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Alabama at Arkansas Predictions

Written September 18, 2008 by Jack Jones

It’ll be an SEC battle this weekend in Fayetteville when the Alabama Crimson Tide square off against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The lines makers aren’t giving the Hogs much credit as Sportsbook.com has opened up the odds at Alabama -9.5 with a total set at 46.5. The large spread stems from Alabama climbing up to No. 9 in the polls after three straight wins to start the season, while Arkansas is 2-0 with a couple of close calls. The Razorbacks were off last weekend due to Hurricane Ike postponing their game with Texas.

The Tide offense has been generating a good deal of offense with the running game, racking up 206.3 yards per game and five touchdowns on five yards per carry. Alabama runs a balanced attack with Glen Coffee putting up 242 yards on 6.5 ypc while Mark Ingram has also gone for 210 yards and three touchdowns. If they need to pass, then head coach Nick Saban is confident in quarterback John Parker Wilson. Wilson has thrown for 468 yards and four scores to only one pick while completing 63% of his passes. The balance has made it difficult for teams to matchup with the Tide as Saban’s group can beat you both ways.

It doesn’t get much easier for Alabama’s opponents when the defense comes onto the field. The Tide are only giving up 7.7 points per game (and only one touchdown) on 221.3 total yards per game. The run defense is down right stingy, giving up just 42.7 ypg on 1.9 ypc. Part of that stems from a couple of blowouts in which teams were forced to pass, and that is why the 178.7 yards per game given up through the air seems a little high. Last week Alabama allowed Western Kentucky to hold onto the ball for less than 23 minutes, giving the players plenty of chances to stay rested. If you think Alabama will cover the 9.5 point spread, bet the game at Sportsbook.com and get a 100% bonus on your first winning wager.

Arkansas just might be a tough matchup for Alabama though since they have done their damage on offense through the air. The Razorbacks are putting up 28 ppg and 450 total ypg, but quarterback Casey Dick has completed 63% of his passes while throwing for 641 yards, four scores, and one interception. First year head coach Bobby Petrino proved that he could score points when leading the Louisville offense a few years back, and he’s doing it again here at Arkansas. Running back Michael Smith was big last week with 22 totes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The only concern with these kinds of numbers is that they were put up against the likes of Western Illinois and UL-Monroe, not quite SEC-power houses. Against UL-Monroe the team even had to come from behind to win, and such a poor start here would be disastrous to their chances of winning.

Without playing any real strong competition, there are some question marks about the Razorback defense. They haven’t picked off any passes yet, and teams have seemed to throw the ball all over the field against them. Sure their rushing defense has done alright, but without forcing any turnovers they could be in for a tough time against a superior talent. If you think the Razorbacks can pull this one out at home, bet the Arkansas +9.5 point spread at BetUS and get up to 135% in signup bonuses.

Football Score Predictions: Alabama 30, Arkansas 17

Two Cookies A Day has his SEC Game predictions for Alabama and Arkansas showing a final of 27-10, not too far off of us.

Remember that if you want college football picks from expert handicappers, then we have some of the best services in the world right here to choose from.

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