NCAA Football Week 3 – Georgia vs. Arkansas

The Bulldogs and Razorbacks have both had major players, like Matthew Stafford and Darren McFadden, matriculate to the NFL. Both teams have enjoyed prominence on the national stage for quite some time, but a rebuilding phase is in effect for both teams. The question that betting enthusiasts want answered is which team has made the most progress?

Georgia lost a heartbreaker to Oklahoma State in the opener, but then its defense came alive in the fourth quarter last weekend to beat South Carolina 41-37. That win, however, didn’t come without its costs. Georgia’s defensive shortcomings were exposed in a big way by South Carolina. That isn’t the most positive sign when you’re facing the third most mobile offense in the nation. Arkansas ranks third overall with 591.0 yards per game and fifth with 48.0 points.

Ryan Mallett, the quarterback for the Razorbacks, has a lot to overcome in his second game this season. But it certainly has nothing to do with his overall talent, and the failures of the Georgia defense. His problem will be overcoming a 2-8 SU record that the Razorbacks hold when facing ranked, SEC opponents. A good chance of rain might also slow down Mallett’s ability to thunder the team down field.

Georgia Bulldogs (1-1) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)

Saturday, September 19 th — Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville — 7:45pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: Arkansas -1.5 (53.5)

The Bulldogs savior may come in the body of Caleb King. But he could also be the shaky crutch that this offense desperately doesn’t want. King is listed as the top tailback for the Bulldogs, but a bum hamstring has had him limited. Anybody who bets on football knows that a hamstring injury to a premier and heavy-duty player is betting kryptonite.

Go against the grain in the past trends and back the Razorbacks in this one. They may be winless in their last five games against Georgia, but that Bulldogs team is long gone. It’s a new regime for Mike Richt, and it’s going to take time to turn this pedestrian town in to an empire. Arkansas is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games, and have the offense to capitalize on Georgia’s defensive lapses.

Furious Free Pick: Arkansas -1.5 (UNDER)