Three questions, one prediction for Arkansas football vs Texas

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FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football has two chances left to end a miserable losing skid.

The first opportunity comes against a bitter rival who must win out to keep its slim hopes of a spot in the College Football Playoff alive.

The Razorbacks (2-8, 0-6 SEC) travel to face No. 18 Texas (7-3, 4-2) for the first time since 2008 on Saturday, Nov. 22. Arkansas is still searching for its first win under interim coach Bobby Petrino, and the Hogs have led entering the fourth quarter in each of their past three losses.

The Longhorns are coming off a blowout defeat at the hands of Georgia. The result ended a four-game winning streak and officially eliminated Texas in the race to reach the SEC championship game.

Here are three things to watch and a score prediction for this weekend's contest between Arkansas and Texas.

Can Arkansas football frustrate Arch Manning?

All of the preseason hype proved overblown. Texas has failed to live up to expectations this season because Manning has experienced the normal ups-and-downs of a first-year starter, rather than asserting himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the sport.

If Manning has a big day, Arkansas probably can't pull off a road upset. The Longhorns are 3-0 when Manning throws for more than 275 yards. They're 4-3 when he doesn't.

And as Georgia showed last week with three sacks, the best way to rattle Manning is with a consistent pass rush.

"So much of that is going to be based on how we play up front. You know, that dictates the productivity at the second level," Arkansas interim defensive coordinator Chris Wilson said. "When you talk about Mr. Manning, he’s a Manning. He’s definitely a Manning. He can throw from every platform. He’s got great arm talent. He’s a big man and he’s an explosive man. We’ll have our work cut out for us."

Will Razorbacks ditch rare red-zone woes?

Arkansas failed to score any points on two red-zone trips against LSU. A Taylen Green interception and a goal-line stand from the Tigers played massive roles in another Hogs loss.

This is still a strength for the Razorbacks. They rank fifth nationally with a touchdown percentage of 78.1% inside the red zone. The Texas defense is 113th in the country, allowing a touchdown on 68.2% of its opponents' trips to the red area.

The Hogs must be more effective in their short-yardage run plays. If Braylen Russell can return from a concussion that kept him out of the LSU game, Arkansas will receive an automatic boost.

Can the Hogs offensive line match Texas' front seven?

The Arkansas offensive line was overwhelmed by the Longhorns in last year's 20-10 home loss. Texas recorded six sacks and nine tackles for loss.

The Razorbacks have a shot at redemption this weekend. The offensive line is one of the most improved units in the entire country, but it still faces stiff challenges from the likes of defensive end Collin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.

"They do a lot of different things and they mix it up on you," Bobby Petrino said. "So, looking back at last year we did some really good things against them at times and then they got to our quarterback. We’re going to have to protect our quarterback."

Arkansas vs Texas prediction

The Hogs will have a great opportunity to end the losing skid if the defense can replicate its performance from last week. However, one-score losses have defined this year's Arkansas squad, and that won't change inside the Lone Star State. Texas 27, Arkansas 24.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs Texas prediction, questions to watch in Week 13

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