Arkansas Texas A&M Betting – Hogs Look To Rebound After Setback Against Alabama
The Arkansas Razorbacks lost the game they really wanted to win. Now, they return to the field after a bye week as they take on Texas A&M Aggies in Arlington, Texas.
NCAA football betting: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Online Betting Odds: Arkansas -6.5
Why To Bet On Arkansas
The Razorbacks – as crestfallen as they might still be after their immensely disappointing loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide – nevertheless played the Crimson Tide more closely than other teams will this season. Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, though he won't win the Heisman Trophy, is still a gifted quarterback who should feast on the Texas A&M secondary, which gave up a number of big plays in a Sept. 30 loss to Oklahoma State Cowboys. Arkansas is the more talented team in this game, and because it had a bye week this past weekend, it should be able to overcome the disappointment that still lingers following the Alabama setback. This team should be mentally fresh as well as physically fresh.
One other reason to pick Arkansas is that while A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson is talented, he's also very erratic. Johnson did throw for five touchdowns and over 400 yards against Oklahoma State on Sept. 30, but he threw four interceptions. Johnson has now thrown four picks in each of his last two games. Naturally, Arkansas' secondary should be able to get one or two turnovers in this game. With Ryan Mallett at the controls for the Hogs, that should be more than enough to win.
Why To Bet On Texas A&M
Jerrod Johnson, the Aggies' very athletic quarterback, is the kind of player who can provide instant offense and lead a team back from a multi-touchdown deficit. That's exactly what happened last Thursday, as Johnson – with A&M trailing Oklahoma State by a 35-21 score – led his team to two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The Aggies tied OSU before ultimately falling, 38-35. Johnson completed 40-of-62 passes for 409 yards and five touchdowns against Oklahoma State, showcasing the full range of the ability he possesses. Johnson annihilated a strong Texas Longonrs defense on Thanksgiving night of 2009, and against Oklahoma State last week, the nation was reminded of the good things Johnson can do on the football field.
wounded. Arkansas devoted so much mental and emotional energy to that Alabama game, and since the Razorbacks failed to take down the defending national champions, they could very well lack the motivation they need to play fast, hard and well. Texas A&M could sneak up on the Hogs and ambush them in what is a neutral-site game played inside the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys.
How The Game Will Play Out
Arkansas blew out A&M one year ago in the same stadium. In the rematch, there's no reason to think the outcome should be any different. Ryan Mallett has had his share of problems for Arkansas, but those problems are nothing compared to what Jerrod Johnson is going through. It's strange to think that Johnson could throw only two interceptions in this game and look good in comparison to what he's done over the previous few weeks. The Razorbacks will still get at least two turnovers from A&M and will move the ball all day long against the Aggies' inferior defense. The Hogs should cover the number without much of a problem.
Arkansas Texas A&M Betting Pick: Arkansas
