Arkansas vs South Carolina Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can KJ Jefferson and Arkansas Get Another Win at Home?
Arkansas vs South Carolina Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Arkansas Defend Home Turf Again?
SOUTH CAROLINA VS ARKANSAS - WEEK 2 Odds
Moneyline: Arkansas -300
Spread: Arkansas -7.5 (-105)
Total: 52.5 (-110)
Arkansas won convincingly against Cincinnati last weekend, going up 21-7 and 31-17 before narrowly covering the 6.5-point spread. The Razorbacks are led on offense by junior quarterback KJ Jefferson, who just thrashed the Bearcats' defense with a four-touchdown performance. Sophomore running back Raheim Sanders deserves a shoutout for his production as a ball carrier. He finished with 20 carries for 117 yards and was extremely effective moving the chains to maintain possession with his physical running style.
South Carolina had a good win but their special teams' units, particularly punt return, blocked two punts and returned both for touchdowns late in the second half. Quarterback transfer Spencer Rattler played fine, going 22-37 for 227 yards and a touchdown. Two interceptions kept Georgia State in the game longer than necessary and his inability to be an effective ball carrier is concerning against tougher defenses like Arkansas. Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks.
ARKANSAS vs SOUTH CAROLINA START TIME, WHERE TO WATCH, AND ODDS
Date: Saturday, September 10th
Game time: 12:00 pm ET
Where to Watch: ESPN
ARKANSAS vs SOUTH CAROLINA INJURY REPORT
ARKANSAS
RB Dominique Johnson (DTD - Knee), and QB Kade Renfro (DTD - Knee).
SOUTH CAROLINA
RB Christian Beal-Smith (DTD - Foot), WR Corey Rucker (DTD - Undisclosed), and TE Chad Terrell (Out - Knee).
Arkansas vs SOUTH CAROLINA Line Movement
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS vs SOUTH CAROLINA PREDICTION
The SEC West will host the SEC East during a noon kickoff in Fayetteville, Arkansas in a matchup that should offer plenty of big plays on both sides of the ball. Arkansas has a better front seven led by linebacker Bumper Pool, who recorded 13 tackles and a TFL during a stout performance against a new-look Cincinnati offense last weekend. The Razorbacks also have strength in their secondary, frequently playing six defensive backs on the field, which led to transfer cornerback Dwight McGlothern tallying a 51-yard interception return.
South Carolina is amped after landing former Oklahoma quarterback, Spencer Rattler, through the transfer portal this offseason. Rattler did not play without flaws against a vastly inferior Georgia State defense, throwing two interceptions compared to only one touchdown on 37 pass attempts. The Gamecocks also struggled to establish the run, recording 79 rushing yards between six different ball carriers. They need their offensive line to play better in Fayetteville to become a more dual-threat offense against a talented Arkansas defense.
This game will come down to the secondaries and running game. South Carolina finished 2021 with the top-ranked passing defense in the SEC and returns cornerback Cam Smith, safety R.J. Roderick, and transfer safety Devonni Reed out of Central Michigan. Rattler could wind up with good numbers through the air but he'll need to manufacture points early to avoid falling into a multi-score deficit. Arkansas played a better opponent in Week 1 and recorded 224 rushing yards, wearing down the Bearcats with a lethal ground game between Jefferson and Sanders. South Carolina relied on two blocked punts to generate scoring late against an inferior opponent and had difficulty establishing the running game. I expect Arkansas to jump out to an early lead en route to an eight-point win at home against South Carolina.
ARKANSAS vs SOUTH CAROLINA PICK
- Pick: Arkansas -7.5 (-105) (Bet $105 to win $100)
Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page
Article Author
Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.