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SEC Football Predictions Week 1: Picking Games Against the Spread

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) celebrates with wide receiver Keon Hatcher (4) after throwing a touchdown pass during the first half in the 2014 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 5, 2014
  • Time: 3:30PM Eastern
  • Location: Fayetteville, AR
  • TV Channel: ESPNU
  • Spread: Arkansas -33
  • Over/Under Total: 52

The Arkansas Razorbacks rode into the off-season as one of the hottest teams in college football thanks to dominant performances in three of their final four games of the season. Such a strong late-season performance made the Hogs a trendy pick to win the SEC West, which in almost any case means they would be in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

With a talented, experienced and physical offense and a defense that ranked in the nation’s top ten last season in scoring defense and total defense last season, Arkansas certainly has people across the country talking. Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup with UTEP, the Razorbacks seem ready to pick up right where they left off.

Plus, Arkansas was a complete force of nature against non-conference opponents, winning four regular season contests and the bowl game by an average score of 50-15. Expect head coach Bret Bielema to put his foot on the pedal early Saturday.

The Miners hail from Conference USA, and though they were 7-6 last season and made an appearance in the New Mexico Bowl, UTEP is no match for the Hogs. Only 11 total starters return from a team that was outscored and outgained last season. Arkansas running backs Alex Collins and Kody Walker are both likely to gain more than 100 yards behind one of the nation’s best offensive lines, and quarterback Brandon Allen will dice up the UTEP secondary on play-action passes.

Expect the Hogs to race out to a 35-0 halftime score, then grind the clock down in the second half. Of course, Bielema does have a history of piling it on – the Hogs scored 73 against Nicholls State last season and his 2010 Wisconsin squad rolled up 83 points against Indiana and 70 versus Northwestern – so it could get really, really ugly.

Next: Louisville vs. Auburn

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