The #21 Arkansas Razorbacks (7-3, 3-3 SEC) matchup against the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-1, 5-1 SEC) in a Southeastern Conference West division showdown. A win for Alabama clinches the division and sends the Crimson Tide back to the SEC Championship for the second consecutive season and seventh time in ten seasons.
Saturday’s kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. EST at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Alabama is a 20.5-point favorite in the clash, and the over-under total is at 59 points.
What to Know – Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks were the darling of college football to begin the season, rising into the top-10 before suffering three straight conference losses and dropping out of the rankings. Arkansas is back in the top-25, having closed their last three contests with victories as they move into the final two weeks of play.
Offensively, Arkansas scores 30.9 points and surrenders 22.9 points per game on defense. The Razorbacks produce 439.8 yards of offense while allowing 346.9 yards defensively.
Arkansas’ latest triumph came in a 16-13 overtime victory at LSU last week. KJ Jefferson completed 18-of-25 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown while leading the Razorbacks in rushing with 42 yards. Wide receiver Dominique Johnson hauled in pair of grabs, including the lone touchdown for Arkansas.
Arkansas is 5-4-1 against the spread this year with a 1-1-1 mark ATS on the road. The total has gone over in six of Arkansas’ ten games played this season.
What to Know – Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama would love to clinch up the division before heading into their regular-season finale against rival Auburn. Additionally, a loss for Alabama all but eliminates the Tide from the postseason playoff conversation. Outside of a six-point victory over LSU, the Crimson Tide have cruised in their contests since their lone loss at Texas A&M.
Alabama has one of the best scoring offenses in the nation, averaging 44.6 points on 484.7 yards of offense. The Crimson Tide defense holds teams to 18.2 points and 290.3 yards of total offense.
Bryce Young threw for five touchdowns, completing 21-of-23 passes for 270 yards, in a blowout victory over New Mexico State last week. Brian Robinson Jr. scored a pair of rushing touchdowns, and wide receiver Jameson Williams hauled in six passes for 158 yards and three scores.
The Crimson Tide is 6-4 ATS on the year and 4-2 ATS in Alabama. The total has gone under in four of Alabama’s last six contests.
The Pick is In
Saturday’s conference clash has significant implications for Alabama, so you can expect head coach Nick Saban to have his team focused and ready to play. Arkansas hasn’t beaten the Crimson Tide since 2006, and the Razorbacks haven’t performed well this season against elite teams.
Young and company are going to pick apart the Arkansas defense and should score well into the 40s. Arkansas finds the endzone a few times, and this game hits the over early in the second half.
Betting Pick: Razorbacks/Crimson Tide OVER 59
