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College Football Picks: SEC picks against the spread for Week 6

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) celebrates a blocked punt returned for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday October 10, 2015
  • Time: 7:00 PM Eastern
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Spread: Alabama -16.5
  • Over/Under Total: 48

When the lines closed just before kickoff Saturday, Alabama’s streak of 72 consecutive games as the betting favorite came to an end. The victory over Georgia was then technically an upset, but the Crimson Tide was absolutely dominant and beat the Bulldogs 38-10.

Derrick Henry ran for 148 yards and a touchdown (his tenth straight game with at least one TD) and quarterback Jake Coker was an efficient 11-for-16 for 190 yards, 50 of which came on a beautifully thrown touchdown pass to freshman Calvin Ridley, and the senior QB added a score on the ground. Alabama also scored on a blocked punt and an interception return, and the Crimson Tide controlled the line of scrimmage all day and (other than one 83-yard run by Nick Chubb) kept the Georgia rushing attack in check.

Arkansas also picked up a big win last week by beating Tennessee 24-20 to snap a three-game losing streak and to avoid an 0-2 start in SEC play. The Razorbacks have re-committed themselves to running the football, and Alex Collins has gained at least 150 rushing yards with a touchdown in the last three games, joining Leonard Fournette as the only players to ado so during that stretch.

For the Hogs to have any chance Saturday, they’ll need another big game from Alex Collins, and are likely to need a few big plays from quarterback Brandon Allen, who ranks second in the SEC with 1,371 passing yards. Collins and Allen will also need to hold on to the football – not just about in regard to turnovers, but also in terms of time of possession. Luckily, Arkansas leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 nationally with an average 35:44 time of possession so far this year.

Alabama was completely dominant last week against a Georgia team that is head and shoulders better than this Razorbacks squad. The Crimson Tide may be back in the SEC Championship and national title pictures, but Arkansas picked up some momentum last week and the Hogs are also likely to have a game plan capable of keeping the game close late. Take Arkansas to cover.

Next: Florida at Missouri

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