It should be the best of the non-BCS bowls when the surprising Kansas State Wildcats lock up with the tough Arkansas Razorbacks in this year’s Cotton Bowl.

The odds favor the SEC's Razorbacks, who were 10-2 on the year, by 8 points at most online sportsbooks. The Wildcats were also 10-2 and were money-makers for bettors too at a 9-3 ATS clip.

Betting totals have seen the Razorbacks post a 8-3-1 over under record this season, while the Wildcats have gone 8-4 against the number. [ Check out the full Cotton Bowl odds preview and betting report ]


View Kansas State vs Arkansas Odds and Stats.

Cotton Bowl Betting Line: Arkansas opened as 7.5-point favorites. The total was set at 64 at Sportsbook but had been bet down to 62.5 by Christmas. Check the latest Cotton Bowl over under and best bowl bonuses.





How They Match Up:
Offensively, the game matches up Arkansas's No. 15-ranked offense (37.4 PPG) against a Wildcats defense that ranks No. 71 at 27.8 PPG. The Razorbacks passing attack has averaged 307.8 yards per game, more than the Wildcats give up through the air (267.3 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Wildcats own the league's No. 19-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 119.4 yards per game when on the road. Arkansas, on the other hand, rates No. 62 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Kansas State was a 30-23 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against Iowa State. They failed to cover the 10–point spread as favorites, while the total score (53) made Sportsbooks of OVER bettors.

Last time out for Arkansas, they were a 41-17 loser as they battled LSU on the road. Arkansas failed to cover in the match as a 11.5-point underdog, while 58 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.


Kansas State Wildcats Trends:
When playing in January are 1-2
When playing on turf are 8-2
After being outgained are 8-2
When an underdog on the road are 3-7

Arkansas Razorbacks Trends:
When playing in January are 2-5
When playing on turf are 9-1
After being outgained are 7-3
When favored at home are 10-0

A few Wildcats at Razorbacks trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas State's last 7 games
Kansas State is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arkansas's last 5 games
Arkansas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games