Previewing the AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas vs. Arkansas
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This is the preview for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Kansas vs. Arkansas (-3, 68.5)
Date: Wednesday, December 28, 5:30 p.m. ET
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (Memphis, TN)
Betting splits: 69% of handle, 38% of bets on Kansas +3
Gauging motivation is often a tough task for handicappers when it comes to bowl season, but there is no question that Kansas, playing in its first bowl game since 2008, is ready to face KJ Jefferson and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Jayhawks enter this game with essentially their entire roster available. The only question was leading receiver Lawrence Arnold, who was injured in the regular season finale against Kansas State, but all indications are that he will play in Memphis. Meanwhile, Arkansas is dealing with a rash of absences, especially on defense. The Razorbacks’ leading tacklers, Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool, second-leading receiver Jadon Haselwood and starting center Ricky Stromberg all opted out of playing in this game. However, KJ Jefferson and Rocket Sanders are expected to play.
This has the makings of a high-scoring affair in Memphis, and the weather is holding up its end of the deal with little wind and no precipitation in the forecast. The total is 68.5 as of Tuesday morning, and there is likely little chance it moves down before kick-off. Keep in mind, Arkansas is also dealing with a new play-caller on defense, as former defensive coordinator Barry Odom is the head coach of UNLV.
Arkansas has held strong at -3 for quite a while now, but when the public begins to get involved there is a chance this number gets over that field goal, and those that want to back Kansas get a better number. — Jonathan Von Tobel
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