The Arkansas Razorbacks and South Carolina Gamecocks aren’t going to be in the hunt for an SEC title, but both are still on pace to reach a bowl game. Their matchup in Week 6 is a crucial game for both sides in their quest to make the postseason.
The Gamecocks get this game at home where they will look to take care of business, but they are slight underdogs in this matchup. Arkansas has played well early in the season and has looked good on offense. If the Razorbacks get their offense going in this game, South Carolina could have a tough time keeping pace.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 6 game is set for Saturday, October 7, 2017, at 4 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arkansas -2
South Carolina +2
Over/Under 49.5
Odds Analysis
Arkansas is a small road favorite. The spread is important right now as those backing the Razorbacks should jump on it because a win by a field goal would result in a cover. That’s been the case thus far, as more than 76 percent of the money is on Arkansas.
The scoring total is much lower than in the majority of matchups. The “under” is still the more popular choice in what should be a defensive battle.
The Razorbacks are -125 to win this game on the moneyline while South Carolina is +105 to defend the home field. Nearly 70 percent of the money is on Arkansas to win this game outright.
Player to Watch
Jake Bentley -- The South Carolina quarterback could be needed to put up some points if Arkansas gets rolling offensively. Bentley has done a nice job so far in 2017, throwing for 1,257 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions in five games.
His one poor game came in a loss to Kentucky when Bentley threw a pair of interceptions. He performed pretty well last time out against Texas A&M but his protection couldn’t hold up, which helped sink the Gamecocks.
South Carolina would prefer to play a low-scoring game and lean on its defense to lead the way. However, if the Gamecocks fall behind it will be on the right arm of Bentley to rally them in the second half.
Key Stat
205.3. That’s the number of rushing yards per game Arkansas averages on the season. If the Razorbacks can get near their average in this one they will have a great chance at emerging victorious.
Arkansas has a three-pronged attack on the ground. Devwah Whaley has carried the ball 48 times for 249 yards and a pair of touchdowns this season, while Chase Hayden has added 41 rushes for 246 yards and four scores. David Williams rounds out the trio as he has 43 carries for 203 yards and four touchdowns.
Free ATS Pick
South Carolina has a solid defense, and it needs to play well in this one. The location of this game helps the Gamecocks, and some statistical models consider them the favorite, which is something to keep in mind. Arkansas has looked good at times on the season, and would love to pull out this win.
These teams have played one common opponent and each lost to Texas A&M by seven points, although Arkansas forced overtime. This game is too close to call, as it conceivably go either way. In cases like this, it’s smarter to go with the home team, especially when it is the underdog.
Take the Gamecocks to not just cover the spread but win the game outright. The moneyline odds aren’t fantastic, but they will be a nice payoff for a team that should scratch out a victory. Take the “under” in a game that is setting up to be a defensive battle.
College Football Odds: South Carolina 21, Arkansas 20
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