College Football Upset Alert: Razorbacks Look To Upset #3 Crimson Tide
by Tim Furious
The Tide were miffed about their pre-season ranking to open the college football betting season, and have now been the biggest benefactor of some resounding upsets in the past three weeks. The third-ranked Crimson Tide will get to justify their top billing against Arkansas, a team which is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against Alabama.
Say what you will about Nick Saban’s unceremonious departure from the Miami Dolphins, but this man knows just how to build a college football team. His defense ranks second overall, allowing just 185.3 yards total, with only 15.0 points against. Behind that stellar defense, Alabama has gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games, including a 5-2 ATS stretch at home. With an 11-1 SU record to protect at home, the Tide have to secure their SEC West title hopes with a win over a big program from Arkansas that holds the nation’s second best offense (so far).
It’s easy to get excited about Ryan Mallet’s season. The 21-year old sophomore has notched 717-yards and 6 touchdowns with zero mistakes. The offense ranks second in total yards with 538.0 yards and 6th in scoring with 44.5 per game. The problem for Arkansas will be keeping the Tide off the board. The Razorbacks gave up a 41-52 loss last week against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)
Saturday, September 26th --- Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa --- 3:30pm EST
NCAAF Betting Line: Alabama -17.5 (58)
The Tide were able to take advantage of the departure of Darren McFadden last year, trouncing Arkansas 49-14, but the Razorbacks have made steadfast improvements across the board. With significant injuries to ‘Bama’s top receiver, Julio Junes, and their star tailback, Roy Upchurch, the spread might be too big for even a viscious Tide team to overcome. They’ll score at will, but restraining Mallet for making this loss his own, personal statement will also be a tough task.
Bet Arkansas with a nice three-score point cushion. ‘Bama will push this game in to the OVER with a balanced offense attack while Mallet keeps the pressure on by tossing big scores to frustrate Saban’sbetting backers all day.
Furious Free Pick: Arkansas +17.5 (OVER)
