George MacIntyre is expected to make his first career start Saturday in Fayetteville. Faizon Brandon’s lingering shoulder injury has complicated Josh Heupel’s quarterback decision. The Volunteers have reached 4–1 through their running game and defense; Ryan Silverfield’s rebuilt Arkansas team returns to Fayetteville at 2–3, still struggling to block and finish drives. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Arkansas vs. Tennessee prediction, preview
KJ Jackson has found a formidable receiver in portal addition Chris Marshall. Marshall’s 26-yard touchdown catch cut Texas A&M’s lead to 14–7 in the first quarter, when Arkansas still had a game to win. Jackson threw more than half his passes toward Marshall in that eventual 34–7 loss. Jim Knowles ought to leave safety help over him and challenge the other receivers to answer. Tennessee’s young defensive front has helped produce ten sacks in their two SEC games. Knowles can rush his linemen while the safeties defend deeper routes; Jackson will have to decide sooner whom he trusts.
Sutton Smith could make that decision easier. His encouraging 41 rushing yards on six carries against the Aggies warrant more early work. Tennessee has allowed four yards per rush through five games, enough room for Smith to influence the coverage. Productive runs would draw defenders forward and improve Marshall’s chances downfield. Arkansas’ blockers still miss linebackers, though. In the second half at Texas A&M, already trailing 31–7, the Razorbacks marched to the Aggies’ one only to watch Braylen Russell lose yards on fourth down.
Heupel asked DeSean Bishop for an enormous afternoon against Auburn, and Bishop answered with 220 rushing yards on 34 carries. Two touchdown possessions began in Auburn territory; MacIntyre’s eight completions in ten attempts still offer limited evidence about his deep throwing. But he found Mike Matthews on a crosser that gained 42 yards and launched Tennessee’s second-half recovery. Heupel should work Matthews across the field when Ron Roberts brings defenders forward to tackle Bishop. Arkansas conceded four rushing touchdowns at Texas A&M; although Marcel Reed’s scrambling contributed, Bishop should still find room against their faulty run fits and reach the end zone.
Tennessee vs. Arkansas pick, best bet
Roberts’ disguised rushes give me pause when Bishop stalls. Nic Moore made his first start at left guard last week after Wendell Moe Jr.’s injury; MacIntyre and veteran center Sam Pendleton must sort Roberts’ changes at the line. Silverfield has asked fans for third-down noise at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. With Arkansas averaging roughly 69,000 spectators this season, I expect a competitive afternoon at the 3:15 p.m. Central kickoff to make those checks demanding.
If Roberts forces punts, Jackson Ross can answer with field position. He pinned Auburn at their 11 or closer with five of six punts. I doubt Jackson can repeatedly sustain touchdown drives from there through such a narrow passing attack. I’ll lay 13.5.
Best bet: Tennessee -13.5 (-110).
Projected score: Tennessee 31, Arkansas 13.
Best Bet: Tennessee -13.5 (-110) at Arkansas
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
