Two dominant defenses will dictate this as the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-3) take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1). The SEC’s second-leading passer, Brandon Allen (1,360 yards, 8 TDs), will be featured in this game. Things have continued to look bleak for Arkansas, finding itselves on the losing end of three straight. The game kicks off Saturday, Oct 10 at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESPN.
In last week’s matchup, Alabama easily got past Georgia 38-10. Calvin Ridley had a great game in the victory, grabbing five receptions for 120 yards and one TD. Jake Coker put up 190 yards and a TD through the air. Arkansas also won last week’s performance, defeating Tennessee 24-20. Drew Morgan had a huge game for the Razorbacks, pulling in five receptions for 110 yards. Alex Collins had a great game as well, adding 154 rushing yards and two TDs on 27 carries.
Alabama is a 16-point favorite against the Razorbacks.
Even with a positive Straight Up (SU) record of 4-1, the Crimson Tide have not been an excellent bet so far this year, going 2-3 Against The Spread (ATS). The passing game could be a priority for Alabama’s offense against a weak Razorbacks pass defense that ranks 101st in the country with 257.6 passing yards allowed per game. In the second quarter, Alabama is a tough test, putting up 12.2 points. Alabama’s special teams squad is a force to be reckoned with. They average 120 return yards per game, 19th in Division I.
Over on the other sideline, the Razorbacks head into Week 6 with records of 2-3 for both ATS and SU.
Predictions: SU Winner – Alabama, ATS Winner – Alabama
Notes
Alabama is 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 games.
Alabama is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games.
Alabama is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home.
Alabama is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Alabama’s last 7 games at home.
Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arkansas.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Alabama’s last 9 games when playing Arkansas.
Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arkansas.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Alabama’s last 8 games when playing at home against Arkansas.
Arkansas is 2-1 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Alabama is 4-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
Since the beginning of last season, Alabama is 7-2 SU against SEC opponents, while Arkansas is 3-4 SU against in-conference foes.
When comparing just conference ratings, Arkansas seems to have an advantage in the passing game. Its offensive passing game (ranked third in the SEC) will face the seventh-ranked pass defense of Alabama, while its third-ranked pass defense will look to control the seventh-ranked aerial attack of the Crimson Tide.
When analyzing just conference ratings, Arkansas has the advantage in the run game. Its fifth-ranked rushing attack will face the sixth-ranked rush defense of Alabama, while its fifth-ranked run defense will look to contain the sixth-ranked run game of the Crimson Tide.
