Arkansas vs. Tennessee Prediction and Odds (Bet Razorbacks to Cover)

Two of the SEC's best meet for the second time this season with the home team looking to exact some revenge on the surging Arkansas Razorbacks.

Tennessee is quietly building themselves into a Final Four contender with recent victories over Kentucky and Auburn and they will look to make it a third straight SEC contender at home when the Razorbacks come to town on Saturday.

Arkansas won an ugly one at home over the Vols, 58-48 as 2.5-point favorites and have won 14 of 15 games. How will they do in a tough road environment? Here are the odds for this elite SEC showdown:

Arkansas vs. Tennessee Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Arkansas: +7
• Tennessee: -7

Moneyline:

• Arkansas: N/A
• Tennessee: N/A

Total: 137

Arkansas vs. Tennessee Prediction and Pick

These two met on February 19th with Arkansas as small home favorites. Since then, the Hogs have beaten Florida on the road and Kentucky and LSU at home (failing to cover in neither of the latter two wins). While many are banking on an emotional letdown for Arkansas after such an incredible win streak, this line is way too wide for two evenly matched teams.

Tennessee has been able to beat two elite SEC clubs (that Arkansas beat recently too), but I can't see reason to shift this line 8.5 points after a recent game that saw Arkansas win.

The two clubs profile very similarly, elite on the defensive end while being up-and-down on the offensive end. JD Notae and Jaylin Williams anchor the Arkansas offense, but the team has struggled to score on the interior. Tennessee has the defensive prowess to challenge the Hogs, but Arkansas does a great job of limiting turnovers and pushing the tempo.

Tennessee is the stronger three-point shooting team, but Arkansas' defense is more complete, putting together the best defensive efficiency rating in SEC play. If Tennessee can't generate a ton of clean looks from three, then they will struggle to score and we can see a similar rock fight in the second meeting.

Ultimately, I can't get to this line. I make this spread closer to -5 and even if I add an extra point for the revenge spot, I see value on this spread at +6.5 or better. Arkansas can stay close with their superior ball handling and elite defense even if this situation calls for a bet on Tennessee.

PICK: Arkansas +7, play to +6.5

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!