It has not exactly been a banner year for the Arkansas football program with the Razorbacks going 2-3 SU through their first five brutal weeks of play. However, Arkansas has been even worse for bettors, with the Hogs failing to cover the spread even once this season – and in their past seven games dating back to last year. The Razorbacks are going to be spotted a boatload of points when they take on the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide this Saturday.
The last time Arkansas picked up a victory against Alabama was back in 2006 when running back Darren McFadden propelled the Razorbacks past the Tide. Since then it has been all Alabama, including last season when Bama strolled to a 49-30 win.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts was a shining star for Alabama against Arkansas last season, as the then-freshman accounted for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Though often overlooked compared to his QB brethren this season, Hurts has been one of the most efficient signal-callers in the nation with a 63.1 completion percentage and no turnovers on the year.
The QB position is much more unsettled for Arkansas after senior Austin Allen left last week’s loss to South Carolina with an undisclosed injury. If Allen is healthy, he will get the start even with his inconsistent play this season. If Austin is a no go, freshman Cole Kelly will get the nod after completing eight of his 13 passes with one touchdown and one interception last week.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Alabama Crimson Tide pegged as 29.5-point favorites in this matchup. The total, meanwhile, had yet to be posted as of writing; check the lines shortly.
Earlier, OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game picked a 49-16 victory for the Crimson Tide. That score may change during the week, if injury or weather factors alter the numbers, so check the college football picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs Alabama Crimson Tide Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Alabama brings a 6-0 record (3-3 ATS) to the Week 7 betting matchup against the 2-3 Arkansas Razorbacks, who are 0-5 against the spread. OVER/UNDER betting has seen Alabama go 3-3 so far and the Razorbacks go 3-2. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Alabama vs Arkansas injuries news.
It's a betting matchup between the No. 1-rated Alabama Crimson Tide and the No. 98-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks, according to the NCAA College Football Power Rankings here at OddsShark.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Alabama Crimson Tide's No. 10-ranked offense (43 PPG) against a Arkansas Razorbacks defense that ranks No. 97 at 31.4 PPG. The Crimson Tide passing attack has averaged 181.33 yards per game, less than the Razorbacks give up through the air (204 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the Razorbacks own the league's No. 101-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 222 yards per game when on the road. Alabama, on the other hand, rates No. 13 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Arkansas lost its last outing 48-22 against South Carolina on Saturday, getting a 116-yard receiving performance from Jonathan Nance in a losing cause at Williams-Brice Stadium.
In their last game, Alabama got a 124-yard performance from Damien Harris as a key part of its 27-19 win over Texas A&M.
Next Betting Matchups
Arkansas home to Auburn, Saturday, October 21
Alabama home to Tennessee, Saturday, October 21