Kansas State vs Arkansas 2012 Cotton Bowl Picks

With LSU and Alabama scheduled to meet for the 2012 BCS National Title next week in the Big Easy, one of the best teams in the country will be deprived from competing in a BCS Bowl game.

This is just another example as to why NCAA officials need to do away with the current BCS system, which prohibits three teams from the same conference — in this case the SEC — to compete on the grandest stage in college football’s postseason: the BCS Bowl Series.

Instead, the (10-2) Arkansas Razorbacks will settle for a date with the (10-2) Kansas State Wildcats, as they meet in the 2012 Cotton Bowl Friday night at 8 PM ET on ESPN. Tony Romo and the Boys might have choked yet again this season, but Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX, will still be filled to capacity, as it’ll be the site for the Kansas State vs Arkansas 2012 Cotton Bowl!

According to 2012 Cotton Bowl odds makers, the Hogs will beat the Cats by a minimum of 9 points. In addition, College Football point-total specialists believe that Arkansas and KSU will combine and score an OVER/UNDER total of 63½ points.

For what is worth, the general consensus suggests that 56 percent of the population is picking the Razorbacks to win this game by 10 points ore more over 44 percent who predict the Wildcats will either be victorious or will lose by less than the proposed betting lines. In either case, everyone is prepared to see a back-and-fourth shootout, as scoreboard operators are sure to have a busy night with this matchup.

For Arkansas, this team was among the best in the country in terms of total yards, passing and points scored. Statistically, the Hogs ranked 25^th in total yards (446), 13^th in passing yards, (307.8) and 15^th in points scored per game 37.4 ppg.

“I know (the Razorbacks) are a very talented football team,” said Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder. “They probably have the same feelings we do and feel like they’ve accomplished a great deal this year. They throw the ball around extremely well. They have some extremely talented wide receivers.”

The only offensive stat that Arkansas feels it could have improved on was in the running department. The Hogs ranked 78^th in the country at 138 rushing yards per game, which in reality, is nothing to sneeze at.

Defensively, this team left a lot to be desired. However, when you possess an offense that’s as potent as Arkansas’, teams often get away with winning ballgames simply by outscoring their opponents.

In the category of total defensive yards allowed, the Razorbacks ranked 52^nd with 371.4 yards per game. Arkansas also struggled tremendously at stopping the run, evidence by being ranked 80^th versus the rush. By far the brightest defensive stat for the Hogs was their ability to limit the oppositions’ aerial attack. With a solid secondary, Arkansas ranked 26^th in the country, surrendering less than 200 passing yards per game (197.1).

Want any more reasons why I believe Arkansas will defeat Kansas State in the 2012 Cotton Bowl? Check out these interesting Hogs Against The Spread Trends!

Arkansas Razorbacks ATS Trends:

• Razorbacks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Razorbacks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• Razorbacks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
• Razorbacks are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games on fieldturf.
• Razorbacks are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games as a favorite.
• Razorbacks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
• Razorbacks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games as a favorite.
• Razorbacks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Big 12.
• Razorbacks are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• Razorbacks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.
• Razorbacks are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games overall.
• Razorbacks are 15-7 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.