Hogs Haven staff will be making picks every week of the 2024-25 season, and we’ll be tracking every writer’s performance as each tries to predict the future. SB Nation has partnered with Tallysight again to make this easy for us to write, and easy for you to read and follow. We are also partnered with FanDuel Sportsbook to provide all the odds you’ll need to bet on games this season.
We’re down to four teams left in the playoffs, and two games to decide who plays in Super Bowl LIX. There was no consensus on this week’s moneyline. Everyone, but me, is picking the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills to advance to the Super Bowl. All of our writers project the Commanders to cover the 6.5-point spread against the Eagles. I am also the lone dissenter on the spread, since I have the Chiefs defeating the Bills in the playoffs for a fourth straight time.
Conference Championship Picks
Moneyline Staff Rankings
Spread Staff Rankings
Over/Under Staff Rankings
The NFL Conference Championship games are upon us and the Hogs Haven writers are here to make their picks. Check out who they think will come out on top in these exciting matchups:
AFC Championship Game:
– Alex Smith: Kansas City Chiefs
– Sarah Jones: Kansas City Chiefs
– Mark Johnson: Kansas City Chiefs
NFC Championship Game:
– Tyler Wilson: Green Bay Packers
– Megan Thompson: Green Bay Packers
– Chris Davis: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It looks like the writers are split on the NFC Championship game, with two picking the Packers and one going with the Buccaneers. As for the AFC Championship game, all three writers are siding with the Chiefs to come out on top.
Which teams do you think will come out victorious in the Conference Championship games? Let us know in the comments below!
No one knows better than Calipari what awaits his team in 2025 SEC play. Losing their front running status maybe just what the doctor ordered. Cal’s Hogs needed to work up an appetite and play hungry — starting this Saturday with noon-time commencement ceremonies at Thompson Bolding Arena.
The infatuation with having a hall of fame coach and a highly-regarded recruiting class may have deceived most observers inside Arkansas into thinking their new coach and cast of players would be the envy of the SEC. Outside of Arkansas however most observers looked at the match between Calipari and the Razorbacks a bunch of has beens on the rebound.
Cal’s Hogs have since recovered some of their street cred thanks to a win over a then-ranked Michigan team in Ann Arbor. However when asked about how much that win could carry over into SEC play, the usually loquacious don of college basketball hyperventilated and was at a complete loss for words.
In both pre-conference losses at Baylor and Illinois, Arkansas played like front runners and never led. They fell down by double digits early. They rallied enough to keep the final score respectable but seemed perplexed that the Bears and Illini were not as impressed by Cal and company simply showing up.
As the Arkansas Razorbacks gear up for SEC play under head coach Eric Musselman, they will face five internal challenges that could make or break their season.
First and foremost, the team must overcome the post-honeymoon phase that often follows a successful season. After a strong showing in the NCAA tournament last year, expectations are high for the Razorbacks. It will be crucial for the players to stay focused and not let complacency set in.
Secondly, the team must adjust to new roles and rotations as they integrate new players into the lineup. With several key departures from last year’s squad, including Moses Moody and Justin Smith, the Razorbacks will need to find chemistry and cohesion quickly.
Additionally, the team must stay healthy and avoid any major injuries that could derail their season. Depth will be key for the Razorbacks, so they will need all hands on deck to compete in the ultra-competitive SEC.
Furthermore, the Razorbacks must improve their defense and rebounding, two areas that were weaknesses last season. Coach Musselman has emphasized the importance of defense and toughness, and the team will need to show significant improvement in these areas to compete with the top teams in the conference.
Lastly, the Razorbacks must maintain their mental toughness and resilience throughout the ups and downs of the season. SEC play is a grueling gauntlet, and the team will need to stay focused and determined in order to come out on top.
If the Razorbacks can successfully navigate these internal challenges, they have the potential to make a deep run in the SEC and beyond. Coach Musselman has instilled a winning mentality in his team, and it will be exciting to see how they respond to these obstacles as they embark on their conference schedule.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It was so convincing as an error that there was little thought to delete it.
The story had been turned in during the early morning hours and drowsiness is undefeated when it comes to causing unforced errors by even the best of reporters in stories. Texas Tech being the underdog against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl was quickly highlighted and deleted without much of a thought.
However, a short while after the story published sans Red Raiders underdog status, a haunting nagging feeling crept in. Sports Illustrated writer Bob Stephens is a veteran writer and tends to err on the side of being overly meticulous when it comes to making sure his facts are right, so, while the deletion of the claim that Vegas has Arkansas favored over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl essentially changed nothing in the story, certainty was needed.
Turns out, as outlandish as it may seem when the story was submitted earlier this week, Stephens was right. The Razorbacks are favored by 2.5 over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl. With no gamblers on staff, point spreads rarely get anything more that a cursory glance at best.
However, with Texas Tech at 8-4 with wins over second round playoff team Arizona State, an almost playoff bound Iowa State and a win over an Oklahoma State team for which the Hogs account for 1/3 of its wins, there was no reason to think about point spreads in terms of who is favored to actually win. Arkansas has a depleted receiving corp, backfield and offensive line, all important to actually scoring points.
