Alabama vs Arkansas Odds & Prediction
This was expected to be a meeting of two top ten teams, but it didn’t work out the way it was planned. Arkansas lost as a 30-point home favorite against Louisiana-Monroe last weekend. John L. Smith will try to rally the troops this weekend, but they’ll face a very stiff test.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville Arkansas
Saturday September 15, 3:30 PM EST on CBS
College Football Betting Odds from Bovada
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Alabama -21 (-110) vs. Arkansas +21 (-110)
Over/Under: 53.5
The Crimson Tide of Alabama dominated in the title game last year, and they have looked awesome so far in 2012.
Alabama
There isn’t a better college football program in the country right now than the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nick Saban continues to reload with top-notch players on an annual basis. Last year’s team was amazing, and this year’s squad seems destined for huge things once again. A team that loses their entire defense would usually struggle, but this defense shut down Denard Robinson and Michigan in week one. Last week, they pitched a shutout against Western Kentucky. This unit is filled with guys who are future NFL stars.
The single biggest strength of the Alabama football team is probably their offensive line. There isn’t a better offensive line in the country. T.J. Yeldon and Eddie Lacey are both guys who can run the ball well, and running behind this offensive line is a huge plus. A.J. McCarron has more on his shoulders this year, and he seems to be more than able to carry the extra weight. So far this season McCarron has six touchdown passes and no interceptions. The only spot where Alabama might have a small weakness is in the kicking game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Arkansas
Bobby Petrino was fired after his ridiculous offseason escapades, and John L. Smith was given the head coaching position at Arkansas. Smith never had much success at Michigan State, and many questioned the decision to hire him. After last week’s loss, you can bet even more Razorback fans doubt the team’s decision. Star quarterback Tyler Wilson was injured in last week’s loss to Louisiana-Monroe, and his status for this weekend’s game is unclear. There really isn’t another player with any experience to plug in if Wilson can’t go.
Knile Davis hasn’t gotten on track yet this year, and Arkansas needs some major production out of him. The Razorbacks will have to run the football some, and they may have to run it a lot if Wilson misses this contest. The biggest problem for the Razorbacks has been their defense. Louisiana-Monroe rolled up 550 total yards of offense against Arkansas last week. Kolton Browning threw for 412 yards and ran for the game-winning touchdown against this unit last week. If Arkansas is going to have any chance in this game, the defense must step up in a big way.
Alabama will likely have their way with this Arkansas defense. I expect the Razorbacks offense to show up and put together some good drives here as well. Look for a higher scoring game than most expect.
Free College Football Pick: Over 53.5
