Both Alabama and Arkansas enter off impressive road wins as underdogs, and the Crimson Tide have moved back into the top-10 ranked No. 8 in the AP Poll. But the Tide’s win at Georgia has them laying a hefty price again as a 16.5-point favorite over the ‘Hogs.
WHEN ARKANSAS HAS THE BALL
Arkansas earned a well-deserved 24-20 road win at Tennessee last week. The Hogs rolled up nearly 494 yards of offense behind their power running game which racked up 275 yards on 50 carries. The offensive output was their highest under third year coach Brett Bielema. Now they'll try to run on Alabama's dominating defense which held Georgia's Nick Chubb in check outside of one long 83 yard run.
The Arkansas ground game and offensive line has been even stronger, and junior running back Alex Collins comes off the best game of his career rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
But it will take balance and ball control to take down or hang with the ‘Tide. However, despite Alabama’s seemingly one-sided 38-10 win at Georgia last week, note that the ‘Tide allowed 193 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per rush. The ‘Hogs running game should have success and they are likely the value side in live betting; especially at big adjusted prices if they fall behind by an early score.
WHEN ALABAMA HAS THE BALL
The Crimson Tide built a huge lead last week and cruised to the 28-point win at Georgia. While they increased their level of play, it's also resulted in an increase in the point spread and betting market. Alabama’s 379 yards of offense was equally balanced between the run and pass against Georgia's strong defense, but the 'Tide we're just 1-for-11 on third down and benefitted from and created four Georgia turnovers.
They had a punt block return touchdown and pick-6, to aid in their victory.
Senior quarterback Jake Coker passed just 16 times last week, and Alabama will also run the ball early and often with Derrick Henry rushing for nearly 600 yards and nine touchdowns already this season.
LIVE BETTING AND MATCHUP TRENDS
This betting line is a full touchdown higher that it would have been opening week had these two team played and a good field goal higher had the game been played last week. But last week’s Alabama result tells you the linemakers expect the public to bet Alabama and has opened the line accordingly.
However, Arkansas is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games and 10-4 ATS versus a team with a winning record. The under is also 4-0 in the Razorbacks last four games and 5-0 in their last five road games. Alabama is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games and 7-15-1 ATS in its last 23 games overall.
Last year Alabama escaped Fayetteville with a 14-13 win with just 227 yards of offense while the Razorbacks had 335 yards in defeat. Jered Reed continues his stellar play along Alabama’s strong defensive line. But Arkansas held Tennessee to 90 yards in the second half of last week's win; the Hogs first SEC road win in three years.
The Razorbacks defense held the Texas A&M ground game to 65 yards and Tennessee’s high-powered running attack to 133 rushing yards and 4.0 yards per rush last week. Arkansas has not scored more than 24 points since opening week including last week’s 24-20 road win at Tennessee in which they accumulated nearly 500 yards of offense.
Live betting should be focused on the running game and perhaps less scoring early in the game. See if the ‘Hogs offense is able to have success on the ground and how senior quarterback Brandon Allen responds to pressure in the pocket. If the Razorbacks show the ability to control the ball and move it with some consistency, they should offer the value in adjusted live betting prices.
The college football lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker and the Alabama Crimson Tide were positioned as 16.5-point favorites. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The Arkansas Razorbacks and Alabama Crimson Tide square off on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
