Matchups to Watch: Arkansas Razorbacks at Texas Football

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Nov 21, 2025 - 02:00
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Matchups to Watch: Arkansas Razorbacks at Texas Football

We are 48 hours out from the Razorbacks rolling into DKR for a must-win game for the Longhorns. The Razorbacks walk in as a 3-7 team, but have the ability to take Texas down and end any slim chance at a CFP berth. In this game, I’ve highlighted four matchups that I believe will define this game. 

From coordinator battles to more specific bouts, here are the five battles to watch on Saturday: 

Bobby Petrino vs. Pete Kwiatkowski 

In the last three games, the Pete Kwiatkowski defense has played poorly over the last three weeks, giving up 38, 31 and 35 points. Despite Arkansas being a more manageable opponent overall, this offense is going to be a handful for the Texas defense all afternoon. Bobby Petrino’s offense sits in the top 25 in every significant offensive stat, with one of the best athletes in the country under center, Taylen Green. This is going to be a chess match that, like last year, Pete Kwiatkowski has to win if the Longhorns are going to win. 

Texas EDGEs vs. Arkansas OT 

Getting more specific, this is the most important matchup for the Texas defense to win consistently. Taylen Green outside the pocket is one of the most dangerous athletes in college football, so Colin Simmons, Ethan Burke and every other edge defender has to win their battles. Beyond that, Green has been prone to giving the ball away in the past when you can get after him and force the ball out of his hands. The Arkansas OTs have been solid in pass protection this year, but run blocking has been tougher. That gives Colin Simmons and company an opening to possibly take over this game. 

Texas OL vs. Arkansas Pass Rush 

This is obvious for a number of reasons, but especially against this Arkansas team. If Arch Manning is given time in the pocket, he will have success against the Razorback defense. The issue is the Arkansas pass rush is not just the edge rushers. Interim DC Chris Wilson loves to send pressures from the second and third level of the defense, which can make it very tough to pick up. The Texas offensive line needs to be prepared for a number of exotic looks. 

Texas CBs vs. Arkansas WRs 

The way Arkansas can win this game is with explosive plays. The Texas CBs, outside of Malik Muhammad, have really struggled in recent weeks and with Omega Blake, Raylen Sharpe and more coming to town, they have to step up. Texas is largely a zone coverage  football team, but guys like Kade Phillips, Jaylon Guilbeau and Kobe Black need to step up in this game. There will be plenty of times where the CB2 will be attacked and if they can’t hold up, it’s going to be a long day for the Texas defense. 

Texas LBs vs. Arkansas TEs 

Bobby Petrino is very good at spreading the ball around in an offense. With this team, he has two very talented pass catchers at TE in Jaden Platt and Rohan Jones that can put tons of pressure on a defense. Anthony Hill Jr. is not going to be available for this game, which means Ty’Anthony Smith, Liona Lefau and other depth pieces will need to step up in coverage. Obviously, they won’t always get those matchups, but if they let these TEs get behind them, they can make big plays. 

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Arkansas-Texas matchups to watch: Petrino-Kwiatkowski chess match

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