Prime-Time First TD Bets — Sunday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
Week 1 of the college football season brought some stunning results across the country. One of the pleasant surprises was Texas showing traces of dominance against Louisiana-Lafayette. Is it possible Texas is back?
The Longhorns have a lot to show before we can make that statement. But their Week 2 battle against Arkansas can help push the possibility. The Razorbacks struggled for much of their first game against arrive before prevailing in the fourth quarter.
We have you covered from every angle of this matchup. Let’s dig in.
Texas Longhorns vs. Arkansas Cowboys Week 1 odds
Here is a look at the Week 1 betting odds between Texas and Arkansas odds (courtesy DraftKings Sportsbook).
- Texas -6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 57 (+100 for over, -120 for under)
- Moneyline: Texas-255, Arkansas +205
Texas at Arkansas game preview
Here’s a look at the preview between Texas and Arkansas for Week 1.
Arkansas offense vs. Texas defense
Arkansas struggled through three quarters against Rice before exploding for 21 points in the fourth quarter. The main issue was the lack of a passing game, as K.J. Jefferson failed to break 128 yards on 21 attempts and also threw an interception. It’s unacceptable to be such a poor unit when there’s a potential first-round receiver in Treylon Burks to utilize.
That must change this week.
As usual, the running game kept the Razorbacks in the game. Jefferson scurried for 89 yards and two scores on top of Trelon Smith’s 102 yards and one touchdown. The backbone of the offense is good but must prove explosive considering Texas’ offensive capability.
Texas has athleticism to work with but may struggle with the size Arkansas has up front. Louisiana had some success in the run game before throwing the ball to keep up on the scoreboard. Failing to stay disciplined with run gaps is the one avenue Arkansas has to pull the cover and actually upset Texas at home.
Texas offense vs. Arkansas defense
Last week was a terrific showing for freshman quarterback Hudson Card and his playmakers. Card completed 14 passes on 21 attempts for 224 yards and two scores. Sam Ehlinger was a great player for years, but if Card can continue to play near that level, the Longhorns will play even better.
The playmaking corps is a phenomenal bunch led by Bijan Robinson. The star back contributed 176 yards and two scores on 20 rushes and four receptions. Robinson will be used as the feature for the offense all year long, making him an automatic DFS core play.
The receivers are quite good as well. Jordan Whittington had a monstrous performance with 113 yards and touchdown on seven catches. We’ve yet to see what Xavier Worthy, Roschon Johnson and Cade Brewer can chip in as well.
Arkansas is gritty and has length in their secondary. But Steve Sarkisian is a great offensive mind and will scheme advantageous plays for the team. They simply must execute and win in space.
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Betting trends for Texas at Arkansas
The Longhorns have been hot, covering four of their last six and winning six of their last seven. They’ve also hit the over in four of their last five road games.
Arkansas has dropped 16 of their last 20 but remain betting champs as they’ve covered 10 of their last 13 games. The Razorbacks have gone under in six of their last seven at home, and eight of 10 in September.
CFB betting picks – Texas at Arkansas
Texas showed a lot of positive growth in Week 1. While Arkansas can grind out a game that keeps the spread in danger, getting the Longhorns at less than a touchdown is still good value. Texas’ speed and improved play calling is a real difference-maker for this program.
Best bets: Texas -6.5 (-115) and Over 57 (+100)
