If only Arkansas could have held on against the previously number-one ranked Alabama Crimson Tide a couple of betting weeks ago, they could very well have climbed in to the top-five by now. The Razorbacks are ranked 12th in the country with just a single loss through five games, and can make a major move this week with a win over undefeated Auburn, with a battle of two of the best quarterbacks at this level right now taking center stage.
Arkansas Razorbacks @ Auburn Tigers
Saturday October 16, 2010 – 3:30 PM ET
Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
Online Sports Betting Odds: Auburn - 4
The Tigers are ranked seventh in the country after six straight wins to open the season, taking on number-12 Arkansas his week before battling number-nine LSU next week. Auburn is finally starting to gain recognition in the media for how good their program is, but it will still take another two weeks before we find out for sure whether it is justified or not.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Arkansas
The Razorbacks are led by quarterback Ryan Mallett, who has keyed the Arkansas pass offense to rank third in the country this year. Mallett has already thrown for over 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns, and will need to continue his strong play to prevent the team’s defense from being exploited this week. The Razorbacks’ defense ranks 13th in the country, and will continue to provide solid balance. However, the key to this game may come down to better clock management, and the ability for Arkansas to keep the ball late in the game. The Razorbacks were unable to do so against Alabama two weeks ago, a mistake that the school cannot afford to turn in to a trend.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Auburn
The Tigers are ranked eighth in the country in rushing yards, thanks in big part due to quarterback Cameron Newton, who has been explosive for Auburn all year. A native of College Park, Georgia, the 21-year old has taken the program by storm, throwing for over 1,138 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for over 400 more and nine scores. Four of those rushing touchdowns came in a close 37-34 win over Kentucky on the road that kept their perfect Northbet record intact, and it will be on Newton to come up with another big performance this week to keep that streak going. Newton leads the conference in rushing yards, and has the fourth-best quarterback rating in FBS with a 180.7 rating.
The Match Up: Arkansas @ Auburn
Quarterback will undoubtedly be the key position battle between these two SEC teams, with a couple of Heisman trophy candidates squaring off in Mallett and Newton. Arkansas has won three of the last four meeting between these schools, but this could very well be the game where the Tigers even the series.
NCAA Football Betting Pick: Auburn - 4
