Arkansas at South Carolina – College Football Predictions
The Game
It’s an interesting under-the-radar SEC match-up Saturday afternoon as the Razorbacks visit the Gamecocks. Arkansas is sitting at 2-2 and really need a win before tough games with Alabama and Auburn. South Carolina has been in a tailspin after opening the season at 2-0 but can still have a decent season given the schedule remaining. The only unwinnable (?) games on the docket are vs Georgia and Clemson. Let’s go !
The Details
ARKANSAS -2.5 SOUTH CAROLINA (50.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Arkansas -3
Sagarin Ratings – Arkansas -1.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Arkansas 26.5 South Carolina 24
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Arkansas 24 South Carolina 23
The Match-Up
Arkansas offense vs South Carolina defense
Ok. Here we go. The Hogs bring a pretty solid running game to town with three 200+ yard rushers and will be pounding the SOFT UNDERBELLY of the South Carolina defense for four quarters. At least that is the plan. South Carolina (!!) transfer David Williams has five 5 TDs (4 rushing) already this season and will be just one of the rotation that hopes to do some damage. QB Austin Allen should be able to hit some big plays in the passing game if the OL can keep him in one piece. The good news is that the Gamecocks’ defense has not been great this season and are ranked 8th in the SEC in yards per play defense, 13th (!) in sacks and #113 in 3rd down defense. Arkansas has scored 40+ in 3/4 games and should be able to very productive on Saturday.
South Carolina offense vs Arkansas defense
The Gamecocks have had a rough time on offense recently and the OL is the main culprit. No running game. Cannot protect the passer. Arkansas does not have a very good pass rush (#12 SEC in sacks) so QB Jake Bentley will definitely have a chance to make things happen. The running game has been horrible (#122 FBS) and we worry about the offense being too one-dimensional. They had eight (8) (ocho) three and outs vs Texas A&M last week and are a bit banged up on the OL. They will need to take advantage of short fields and turnovers. Losing WR Deebo Samuel was a huge blow to the offense and special teams.
MEGA-MAZING MUNCHIES
Arkansas is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings but these two teams have not hooked up since 2013….S Carolina games are on a 13-6-1 run to the under.
Summary
There is no doubt, and least in our minds, that Arkansas is going to hold a sizeable edge in rushing yards. That is a good start. The defenses are probably equal at this point (?) but the Razorbacks’ offense should have more success and more balance. South Carolina has only managed to score 13,17 and 17 in their past three games and the OL is a mess. Final thought. The losses to TCU and Texas A&M (OT) look a bit better now.
Official play
Arkansas -2.5 -106 (do not play higher than -3 -120)