Arkansas Razorbacks vs Utah Utes Predictions

Can Arkansas protect its possessions?

Arkansas committed three turnovers in its opener, while Utah forced two first-quarter turnovers against Idaho. That’s a concern for the Razorbacks as 12.5-point road underdogs at SPF: giving away possessions again could help Utah build the margin it needs to cover.

Deseret News, a Utah-based newspaper, reports that Arkansas lost two fumbles and threw an interception in its 31-14 win over North Alabama. The Razorbacks also averaged just 3.0 yards per carry on 148 rushing yards. If that inefficiency continues, Arkansas could struggle to sustain drives even when it protects the ball.

Utah won its opener 66-14 and held Idaho to 108 rushing yards, according to the same report. Those results favor the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but a single game against a different opponent doesn’t establish how reliably they can win this matchup by 13 or more.

Pick and price

Utah is the winner pick, with low confidence. SPF’s -520 moneyline requires an 83.9% win rate to break even, a threshold these opening results don’t establish. Pass on the moneyline and spread; the uncertainty doesn’t create a case for Arkansas +12.5.

The total is 55.5 at SPF. Without more evidence about either team’s sustained scoring pace, there’s no supported over or under wager.