Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Central Michigan Chippewas (+/-5.5, Over/Under 57.5): Western Kentucky will compete in its first ever bowl on the day after Christmas, but it will do so without the man who guided it there as head coach Willie Taggart, who starred at quarterback for the university in the late nineties, accepted the head job at South Florida. Taking Taggert’s place next season is none other than Bobby Petrino, but defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will serve as interim coach for the Hilltoppers in the Little Ceasers Pizza Bowl. Western Kentucky did not play all that well down the stretch, losing three of its last four games, but it did close out its regular season campaign with a 25-24 win over North Texas. Central Michigan, which placed fourth in the MAC’s West Division with a 4-4 league record, won one fewer game (6-6) than Western Kentucky; however, it closed out the season in a strong fashion. The Chippewas, who got off to a horrific 2-5 start, won four of their last five games, beating Akron, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), and Massachusetts by an average of 14.8 points per game. However, Central Michigan did not earn a single win over a winning team and the six teams it did beat had a combined record of 15-56.

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Western Kentucky vs Central Michigan Pick 2012 Little Ceasers Pizza Bowl Point Spreads: Provided by WagerWeb.com

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -5.5 (-110), Over 57.5 (-110)

Central Michigan Chippewas +5.5 (-110), Under 57.5 (-110)

Oddsmakers at online sports book JustBet.cx opened the Razorbacks as a 7-point favorite, a line bet out to an 8-point spread. Kansas State backers are getting +250 College Football Odds on the off-shore moneyline while a SU moneyline wager on Arkansas is priced at -300 ($300 bet to win $100). The combined score total (over/under) is currently 63 1/2.

On offense, both schools feature dynamic junior all-conference quarterbacks. Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson is third in the SEC in passing efficiency rating and leads the league in passing yards (3,422), in attempts and completions. Wilson has thrown for 33 touchdowns with only six interceptions while leading the SEC in total offense with 3,401 yards. KSU’s Collin Klein collected a school-record 26 rushing touchdowns this season – two shy of the Big 12 and FBS quarterback record, also rushed for a school record 1,099 yards, two shy of the Big 12 and FBS quarterback record. Klein has completed 145 of 251 attempts for 1,745 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air.

The game has two of the prolific return specialists in college football – Arkansas’ Joe Adams leads the nation in punt returns and Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett leads the nation in kickoff returns. Both teams defeated Texas A&M this season in high scoring contests, Arkansas, 42-38, and Kansas State, 53-50 in four overtimes. The Wildcats are second in the nation in non-offensive touchdowns scored since 1999 (81). Arkansas’ 43.8 percent scoring efficiency this season, ranks 14th in the SEC since 2000 … The Razorbacks 25 scoring drives of under 2:00 is second in the SEC this season. Arkansas has given up just 48 points in the fourth quarter, third lowest in the SEC. Bobby Petrino’s 74.0 winning percentage as a college coach is sixth among active FBS coaches (74-26). Arkansas’ trio of senior wide receivers Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Greg Childs are 2-3-5 among active SEC receptors and have combined for 452 catches for 7,252 yards and 55 touchdown grabs in their careers.

With the exception of Wednesday’s Orange Bowl, many of these bowl games have been close contests. I don’t expect this game to be any different. Arkansas has had trouble with mobile quarterbacks and methodical offensive schemes. The Wildcats will need to keep the ball away from Arkansas’ offense to have a chance. If the Razorbacks play relatively mistake-free football, they will not only win but win big. My Pick – Arkansas -8.

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