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Alabama vs. Arkansas Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 5

By Reed Wallach

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson.
Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson. / Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
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Arkansas was handed its first defeat on a neutral field last week, losing in heart breaking fashion to Texas A&M after hitting the top of the upright on a last second field goal.

The Razorbacks need to refocus quickly from their tough loss as Alabama comes to town as 17.5-point favorites. These two played a tight game last year, can we expect more of the same in Fayetteville, Arkansas?

Let's check out the odds from FanDuel Sportsbook:

Alabama vs. Arkansas Odds, Spread and Total

Alabama vs. Arkansas Betting Trends

  • Alabama didn't cover in its only true road game this season
  • Arkansas is 2-1 at home this season
  • Nick Saban is 22-12 as a visiting favorite of two touchdowns or more while coaching Alabama.

Alabama vs. Arkansas Prediction and Pick

This number has blown past a (somewhat) key number of -17, and I think it's time to step in and back the Razorbacks.

The secondary has concerns after star safety Jaylon Catalan went down with a season ending injury, but the Razorbacks have a fantastic defensive line that can challenge the Crimson Tide offensive line. Alabama has an offensive line that ranks 54th in line yards and struggled to hold up against Texas on the road.

Maybe the pass catchers have figured it out since the road trip to Austin, putting up 63 against Louisiana-Monroe and 55 against Vanderbilt, but I'll take a shot on a havoc drive Arkansas defensive line that has the most sacks in the country (20).

Meanwhile, KJ Jefferson has continued to develop as a dual threat quarterback, leading a unit that is top 25 in success rate. Can this team get to 24 points and stay within shouting distance against the Tide at home?

Last year, Arkansas scored 35 points against Alabama (aided by a fake field goal touchdown), and while the team will surely miss Treylon Burks, I downgrade Alabama's offense as well and think that this game can look something like 34-24 Bama.

I'll take the points and hope Jefferson can find the end zone enough to cash a ticket.

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