All hardcore SEC football fans will be tuned into this epic matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Georgia Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for Noon Eastern Time and will be televised on ESPN.
Surprisingly, oddsmakers are not expecting a tight game as Georgia is favored by 18.5 at most online sportsbooks. As usual, let’s break down each team on both sides of the ball. We’ll also provide a best bet for this highly anticipated SEC battle.
Arkansas Offense vs. Georgia Defense
This may sound a bit overboard, but go ahead and give Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman the Coach of the Year award. Pittman has completely changed the culture of this Arkansas program and the Hogs are playing with a take no prisoners attitude. They’ve already knocked off two Top 15 teams in Texas and Texas A&M.
Hogs QB KJ Jefferson has made a lot of progress as an SEC signal-caller. The 6-3 245 pound sophomore has thrown for 844 yards and six touchdowns while also finding the end zone twice on the ground (Sports-Reference.com). Jefferson is a bit banged up with a bruised knee but should be able to play on Saturday against Georgia.
Georgia has arguably the best overall defense in all of college football. The Bulldogs are one of only four teams that have yet to allow a rushing touchdown! This unit also ranks first in the country in points per game allowed (5.8).
Head coach Kirby Smart loves to blitz his linebackers and it’s paid off big so far this season. The Bulldogs have registered 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. The secondary is no slouch either, as they have already picked off seven passes.
Georgia Offense vs. Arkansas Defense
Georgia’s offense started the year with a sluggish performance against Clemson. However, QB JT Daniels was dealing with an oblique strain that was affecting his accuracy on deep passes. Daniels is healthy now and he’s thrown for 567 yards and five scores. Running back Zamir White has looked great so far by running for 207 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
Arkansas has drastically improved on defense in a short period. When the season started, few people would have thought that the Hogs would hold Texas A&M to only 10 points and Texas to only 21. The Hogs currently rank 11th in the nation in points allowed per game (14.5). Tre’ Williams leads the team in sacks with four.
Our Pick: Arkansas +18.5
We’re taking the Hogs and the generous amount of points in this one. Arkansas may not be able to pull off the shocking upset but they should be able to at least keep this one within 10 points. Outside of Clemson, Georgia has played a bunch of cupcake opponents. (That win over Clemson doesn’t look nearly as impressive now, either).
The Hogs are more battle-tested and have enough weapons to scare the Bulldogs in this game. We think Georgia wins 24-14 so take Arkansas +18.5. Best of luck!