Clay Henry, Hawgs Illustrated: Yardage on the ground will be tough to find against both defenses. The team that pass protects the best has a huge advantage. The mobility of KJ Jefferson provides the winning edge.
Arkansas, 20-17
Dudley E. Dawson, Hawgs Illustrated: A lot of times how a team plays in a bowl is about how excited it is to be there. Even without star wideout Treylon Burks, expect the Razorbacks to come out with their hair on fire in a first-ever match-up against Penn State.
Arkansas, 28-20
Matt Jones, Whole Hog Sports: Bowl games are always difficult to project. Focus can get diverted during the long layoff between games, and there are plenty of unknowns given the number of star players who opt out and potential covid-19 roster disruptions. It seems Arkansas has had fewer disruptions among its best players, but this game feels like a toss up.
Arkansas, 21-14
Scottie Bordelon, Whole Hog Sports: With Treylon Burks out of the picture, Arkansas must look to upperclassmen like De’Vion Warren and Tyson Morris, and younger pieces in Ketron Jackson and perhaps Bryce Stephens in the passing game. While I think they can be productive against a talented defense, the Razorbacks’ running game will likely have to carry the bulk of the load. It can and will.
Arkansas, 27-21
Tye Richardson, ESPN Arkansas: Sam Pittman restored pride within the Arkansas football program. Penn State underachieved over the second half of the season. Even without Burks, the Razorbacks finish off a bitter year for the Nittany Lions.
Arkansas, 31-27
Bart Pohlman, Sport & Story: This is a game that should suit Arkansas’ drop pass coverage well, as Penn State has really struggled running the ball this season. The Hogs may be without Burks—and it’s a big loss, no doubt—but there’s enough firepower to get the job done.
Arkansas, 31-21
Tommy Craft, ESPN Arkansas: Huge opportunity for Pittman and his program on New Years Day against a brand name Penn State team. Can KJ and the offense move the ball without Burks?
Arkansas, 24-17