The Associated Press

LEXINGTON - Will the return of its top two tailbacks, even if only in a supporting role, be enough for Arkansas to snap a three-game losing streak? Can Kentucky start offensively where it ended last week, when it scored 42 points in 35 minutes?

Both Arkansas (4-3, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) and Kentucky (4-4, 1-3) have many questions entering today's game, a game both teams need to win to sustain or improve any bowl hopes they might be entertaining.

After a 4-0 start that included a road win at Texas, Arkansas rose to No. 7 in the rankings, but consecutive losses to Auburn, Florida and Mississippi have knocked the Razorbacks out of the Top 25. Tailback Cedric Cobbs and his backup, De'Arrius Howard, both of whom are returning from injuries, might be non-factors today.

Kentucky, which rolled up a season-high 410 yards with a spread offense last week against Mississippi, beat the Razorbacks 29-17 last season in Fayetteville en route to a 7-5 finish. Derek Abney called the win the Wildcats' biggest of 2002.

The Wildcats' bowl hopes would surge with another win over Arkansas, but a loss would mean the Wildcats would have to win two out of three against Vanderbilt, No. 4 Georgia and No. 19 Tennessee to become bowl-eligible.

"I don't think this is a make-or-break game in that it's anything different," Abney said of Kentucky's situation. "That's been that way for us since the middle of the season."

UK vs. Arkansas

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today, Commonwealth Stadium (67,606), Lexington.

Records: UK 4-4 (1-3 Southeastern Conference), Arkansas 4-3 (1-3).

TV: ESPN2.

Radio: WSAI-AM (1530).

Series: UK leads 2-1.

Line: Arkansas by 4.

What to watch: Despite its three-game losing streak, Arkansas might have the tools to pound the Wildcats. The Hogs rank No. 17 nationally in rushing offense, and UK ranks 77th in rushing defense. UK has found success as a balanced run-pass team the past two weeks. This game might be key in its drive toward a bowl bid.

UK	Team stats	ARK
326.6	Offense avg.	406.3
128.4	Avg. by rush	204.6
198.2	Avg. by pass	201.7
356.1	Defense avg.	320.3
168.4	Avg. by rush	140.0
187.8	Avg. by pass	180.3
28.8	Avg. points for	26.6
21.5	Avg. pts. against	20.1