Saturday College Football Picks – Arkansas @ Alabama Odds and Predictions on CBS – Week 4 NCAA Football Spreads and Odds

Week 4 Free College Football Picks and Spreads: Arkansas Razorbacks @ Alabama Crimson Tide 2011 NCAA Football Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on CBS Saturday 9/24/11: The first of what will be many heavyweight battles in the Southeastern Conference in 2011 will take place this Saturday afternoon when the No. 14 Arkansas Razorbacks visit the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams are 3-0 entering the meeting, and both teams have their sights set on an SEC title and a possible national title. As fellow members of the SEC West, the winner of Saturday’s game will take a big step toward reaching all of its goals, while the loser will be facing an uphill battle.

Last year, the two teams were involved in a classic. The Razorbacks jumped out to an early 20-7 lead, but the Crimson Tide rallied late to win 24-20 on the strength of its running game. The running game has been the staple of Alabama’s offense again this season, and last weekend against North Texas, running backs Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy combined for 328 yards on the ground in a 41-0 blowout. Richardson in particular has been a force, and his eight rushing scores are currently tied for first in the country.

The matchup to watch will be the loaded Alabama defense against the Razorbacks’ offense. Bobby Petrino has transformed Arkansas into high-powered scoring machine in recent years, but this season’s unit features a new face at quarterback. Tyler Wilson is attempting to replace Ryan Mallet, and while he has filled in admirably thus far, this will be his biggest test since facing Auburn a year ago. Wilson threw four touchdowns in a loss to the Tigers, and if he can manage similar numbers this weekend, the Razorbacks just might have a chance at springing the upset.

However, putting up similar numbers against the Crimson Tide defense won’t be easy. Alabama ranks second in points allowed and third in yards allowed this season. Last year, the Razorbacks were completely shut down in the second half on offense in their meeting with the Crimson Tide. Arkansas’ ground game was all but nonexistent, managing a mere three yards per carry. Without Mallet’s big arm to stretch the defense, Petrino’s group could be downright stifled.

The good news for Arkansas is that Alabama is breaking in a new QB as well. The inexperienced A.J. McCarron has had his moments in his first year as a starter, but Saturday’s game will be his first big test. The Razorbacks have to focus all their attention defensively on shutting down the Alabama running game and make McCarron beat them. With the Crimson Tide’s massive offensive line, stopping Richardson and company will still be tough, but Arkansas has no chance at winning if the Alabama ground game controls the tempo.

In the end, the Crimson Tide’s overwhelming talent on defense and on the offensive line should be the difference. Richardson will pound away at the Arkansas defense and eventually break a few big runs. Meanwhile, Wilson will likely get a rude awakening from one of the best defenses assembled in recent memory. That being said, Nick Saban’s conservative run-first style isn’t conducive to blowing out tougher opponents – just beating them. Arkansas is getting a sizeable 11-point cushion for Saturday’s meeting, and based on last year’s nail-biter, the Razorbacks should be able to stay within striking distance.

Prediction: Arkansas Razorbacks (+11) Cover the Spread

Free College Football Picks and NCAAF Predictions: Arkansas +11 to cover the spread

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