College Football Preview – Georgia Bulldogs vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

The Arkansas Razorbacks have been one of the best stories through the first month of the college football season. Arkansas currently owns the state of Texas after wins over the Longhorns and the Aggies, leading to the Razorbacks being ranked No. 8 in this week’s AP Poll. They will face an even more difficult challenge this Saturday though when they take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia is a considerable favorite per the college football betting odds.

College Gameday will be in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, October 2, 2021, to see the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Georgia Bulldogs in Sanford Stadium at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.

College Football Betting Odds

Arkansas +17.5

Georgia -17.5

Total 48

Georgia is ranked No. 2 in the country. The Bulldogs have the best defense in the nation, allowing just 23 points through their first four games. After beating No. 3 Clemson in their season opener, they have subsequently hammered UAB, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt to move just behind Alabama in the polls.

We saw the Razorbacks struggle with Rice in their home opener, but they have gone on to make a big statement with their wins over Texas, Georgia Southern, and Texas A&M. They have run the ball exceptionally well, but that is going to be hard to do against Georgia.

When Georgia Has the Ball

J.T. Daniels has been solid under center for the Bulldogs this season. The USC transfer has completed 76.1% of his passes for 8.0 YPA with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Stetson Bennett IV has been alright in relief too, but it’s clear that Daniels is the more talented option.

This ground game remains one of the most dangerous in the country. Zamir White, James Cook, and Kendall Milton are all averaging at least 5.0 YPC, as the offensive line is elite. Georgia has allowed just two sacks, and the Bulldogs are averaging 177.3 YPG on the ground.

Arkansas has been solid on defense. The Razorbacks rank in the top ten in scoring defense (14.5 PPG) and total defense (267.2 YPG). They have the second-best pass defense in the nation at 4.7 YPA, but the run defense ranks outside the top 40. Georgia is going to test the strength of this front seven in a big way.

When Arkansas Has the Ball

The Razorbacks might not have their starting quarterback and top receiver available this week. K.J. Jefferson and Treylon Burks have both been limited in practice. Jefferson is dealing with a knee injury and left the Texas A&M game early, and Burks was also injured against the Aggies. Jefferson is completing 59% of his passes for 10.8 YPA with six touchdowns and two interceptions, while Burks has 19 receptions for 373 yards and two scores.

Trelon Smith and Jefferson are the two leading rushers on Arkansas. The Razorbacks are averaging 5.6 YPC and 262.2 YPG on the ground. This offensive line has been strong, but Georgia has blue chippers throughout this defense.

Georgia could have as many as four first-round picks in the front seven. Jordan Davis and Adam Anderson are both seen as stars, and Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker have played well too. The Bulldogs rank first in the nation in scoring defense (5.8 PPG) and total defense (185.2 YPG).

Prediction

Sam Pittman has done a great job at Arkansas, but Georgia has too much talent for the Razorbacks to beat the Bulldogs (or even come close) at their own game. The Bulldogs will pound on Arkansas’ front seven and wear them down in a 20-point win.

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