The NFL draft and transfer portral not only deprived offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino of weapons, but Ole MIss, Michigan, Purdue, SMU, Oklahoma, Texas and Kentucky ran off with 11 of the Hogs’ top players. On top of that, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman has been buried in transfer portal business in an effort to make sure 2025 at least begins with a reason for his team to think there’s at least a chance at a winning record.
So, what has been going on out in Lubbock to make oddsmakers think the Razorbacks should win this thing?
LACK OF A QUARTERBACK
Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) throws against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. / Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
As would be advised by even the worst agents, players with NFL prospects shouldn’t risk potential injury in bowl games. While Behren Morton won’t be featured in the upcoming draft, the numbers he put up this season make him a strong prospect come next draft.
Morton tortured defenses by throwing for 3,325 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was good enough to make them a legitimate threat to claim the Big 12’s lone playoff spot.
The injury came against TCU back in October. Although he was able to return for the rest of the season, it was decided it was best not only for Morton’s NFL future, but the future of the Red Raiders program as well. Skipping out on a meaningless bowl game greatly increases the odds he will be ready for spring practices where he will get to build chemistry with a surprisingly strong transfer portal class headed to Lubbock.
In Morton’s place will be freshman Will Hammond, a former 4-star and Top 300 recruit from Hutto, Texas. Hammond is 15-of-23 on the year for 191 yards. For perspective, former Arkansas back-up Malachi Singleton was 21-of-28 for 358 yards.
TOP RECEIVER GONE
Texas Tech Red Raiders tight end Josh Kelly (3) rushes against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. / Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images
As is the case for Arkansas and pretty much every other team not in the playoffs, Texas Tech’s leading receiver won’t be playing in the Liberty Bowl. Josh Kelly, who led the Red Raiders in overall receiving yards and catches with 89 for 1,023, is off preparing for the NFL draft.
However, it should be noted that options Nos. 2 and 3, Caleb Douglas and Coy Eakin, are expected to play. Douglas averaged 14 yards per catch and Eakin 13.4, both significantly higher than Kelly, and they each put up six touchdowns while combining for 100 catches for 1,367 yards.
That means there won’t be nearly as much drop-off at the position, if any, when compared to Arkansas. Quarterback Taylen Green has only one of his top four receivers from this season, Isaac TeSlaa, as an available throwing target.
It should also be noted that Taj Brooks, Texas Tech leading rusher an a significant threat in the passing game, is in Memphis and technically slated to play. He’s declared for the NFL draft, so head coach Joey McGuire has been reluctant to declare Brooks will carry a heavy workload.
TOP ASSISTANTS GONE
Texas Tech’s defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter gives instructions during football practice at the Sports Performance Center. / Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Texas Tech fired defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter and secondary coach Marcel Yates at the end of the season. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Zach Kittley left to take the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic. However, it should be noted that while interims will officially make the calls during the actual game, new coordinators Shiel Wood and Mack Leftwich have been around and available for input.
So, while Vegas may lean heavily toward Bobby Petrino and Travis Williams against a pair of interims, it’s not as lopsided as it looks on paper from a coaching experience standpoint. And, yes, Texas Tech is without its starting quarterback, leading receiver and a couple of part-time starters in the offensive line, but Arkansas barely has receivers, tight ends or running backs.
Coaching experience can only go so far. There has to actually be someone to coach.
PERCEIVED HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
Because Memphis is so close to Arkansas it has a counterpart to its west just across the border, the thought is Razorbacks fans will pack out the Liberty Bowl. After all, surely an underserved portion of the fan base in the eastern half of the state will seize the opportunity to see their beloved Hogs.
However, there are two factors at play here. First off is a solid case of apathy combined with a Liberty Bowl stadium that is currently a giant construction zone.
Arkansas fans are showing mild curiosity in what’s being built for next season, but haven’t shown much interest in what’s left of a 6-6 team. Plus, the last time the Hogs showed up in Memphis, the plumbing didn’t even work as portable restrooms crowded the landscape.
Not exactly a solid combination for families to spend hundreds of dollars on bowl game tickets to give out as Christmas gifts. It’s preferred by most to simply watch it on ESPN with the option to do literally anything other than spend a day in Memphis should the game go poorly.
The second factor is the disadvantage Arkansas faces if Razorbacks fans do fill up the stadium. The last thing the Hogs need is for it to feel like Fayetteville.
The past several seasons have proven Pittman’s teams perform at a much higher level in hostile environments than in Razorback Stadium. It’s almost a guaranteed loss when a current Power Four school (or Liberty) comes to town.
The only saving grace for Arkansas is Pittman seems to find a way to make creme brulee out of the stinkiest of delta mud come bowl season. His teams always appear prepared and convinced non-playoff bowl games really matter.
DEFYING VEGAS
Still, despite all of this, it is hard not to believe Vegas has this one wrong. There are so many red flags against Arkansas that indicate there’s too much of a mountain to climb to pull this one out.
Yes, all those players who haven’t had a chance to shine are going to be overly motivated to put out good tape, but internal motivation can only go so far. Surely they have wanted to do as much all season long, yet have rarely earned that opportunity.
