@yolihugg
12/30/2011
*my Guest Blogger post on http://www.theendzonesextra.com/
Arkansas is 2-8-1 in the Cotton Bowl, while Kansas State is 1-1.What does this mean? Nothing. Seriously, do you think Arkansas’ 2008 loss to Missouri (38-7) or Arkansas’ 1976 win over Georgia (31-10) has anything to do with this season’s team? And what about Kansas State? We all know that their 2001 win over Tennessee (35-21) and 1997 loss to BYU (19-15) also has nothing to do with this season’s team. Yes, Arkansas has had more bowl appearances than Kansas State but math shows that Kansas State post-season success is greater than Arkansas’. But again, I don’t care.
Let’s look at this seasons’ teams since those are the teams that will be playing in 2012 Cotton Bowl. At the quarterback position, I feel both Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson and Kansas State’s Collin Klein are solid at their position. Arkansas QB Wilson has 285.2 passing yards per game and 22 TDs this season, leading Arkansas in the SEC in total offense and passing. Kansas State QB Klein has 1,745 passing yards and 12 TDs and has led his team in rushing 1,099 yards and 26 TDs. What does this mean? It means both teams are equal at the QB position.
Arkansas is in the SEC and has played the strongest, fastest and best teams in the nation at defense (i.e. they have only lost to #1 LSU and #2 Alabama, the best in the nation and the best at defense). Arkansas’ passing yards will be higher during the Cotton Bowl because Kansas State’s defense will not be equal to what they have faced before. Kansas States’ passing and rushing yards will not be as high due to the defense that Arkansas will be bringing. That being said, Kansas State is hot in the Red Zone and don’t settle for many field goals.
Arkansas needs to bring their A-game to their D-game and put pressure on QB Klein. Kansas State needs big passing plays to stay in the game. Mark my words, the 2012 Cotton Bowl will be a roller coaster! Put on your seat belt and get ready for this ride on January 6, 2012 at 7pm CT!
This was really well written. I dig it. But I'm never calling you "Yoli."
ReplyDeleteTo me, past history means more than most people think. Marquee programs find a way to win and the lesser programs find ways to choke. I predicted the Arkansas turnover at the end of the Sugar Bowl last year because I've seen it too many times (see the Clint Stoerner fumble vs Tennesse in 1998). Neither of these teams is what I would consider a marquee program, at least yet. But, Arkansas has a dreadful bowl record. I say the game is a toss-up. Hope I'm wrong.
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