Arkansas vs. Alcorn State Prediction, Game Preview
Arkansas vs. Alcorn State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Razorbacks and Braves.
Arkansas vs. Alcorn State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Razorbacks and Braves.
Arkansas vs. Alcorn State Game Preview
When: Saturday, October 1 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR
TV Broadcast: SEC Network
Arkansas was run out of AT&T Stadium this past Saturday against Texas A&M, losing 45-24 after going into the half tied at 17. Quarterback Austin Allen was solid in the defeat, throwing for 371 yards and two touchdowns while the Razorbacks defense could not stop the Aggies on the ground, giving up 366 yards rushing.
The Braves fell to 1-2 after a defeat to Grambling State 43-18. Running back Arron Baker was productive, rushing for 131 yards but no touchdowns. Two quarterbacks, Noah Johnson and Lenorris Footman, played under center for Alcorn State as Footman returned after missing the previous game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
What To Know About Arkansas
It is unusual to see a Bret Bielema-coached team that relies so much on the quarterback, but that is what the Hogs have been doing with Allen. That isn’t to say that the running game hasn’t been there, especially with Rawleigh Williams III, who is averaging 108 yards per game on the ground. The defense will have to rebound after a bad performance, but Alcorn doesn’t present the same threat that Texas A&M does on offense.
What to Know About Alcorn State
Will the Braves stick with the two quarterbacks, or will a starter appear and play the entire game? Johnson is more of a threat with his legs, gaining 128 yards on the ground to Footman’s 39, and Johnson has been more productive through the air as well. A defense led by linebacker Darien Anderson (30 total tackles and 6.5 sacks in just three games) will try to pressure Allen and force bad decisions.
Advantages
Offense: Arkansas. Getting Williams going should be a priority for the Razorbacks.
Defense: Arkansas. Linebacker Brooks Ellis leads a unit that needs to play better if they want to compete in the SEC West.
Special Teams: Arkansas. The Razorbacks haven’t needed him much on field goals, but Cole Hedlund is 15-for-15 on extra points.
Coaching: Arkansas. Food for thought: Would Bielema think about the open LSU job?
Intangibles: Arkansas. After getting routed by the Aggies, the Razorbacks will be ready to get back on the winning side of things.
Matchup To Watch
Arkansas offensive line vs. Alcorn State defensive line
The Hogs are big and heavy up front on the offensive line and should be able to push around the Braves, opening holes for Rawleigh Williams III.
Arkansas vs. Alcorn State Betting Odds
Spread: Arkansas -49
Over/Under: 63.5
Arkansas vs. Alcorn State Prediction
This is just the cure for the Razorbacks coming off of their first loss. And while Alcorn State is a competitor in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, they are no match for Arkansas. Bielema will spend a lot of time playing the reserves in the second half so the starters can rest up and begin preparing for the Alabama game next week in Tuscaloosa. This one will be over early. Woo Pig Sooey!
Arkansas vs. Alcorn State Score Prediction: Arkansas 56, Alcorn State 17
