#9 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) -9.5, O/U 46.5 at Arkansas Razorbacks (2-0) +9.5, O/U 46.5 Saturday September 20 Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas 12:30 EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Alabama and Arkansas will go head to head this weekend in another SEC showdown. The Crimson Tide are currently ranked number 9 in AP poll and 13 in the coaches poll. The Razorbacks have not cracked the top 25 but look to upset their conference rival at home this week in an attempt to earn a top ranking.
Arkansas has won both of their games this season against less storied programs, but they have not been exactly blowing away the competition. They managed to beat Western Illinois and Louisiana-Monroe by a combined five points. If they wish to slingshot the giant (Bama) this weekend they will need more fire power and defense to finish the task.
ESPN will definitely have their eye on this matchup as it will set the pace for the South Eastern Conference.
The Crimson Tide this year are 1-1 ATS and 0-2 on the over as they have been under on every game.
Arkansas has been off on the line in their two contests, so it will be interesting to see how the Razorbacks handle the Tide as they are a 9 point plus under dog at home.
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On paper both teams appear similar in the major categories, especially in the passing area where Bama has a 62.8% completion rate to Arkansass 62.7%.
Alabama may have the upper hand in the polls, but Arkansas was fortunate enough to have more time to prepare for this game due to Hurricane Ike. The Razorback coaching staff all agreed that it was different having more time to plan, but they took advantage of it as best that they could. The extra drills and reps in practice should hold great value on the field Saturday.
Razorback defensive coordinator Willy Robinson shared his thoughts regarding Bama QB John Parker Wilson, I think if he gets a hot hand and we let him keep that hot hand hell kill us. We have to disrupt him. If we arent doing anything to keep him uncomfortable, then he can pick you apart. Robinson said.
Both teams hit it hard this week and Wednesday they both put in two hours of full pads during practice. The coaches know that the winner of this game usually goes on to have a decent year and possibly a BCS appearance.
Alabama leads the series 10-8, but the series is tied 8-8 since both teams joined the SEC West 17 years ago. Last year Alabama beat the Razorbacks in Tuscaloosa 41-38. Arkansas will look to get revenge in Fayetteville come Saturday afternoon. In Arkansass favor is the fact that the Crimson Tide has only won twice all-time on the Arkansas campus, so if you like to wager on a third victory for the Tide this may be your best bet as Bama seems to be rolling right into town with all the ingredients to steal a win on the road.
Bama head coach Nick Saban is well aware of the history between these two teams and he expressed that in his press conference on Monday, We just have to worry about what we do and take care of business and try to play our best ball. Saban continued on by saying everything that they have done so far this season was to prepare for the SEC and Saturday will display how prepared they are for the Razorbacks.
Wilsons Pick: Is this line a joke? Bama rolls the hogs.