NCAA football betting – Arkansas down but looks to upend rival Alabama
Posted on 9/17/2008 3:59:32 PM
By Blake Frazier
NCAA football betting: Crimson Tide big favorites over Razorbacks
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WHAT: NCAA football betting
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WHO: Alabama Crimson Tide (-9.5) @ Arkansas Razorbacks (+9.5)
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WHEN: Saturday, September 20th – 12:30 PM ET
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WHERE: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
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KEY STATS: Alabama is 5-12 against the spread as a favorite in the last three years; Arkansas is 2-7 against the spread in its last nine September games
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THE PICK: Alabama
NCAA football betting sharps are anxious to see how the Arkansas Razorbacks respond after an unexpected bye week. The Razorbacks were supposed to have a contest against the Texas Longhorns last weekend but due Hurricane Ike, their contest was postponed until later in the season.
Arkansas was preparing for a matchup against Texas but once they found out mid-week that their game was postponed, they had to start preparing for the key Alabama-Arkansas matchup. They had to scrap their game plan midweek and shift their focus to a completely different opponent.
Bobby Petrino’s first season at Fayetville has been one of transition. The Razorbacks are shifting from a power rushing offense to an intricate passing scheme. Backed by a young, inexperienced defense, the Razorbacks haven’t looked very good. Online sportsbook odds had them more than a three-touchdown underdog against the Longhorns after a couple of near early season disasters.
Arkansas barely squeaked by FCS school Western Illinois (28-24) in its home opener and eked out a win against Louisiana-Monroe (28-27) in their first road contest. Ninth-ranked Alabama figures to be a big step up in competition.
Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide might roll in this game because of how many advantages they have everywhere on the field. At quarterback, senior John Parker Wilson is superior to Arkansas’ Casey Dick.
The Roll Tide have better running backs, wide receivers and the stronger defense. That’s why online sportsbook odds have them listed as nearly a double-digit home underdog.
More importantly, they’ve already played stiff competition after stomping out the overhyped Clemson Tigers in a pressure-filled opening contest. The biggest issue for the Razorbacks defense figures to be Alabama’s power running game.
That BCS Championship powerhouse otherwise known as the Western Illinois Leathernecks rushed for 157 yards against Arkansas, which doesn’t bode well considering that NCAA football betting minds are aware Alabama’s power ground attack is exponentially better.
The only real advantage in Arkansas’ favor is that they are at home, which isn’t enough to convince NCAA football betting sharps to bet on them. Getting 9.5 points on the odds looks good but, realistically, there’s a reason why they are such a big home underdog.
BLAKE’S PICK: Alabama -9.5
For more NCAA football lines or insight into the Florida-Tennesse or LSU-Auburn matchups, visit BetOnline.com. BetOnline.com is a top rated online sportsbook providing reliable sports betting to millions of clients.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a
brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to
the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game
that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few
who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
