EST on New Year’s Eve.
TCU is favored by 4.5 points in this matchup but Arkansas leads the all-time series 43-25-2.
Arkansas vs TCU Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Razorbacks | +4.5 (-115) | +170 | Over 57.5 (-110) |
| TCU Horned Frogs | -4.5 (-106) | -215 | Under 57.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 29th at FanDuel
TCU Brings a Punishing Run Game
The Horned Frogs’ season may not go down in the books as great but it has been far from bad. They were in every game except for the 33-14 loss to Oklahoma (8-2) – which was to be expected. The Horned Frogs bring an explosive run game that ranked 16th in the nation in yards per attempt.
They should be at their peak given the emergence of this year’s top running back recruit, Zach Evans, in the latter stages of the season.
Zach Evans goes 75 yards to the house to extend TCU’s (-21.5) lead to 38-0
pic.twitter.com/xiBaFBHlJm— Bet The Pigskin (@betthepigskin) December 13, 2020
In the final game of the season Evans only needed seven carries to post 130 yards and two touchdowns against Louisiana Tech. It was his second 100-yard game of the season, even though he was never given more than 12 carries in any contest.
The freshman has been compared to Adrian Peterson which doesn’t seem far off from anyone who has seen him play. If Gary Patterson lets him loose in this game which is in his hometown, he could have a huge night.
How is Arkansas In a Bowl Game?
At 3-7, Arkansas is no one’s idea of a good football team. They haven’t won a game since November 7th over Tennessee and the last time they took the field they were embarrassed 52-3 by Alabama. Sure, Alabama is in the College Football Playoff, but it was the second consecutive game in which the Razorbacks gave up a 50-burger.
The week before, Missouri marched up and down the field to the tune of 653 yards en route to a 50 point eruption.
Not today, Arkansas! Missouri 50, Arkansas 48 pic.twitter.com/5gkiAngMXI
— Ben Herrold (@benherrold) December 5, 2020
By all indications Feleipe Franks will start for the Razorbacks in the Texas Bowl. He missed the Missouri game but was back under center against Alabama, although he only threw 10 passes in that game. Arkansas will need Franks to be at his best in this one and he has shown that he is capable. He has thrown multiple touchdowns in five of his nine starts this season and has thrown for at least 300 yards in a game twice.
Best Betting Angle
This game will come down to who can stop the run better, and the obvious answer looks to be TCU. The biggest issue for Arkansas in this game is the fact that they give up 4.6 yards per carry which is 82nd in the country. That won’t get it done against a TCU team that is overflowing with talent at the running back position.
Arkansas has a decent rushing attack but TCU is far and away better at stopping the run, boasting the 30th best run defense in the country. If the Razorbacks are to have any chance in this game, they will need a big night from Feleipe Franks which is doubtful.
TCU held perennial offensive juggernaut Oklahoma to 33 points back in October so it’s hard to imagine Arkansas puts up more than that. TCU should be able to control this one from start to finish.
Pick: TCU Horned Frogs -4.5 (-110)
John has spent the past 20+ years betting sports on a daily basis and is considered by many to be a walking sports betting encyclopedia. From obscure player props to sides and totals, if there is an angle, John will find it.