In an off-field war of attrition, Texas Tech has won the battle. Unless Green, Rodney Hill, Braylen Russell and Issac TeSLaa combine to each play out of their minds despite a makeshift offensive line, there’s not a lot of reason to think this one is going to go the Razorbacks’ way.
However, there are no other games going on at that time and tickets to the live action “Lion King” prequel are sold out pretty much everywhere, so fans will just have to hope for the best because there’s no other alternative.
• Subscribe and follow us on YouTube • Follow HogsSI on X and Facebook
There are a few reasons why Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks are surprisingly favored against Texas Tech in their upcoming matchup.
First, Arkansas has shown significant improvement under Pittman’s leadership. In just his second season as head coach, Pittman has already led the Razorbacks to a 3-0 start, including an impressive win over Texas. The team’s strong performance so far this season has given them momentum and confidence heading into the game against Texas Tech.
Second, Arkansas has a strong defense that has been able to shut down opposing offenses. Led by defensive coordinator Barry Odom, the Razorbacks have been able to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers. This strong defensive play has been a key factor in Arkansas’s success this season.
Lastly, Texas Tech has struggled offensively in their first few games, averaging just 24 points per game. If the Red Raiders are unable to get their offense going against Arkansas’s stout defense, the Razorbacks could have the upper hand in the game.
Overall, the combination of Arkansas’s improved performance under Pittman, their strong defense, and Texas Tech’s offensive struggles have led to the Razorbacks being favored in this matchup. It will be interesting to see if they can continue their winning streak and come out on top against Texas Tech.
Tags:
Sam Pittman, Arkansas Razorbacks, Texas Tech, college football, SEC, Big 12, betting odds, underdog, upset alert, game analysis, football coaching, sports news
Price: $28.26 (as of Dec 16,2024 17:03:27 UTC – Details)
Take RC gaming into a whole new dimension with the Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone! It’s the first physical toy that is played in an augmented reality with immersive 3D game play. This gaming platform blends real world remote control action with augmented reality gaming — enabling players to command an RC drone in the real world and inside a fun virtual world. With endless levels for continuous play, the immersive experience never ends. Test your pilot skills as you fly through power rings, navigate between buildings and locate objects in this massive virtual world. Tackle competitive leaderboards and challenge your friends to Drone Missions. Air Hogs Connect puts you in the cockpit as you navigate through missions using an iPad or Bluetooth-enabled tablet (sold separately). Pilot your Mission Drone leading a team of heroes (including an Engineer, Firefighter and Commando) on multiple assignments. The Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone is RC reinvented! The Air Hogs Connect Mission Drone blends real world remote control action with augmented reality gaming! Pilot your RC drone in the real world and in the immersive augmented reality. Fly into endless virtual missions, including weekly challenges, and leaderboards to play with your friends. Rank up to unlock drone upgrades for competitive advantages. Rescue citizens from burning buildings, and save the city from alien invasions in the Financial District, Downtown, and The Harbor environments. Air Hogs Connect is for ages 10 and up. Requires minimum of 4th Generation iPads/iPhone 5s and greater or certain Android WiFi & Bluetooth-enabled devices (please check our website for full list). Requires Free Air Hogs Connect: Mission Drone app. No batteries required, drone charges with included USB cable.
Customers say
Customers find the game fun to play. However, some customers have reported issues with it not working on newer devices and not installing on tablets that meet the minimum requirements. They feel it’s a waste of money and disappointing.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Experience the future of drone flying with the Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone! This innovative new drone combines the thrill of flying with the excitement of augmented reality gaming, offering a whole new level of fun and adventure.
With the Air Hogs Connect app, you can pilot your drone through a variety of virtual missions and challenges, all while seeing the action unfold in real-time through your smartphone or tablet. Use the app to control your drone, track your progress, and compete with friends in multiplayer games.
The Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone features a durable design, easy-to-use controls, and advanced stabilization technology for smooth, stable flight. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, this drone is sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement.
Get ready to take your drone flying to the next level with the Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone. Pick one up today and start exploring a whole new world of aerial adventures!
#Air #Hogs #Connect #Augmented #Reality #Mission #Drone
NEW – Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone
Price : 25.00
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Introducing the NEW Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone!
Get ready to take your drone flying experience to the next level with this innovative and exciting new release from Air Hogs. The Augmented Reality Mission Drone combines the thrill of flying a drone with the immersive world of augmented reality, making for an unparalleled flying experience.
With the Air Hogs Connect app, you can embark on exciting missions, complete challenges, and explore virtual worlds all from the comfort of your own home. Use the app to control your drone, navigate obstacles, and engage in thrilling aerial battles with friends.
The Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone is perfect for beginners and seasoned drone enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re honing your piloting skills or looking for a new and exciting way to experience drone flying, this drone is sure to impress.
Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your drone flying experience with the Air Hogs Connect Augmented Reality Mission Drone. Get yours today and prepare for a whole new world of aerial fun! #AirHogs #AugmentedReality #DroneMission
#Air #Hogs #Connect #Augmented #Reality #Mission #Drone
