(3) Alabama Crimson Tide Favored By 17 Over SEC Rival Arkansas

Sports Betting News - September 28th, 2009 - Written by Scott

In a great SEC showdown this weekend, Arkansas will travel to No. 3 Alabama in what is sure to be a fantastic offensive display by both teams.  Arkansas will look to rebound from its 52-41 loss last week to Georgia.  Alabama, 3-0,  has only had one true test this year and that came against Virginia Tech in their season opener.  Alabama will probably need the same offensive explosion it had in it's last two games to keep up with the high scoring Razorbacks.  Both teams are ranked near the top offensively in the nation.  Alabama won last year's meeting 49-14. 

Alabama is off to a great start offensively and is averaging 512 total yards and 42 points per game.  Their past two blow out wins against much lesser quality opponents has aided in these high stats.  They will get a true test this Saturday from a more prominent program in Arkansas.  Quarterback Greg McElroy has been consistent and has passed for 647 yards and 4 touchdowns.   Running backs Matt Ingram (297 yds) and Trent Richardson (215 yds) are leading Alabama's rushing attack this year.  The Crimson Tide's defense has been very tough this year and has allowed only 185.3 yards per game so far.  How they handle the Razorbacks explosive offense will have a great impact on the outcome of this SEC matchup.  

The Arkansas passing attack has absolutely been on fire this year.  Quarterback Ryan Mallet has benefited greatly from his offensive line with having plenty of time to distribute the ball.  He has passed for 717 yards and 6 touchdowns.  His decision making has been great as he has not thrown an interception all year.  The running game has not caught up with the passing game yet and the razorbacks are only averaging 110 yards a game on the ground.  Running back Michael Smith is the team's leading rusher and has only rushed for 102 yards on the year.  Defensively, Arkansas must be prepared for Alabama's rushing attack.  They have done a good job so far this year and are only allowing 118 rushing yards per game.  They will need to improve on their pass defense as they allowed 375 yards in the air against Georgia.

Alabama will enter the game as 17 point favorites against Arkansas at home.  Defensive play will be key for both teams as  Alabama and Arkansas can both move the ball up and down the field.  Fans can expect a great offensive explosion if the defenses are not up to par.  

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