No. 2 Alabama at No. 20 Arkansas Odds, Prediction for Week 5

No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide are currently 4-0 to start the season and have won their last two games by a combined score of 108-10 against UL Monroe and Vanderbilt. Only Texas came close to Alabama at all this season, and that was with the Crimson Tide on the road. Now they will go on the road again here against a good opponent in Arkansas. The Razorbacks will be the first real SEC competition for Alabama, so we'll see how they fare on the road against SEC competition, where they have struggled at times under head coach Nick Saban.

Alabama has a Heisman candidate in Bryce Young, who has already thrown for 1029 yards with 13 touchdowns. He's also thrown two picks, but other than that, he's been terrific once again and wants to grab that award twice in a row. His favorite target this season is Traeshon Holden, who already has four touchdown grabs. He's caught 15 passes for 214 yards on the season as well, so this guy is dangerous.

Alabama has allowed just over 200 yards per game on defense. They've held teams to 62.5 yards rushing and allowed only 138.8 yards passing. Alabama hasn't faced much competition other than Texas, so these numbers may be skewed a bit.

No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks

Although the Razorbacks lost to Texas A&M last week, they have enough talent to get the job done against Alabama, and are one of the few teams that can actually win. Arkansas has averaged 479 yards per game while allowing 401.8 yards per game. The defense hasn't been good at all to start the season, but the offense has looked impressive. QB K.J. Jefferson has thrown for 941 yards and eight touchdowns, along with just one interception. He can move around with his legs to extend plays as well, making him a nice duel threat QB.

The offensive line plays very well in Arkansas' passing and running game, which is a huge plus here. Leading running back Raheim Sanders has rushed 508 yards and has averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Defensively, it has been a disaster. They continue to miss tackles and they can't cover anyone in the secondary. They've allowed over 300 yards per game in the air through four games, and now they have to face the reigning Heisman winner.

Arkansas is 2-2 ATS this season.

My Prediction

Alabama's defense has been playing lights out while Arkansas' has struggled against mediocre offenses. Picking against the Crimson Tide can often lead to disaster. Alabama is a -15.5 favorite, and I am comfortable laying that number with a better team against a defense that is just dreadful.