The Ole Miss Rebels and the Arkansas Razorbacks both have two losses on the season so far, but each of them have come to quality teams. These conference foes face a crucial test in Week 7 as neither can afford a loss in another big-time SEC matchup.
No. 14 Ole Miss has won two in a row coming into this one, defeating Memphis last week. Its only defeats of the year have come to then-top-five foes Alabama and Florida State. No. 16 Arkansas fell to top-ranked Alabama last time out and also lost to No. 10 Texas A&M. The Razorbacks will return home looking to rebound.
This matchup in Week 7 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 7 p.m. ET at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ole Miss -7
Arkansas +7
Odds Analysis
The Rebels are on the road but still sizable favorites. The oddsmakers seem to have placed it right, as Ole Miss is taking in the majority of the action with nearly 59 percent of the money on them to cover.
Both teams are under .500 against the spread on the season, with Arkansas 1-2 trying to cover at home this year.
Player to Watch
Rawleigh Williams III - He is the go-to player on the ground for Arkansas this year. Williams III has 113 carries for 605 yards with five touchdowns so far.
He was limited to just 46 yards last week against a tough Alabama defense and will look to get back on track this week against Ole Miss. The sophomore has rushed for 120 yards or more in three games this season.
Ole Miss is allowing 215 rushing yards per game so must step it up. If Arkansas can move the ball effectively on the ground, it will heighten its chances of pulling the upset.
Matchup to Watch
Chad Kelly vs. the Arkansas pass defense - The Ole Miss quarterback has proven to be one of the best in the conference. He has thrown for 1,596 yards this season with 13 touchdowns against only four interceptions.
He was 30-of-44 for 361 yards with a touchdown and an interception last week against Memphis. Kelly almost led Mississippi to an upset win over Alabama by throwing for 421 yards and three touchdowns against the Crimson Tide. Alabama rallied for the win but it was a big-time performance.
Arkansas is only giving up 218 passing yards per game this season but its defensive backs will certainly be tested by a quarterback who could have an NFL future.
Free ATS Pick
Ole Miss has been competitive against a tough schedule but is nonetheless just 3-2 on the year and needs this key road win. The team has wins over Wofford and Georgia in addition to its 48-28 victory over Memphis last week.
The offense is averaging 41.6 points a game right now, the 15th best in the nation. Kelly’s top target has been Evan Engram, who has caught 30 passes for 479 yards and four touchdowns on the season.
Arkansas has a record of 4-2 coming into this SEC West matchup. The Razorbacks started the season at 3-0, which included a double-overtime win over No. 15 TCU, until the recent losses to the Aggies and Crimson Tide.
The Razorbacks need a big game from quarterback Austin Allen, who has thrown for 1,632 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Ole Miss has gone toe-to-toe with a couple of top teams early on the season before falling short. There is no margin for error left, and the team knows it. Expect Kelly and the rest of the offense to put on a big-time display.
The Rebels are the pick to win in a shootout and cover the spread.
College Football Odds: Ole Miss 41, Arkansas 31
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