The Arkansas Razorbacks visit Utah to take on the BYU Cougars in a non-conference matchup. The Razorbacks have lost three straight, all to SEC opponents.
Now, Arkansas has to come into LaVell Edwards Stadium, one of the toughest places for visitors to win. The Cougars have won 18 of their last 20 games at home and haven't dropped a game there this year.
Can they win there as an underdog to the Razorbacks? Continue reading for free college football picks for Arkansas vs. BYU on October 15.
Jump to:
Arkansas vs BYU best odds
Arkansas vs BYU picks and predictions
There is no place like home, especially for the BYU Cougars, who have proven to be a most inhospitable host to teams visiting LaVell Edwards Stadium.
They have lost just twice at home in their last 20 games and many a ranked team has traveled to Provo and walked out in defeat. For instance, No. 9 Baylor lost 26-20 in Week 2.
Last year, a pair of ranked teams in Utah and Arizona State lost there in successive weeks. The year before that, the Cougars were perfect, including a home win over Mountain West Conference favorite San Diego State.
The stadium sits at 4,630 feet and can be a challenge for players unaccustomed to playing at that altitude. Arkansas defensive end Jordan Domineck said his team is aware of the challenge of playing at that height.
“As far as altitude goes, we’re really just basically hydrating a little bit more,” Domineck said. “Comparatively, they say it’s about 3,000 more feet above the surface than we are right now. From what I’m hearing, it’s not going to be too much of a difference in the air pressure and everything. We’ll hydrate a little bit more. Once we get there you’re going to have Friday and, of course, the game on Saturday to get accustomed to the air, try to run out a little bit if you can and get a little run in, but other than we’re going to treat it like any other game.”
Another thing Domineck and his teammates are going to have to deal with is BYU quarterback Jaren Hall. The junior signal caller had his worst performance against Notre Dame last weekend. And even though it was thought he had a shoulder injury, he did not use it as an excuse.
He will now go against a Razorback secondary that has been very generous to opposing QBs. Arkansas is allowing an average of 307.2 yards per game.
The Hogs might have their own issue at quarterback. Starter KJ Jefferson was in concussion protocols after a blow to the head in the Alabama game. He did not play last week and is questionable for Saturday, though he was at practice this week.
If he can’t go, Arkansas will probably ride with the tandem of Malik Hornsby and Cade Fortin, as it did in the loss to Mississippi State. Both were fairly ineffective against the Bulldogs in the 40-17 loss.
Even if Jefferson returns, he might not be at 100%. I like the moneyline odds and would jump on those.
My best bet: BYU moneyline (-105 at Betway)
Looking to bet on some college football action? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users at FanDuel can get a no-sweat first bet of up to $1,000! Sign Up Now
B) New users at DraftKings can bet $5 and get $200 in free bets! Sign Up Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of College football promo codes for 2022.
Arkansas vs BYU spread analysis
BYU opened as a -2.5 favorite with the uncertainty of Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson’s status. It appears he will play, however, so the line swung to Arkansas as a -1.5 favorite.
It remains to be seen if Jefferson is at full strength and even if he is, I believe BYU should still be favored. There tends to be a bit of fawning among bettors and SEC teams, a bias that often clouds their judgment.
Provo is a tough place to play and Arkansas hasn’t won a game on the road yet this season, losing to Texas A&M and Mississippi State.
Besides, the Razorbacks are proving to be a bad team against the spread. They are 0-4 in their last four ATS and are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.
The Cougars should be able to feast on the Razorbacks’ secondary. They are allowing an average of more than 300 passing yards per game. Hall is ready to bounce back after a poor performance against Notre Dame and will be taking it out on Arkansas.
Arkansas vs BYU Over/Under analysis
The total on this game exploded after it was posted at 59.5. It has gone all the way up to 66.5, though you can still get it at 66 at a few sportsbooks.
Both these teams score frequently, though the question is can they score enough to justify the increase? I felt confident on the 59.5 but am shakier on the 66.
Other than their opener, where they scored 50 points against South Florida, the Cougars have not had a game reach 66 points. The closest was two weeks ago when they defeated Utah State, 38-26.
Still, the Aggies are a far cry from Arkansas and even with their secondary issues, should keep this game below the total.
The Razorbacks have scored 30 or more points twice this season. In Week 2, they defeated South Carolina 44-30 and beat Missouri State 38-27 the following week.
The trends for this game mostly lean towards the Over but I am going to be contrarian here. The Cougars are 5-1 on the Under in their last six games against SEC opponents.
Arkansas vs BYU betting trend to know
Arkansas is 0-4 overall ATS in their last four games overall. Find more NCAA betting trends for California vs. Colorado.
Arkansas vs BYU game info
| Location: | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT |
| Date: | Saturday, October 15, 2022 |
| Kickoff: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Arkansas vs BYU latest injuries
Arkansas vs BYU weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
