Alabama vs. Arkansas point spread: Picking Crimson Tide vs. Razorbacks

Arkansas and Alabama are set to meet on Saturday in a Week 7 battle in Tuscaloosa, and it’s not exactly expected to be close. With the Razorbacks spiraling and the Crimson Tide rising, FanDuel has Alabama as a 20.5-point home favorite, and it could be a lot worse.

Since committing to Jalen Milroe at quarterback in Week 4 against Ole Miss, Alabama has appeared to find a rhythm offensive and now finds itself the frontrunner to win the SEC West. Meanwhile, Arkansas has dropped four straight games, albeit in close contests, as Sam Pittman finds his team reeling midway through his fourth season.

Former LSU offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert joined On3‘s Andy Staples on Wednesday to break down the game, saying he still likes the Crimson Tide to cover despite the large spread.

“If this Alabama team wins anything of note, it’s probably Nick Saban’s best coaching job that he’s ever had,” he said. “You look at Arkansas and speaking of morale and things like that, these two teams could not be going in more opposite directions. Alabama’s had two really impressive SEC comebacks in must-have wins to take control of the West and Arkansas is falling apart. You blow the big lead against BYU. You almost get LSU and you fall short. You lose by seven to Ole Miss. You got Dan Enos immediately responding to student emails after the game about play calling?

“The Alabama defense is gonna give KJ (Jefferson) and Enos a ton of problems. Jalen Milroe continues to grow in strength. I talked to my gambling guy here, I got Collin Wilson of the Action Network. He is so sharp. He thinks maybe an Arkansas backdoor cover, but he did say slam the over. But I’m going Alabama to cover here.”

Three of Arkansas’ four losses have been decided by a touchdown or less. However, the Razorbacks haven’t seen a defense like Alabama yet. The Crimson Tide rank second in the SEC in points allowed per game and fourth in rushing defense, which could be a problem against an Arkansas team that likes to pound the rock.

Staples agreed with Hebert, saying that Arkansas will need to come out strong in order to avoid falling behind early. Based on the way it has played in the past few games, however, it doesn’t inspire much confidence that will be the case.

“Arkansas, if they don’t score quickly, they may not score at all against Alabama’s defense,” Staples said. “Remember that Arkansas-Georgia game a few years ago? Arkansas came in all hot and then couldn’t get across the 50? I’m a little worried that’s what we’re walking into here.”

Milroe threw for three touchdowns in last week’s win against Texas A&M, and if he plays like that again, it’s only more reason to believe in the Tide. Kickoff between Arkansas and Alabama is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.