The No. 1 Crimson Tide of Alabama (-37) are set to welcome the Arkansas State Red Wolves to Bryant-Denny Stadium. This key afternoon game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and ESPN2 is scheduled to broadcast the action.
Betting Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Alabama has been tabbed as heavily favored in this one and is currently giving up 37 points to Arkansas State. If the Tide get down early it would generate a worthy in-game betting opportunity. Oddsmakers have determined the over/under (O/U) to be 63.5 points.
The over has been getting the bulk of the early sharp action. The game’s total was originally placed at 62.5.
The Red Wolves are 0-1 against the spread (ATS) and have gained 0.0 units so far. The team has posted an Over-Under record of 0-0.
The Crimson Tide have gained 0.0 units this season. The team is 1-0 ATS and has an O/U record of 1-0.
The Red Wolves have gone 1-0 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Crimson Tide are also 1-0 SU.
The Red Wolves are hoping to stay undefeated following a 48-21 victory over Southeast Missouri State last week. Justice Hansen completed 26 passes on 36 attempts for 423 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Armond Weh-Weh (50 yards on 12 rushes) and Marcel Murray (54 yards on 10 carries) led the running attack while Kirk Merritt (five receptions, 55 yards) and Justin McInnis (four catches, 48 yards, one TD) handled the receiving duties in the win.
Alabama is coming off of a 51-14 win over Louisville. The defensive secondary allowed the Cardinals to air it out for 252 yards and two touchdowns. Seth Dawkins had a productive showing in the loss for Louisville, recording 68 yards and a score on three catches. As a group, the Tide collectively completed 17-of-26 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. Tua Tagovailoa went 12-for-16 for 227 yards and two touchdowns while Jalen Hurts was five-of-nine for 70 yards. Najee Harris (30 yards on 8 rush attempts, one TD) and Damien Harris (55 yards on 7 carries) handled the running game while Devonta Smith (four receptions, 99 yards) and Jerry Jeudy (four catches, 64 yards, two TDs) led the receiving corps in the win.
If the numbers last year can translate to 2018, then the Tide could hold an edge when it comes to RB effectiveness, as their backfield logged 5.7 yards per carry last season while their defense allowed 2.7 YPC to opponents. The Red Wolves tallied 4.0 yards per carry last year while allowing a YPC of 3.6 to opponents..
Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Prediction
SU Winner: Alabama, ATS Winner: Arkansas State, O/U: Under
Team Betting Trends
- Each team has lost one fumble this season,
- The Red Wolves offense allowed 35 sacks last season. Their defense created 35 sacks.
- The Crimson Tide offense gave up 27 sacks last year. Their defense sacked opposing signal-callers 40 times.
- The Alabama defense has tallied four sacks on the year while Arkansas State has 3.
