Alabama vs Arkansas Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
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The No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks defend their 3-0 home record against the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. Razorback Stadium will be an electric environment as Arkansas (3-1) is planning its first-ever red out. Alabama (4-0) barely escaped its last road test against Texas (20-19).
As we all know, the Crimson Tide are the kings of the SEC. Through four games, Alabama has shown some chinks in its armor. The Razorbacks come off a disappointing road loss against Texas A&M (23-21). Arkansas must clean up its mistakes while the Tide rolled last week against Vanderbilt (55-3).
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Alabama vs Arkansas. We’ve plenty of Vegas NCAAF odds for you to consider.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The offense comes off possibly its best game of the season. At times, the offensive line has struggled and the wide receiver corps has been inconsistent. Those issues were erased against Vanderbilt.
The O-line had its best performance as the pocket was kept clean and holes were open in the run game. The Tide averaged 6.7 yards per carry with 228 rushing yards. Running back Jase McClellan had another nice showing, posting 78 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Superstar quarterback Bryce Young looked fantastic, passing for 385 yards and four touchdowns. According to NCAAF odds, Young is the second choice (+450) to win the Heisman Trophy. Most importantly, Young may have found his favorite target. Wideout Ja’Corey Brooks had 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Touchdown Alabama 🐘🔥
Bryce Young to Ja’Corey Brooks for a Touchdown 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/M9AxsguE4y
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) September 24, 2022
On defense, the pass rush was solid as edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. posted 2.5 sacks. The run defense continued its dominance, allowing 0.5 yards per carry. The Crimson Tide is yielding 1.8 yards per carry (second) and 62.5 rushing yards per game (second).
Alabama has rebounded nicely from its disappointing performance against Texas. The Crimson Tide could put the country on notice with another dominant showing.
Arkansas Razorbacks
While Arkansas had a disappointing loss in Week 4, the matchup against Alabama is a massive opportunity. All of the Razorbacks’ worries will be forgotten if they pull off an upset.
The offense’s identity has not changed much. Arkansas Razorbacks still heavily relies on the run game as it attempts 54.3 carries per game (third). Against Texas A&M, the Razorbacks had 54 rushes compared to 19 passing attempts. Play-calling continues to show Arkansas’ lack of trust in QB KJ Jefferson’s ability to throw the ball. The Razorbacks will have to pass more often against Alabama’s elite run defense.
After allowing over 300 passing yards in three consecutive games, the secondary finally stepped up and limited the Aggies to only 151 passing yards. However, Arkansas’ run defense took a step back as Texas A&M averaged 5.6 yards per carry with 192 rushing yards. Despite the defensive struggles, the Razorbacks should have won the game. With 1:30 on the clock, kicker Cam Little missed a 42-yard field goal that would have put Arkansas ahead 24-23.
The Razorbacks will have to play a clean game to take down mighty Alabama.
Alabama vs Arkansas Injury Report
Alabama starting defensive lineman Byron Young is questionable (ankle). In addition, transfer wide receiver Tyler Harrell is questionable (foot) and WR Jojo Earle will be out for a few more weeks (foot).
The Razorbacks will be without two difference-makers in the secondary for the remainder of the season: cornerback LaDarrius Bishop (knee) and safety Jalen Catalon (shoulder).
Alabama vs Arkansas Head-to-Head
Alabama has won 15 consecutive games against Arkansas. The Razorbacks’ last win over the Tide was in 2006. Last season, Arkansas stayed competitive with Alabama Crimson Tide (42-35).
Alabama vs Arkansas Game Information
- Game: Alabama vs Arkansas
- Location: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 1, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Alabama vs Arkansas Live Stream: ESPN
Alabama vs Arkansas Betting Lines
Alabama vs Arkansas Prediction
Alabama’s run defense will be a big problem for Arkansas. As mentioned, the Razorbacks rely on the run and QB Jefferson has not shown the ability to carry a team through the air. Against Texas, the Crimson Tide held Bijan Robinson, the country’s top running back, to only 2.7 yards per carry. Arkansas’ offense will struggle when the run is not working. Plus, Young should be able to make plays against the Razorbacks’ depleted secondary. Alabama will cover in a convincing road victory.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place
