BYU vs. Arkansas: Odds, Picks and Predictions | College Football Betting Preview (Saturday, September 16)

BYU vs. Arkansas Odds

A battle between two undefeated teams will take place Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

BYU has won six in a row since a road win over Boise State in November 2022. However, a lot has changed from a personnel perspective in Provo, from a new quarterback to a much-needed change at defensive coordinator.

A trip to Arkansas serves as the final non-conference clash before the Cougars head to Lawrence for their Big 12 Conference opener against Kansas.

Arkansas shares similarities with its opponent, as new coordinators and a host of transfer portal players populate the defensive side of the ball.

The Hogs won their first two games by a combined score of 84-19, but struggles persist in many different forms, including injuries and inefficiency. The Razorbacks will host BYU before a night game at LSU kicks off their conference schedule.

Arkansas covered this game last season, thanks to 38 points in the second and third quarters.

Both the Cougars and Razorbacks are looking to stay undefeated heading into tough conference slates, so a win here brings either team closer to bowl season.

The changes on both sides of the ball have proven positive in wins over Southern Utah and Sam Houston.

Pitt quarterback transfer Kedon Slovis took charge in Week 2, throwing four touchdowns and evading 15 pressures. Two touchdown passes came off of a play-action pass, a staple in coordinator Aaron Roderick’s offense.

A trio of targets lead the way with a touchdown each for Chase Roberts, Darius Lassiter and Isaac Rex. All three targets average a minimum of 2.2 yards per route run, giving BYU 26th in standard explosives.

BYU has been more prone to dropbacks this season, as the offense switched to passing on 54% of plays.

In nine trips across the 40-yard line, BYU has averaged 5.4 points per scoring opportunity. While the offense has been scheming through 11 and 12 personnel, it’s the defense that has caught the attention of the Arkansas coaching staff.

Coordinator Jay Hill was the winningest coach in Weber State history before moving to Provo. The defense has responded with a top 20 ranking in tackles, hard stops and Quality Drives.

The Cougars have allowed just two touchdowns this season, but now must take on their biggest challenge in terms of size and physicality.

The must-have app for college football bettors

Best NCAAF Betting Scoreboard

Free Picks from Proven Pros

Live winning probabilities for your bets

Arkansas has two results in the books, and both leave a bang first impression. The win over Kent State is 28-6, but the Hogs struggled on offense.

New offensive coordinator Dan Enos is working to build a strong running game in the absence of star running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders.

The third-year running back was dealing with swelling in his knee before causing a toe injury late last week.. Sanders’ availability for the LSU game is in doubt, giving Arkansas just four more quarters to find a viable solution in terms of running the ball.

Outside of quarterback KJ Jefferson, the Razorbacks struggled to find consistency on the field with AJ Green and Rashod Dubinion.

The defense has thrived under new coordinator Travis Williams. A new approach to aggressiveness put Kent State and Western Carolina consistently behind the line of scrimmage. Arkansas now ranks in the top 10 in Defensive Havoc, backed by a third-in-nation ranking in tackles for loss per game.

Cincinnati transfer linebacker Jaheim Thomas has been the biggest contributor, racking up 12 tackles and five pressures. Antonio Grier’s six picks were a much-needed boost to the scoreboard against Kent State.

Toggle the dropdown menus below to hide or show how BYU and Arkansas match up statistically:

BYU offense vs. Arkansas defense

Hasty success	117	26
Yards of line	72	68
Past events	79	14
Havoc	13	8
Finishing units	19	6
Quality units	126	37

Arkansas offense vs. BYU defense

Hasty success	35	17
Yards of line	39	57
Past events	fifty	56
Havoc	61	46
Finishing units	1	39
Quality units	60	eleven

Pace of play/Other

Approach to PFF	6	35
FFP coverage	93	18
SP+ Special Equipment	60	41
Medium 8	74	4
Seconds per play	29.6 (109)	29.5 (107)
Rush rate	46.7% (101)	64.8% (13)

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman had a lot to say about where the Hogs are on the offensive side of the ball, emphasizing that the offensive line and tight ends need to block better on the edge and downfield. There were constant issues with ball carriers and linemen not being on the same page in zone and man blocking schemes.

Crashes became a problem for two of the team’s top targets: Andrew Armstrong and Jaedon Wilson. Pittman said the goal is to always have the ability to run the ball, and there will be an emphasis on being more vocal with preseason All-American Beaux Limmer’s previous assignments to center.

BYU head coach Kilani Sitake indicated that receiver Kody Epps will be available to play against the Razorbacks. Epps accounted for six touchdowns a season ago, generating the third-most targets with an explosive average of 2.9 yards per route run.

Arkansas’ secondary has been solid in coverage through two games, but hasn’t seen a challenging combination like Slovis and Epps.

The Action Network projection favors Arkansas by 11 points, a number that has been picking up steam for BYU for most of the week.

With “Rocket” Sanders out and the Razorbacks searching for an identity on the field, there is fire behind the smoke that has lowered the total from 52 to the key number of 48.

A key statement from Pittman leads an investor to believe that the under still has value.

BYU has an odd front, noted by Pittman as three-under and three-deep, and Arkansas has yet to play or practice against that front. Expect Hill to call a deep, multi-person play that will keep the Hogs guessing.

Points will certainly be at a premium with these aggressive defenses.

This site contains commercial content. We may receive compensation for links provided on this page. The content of this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network does not represent or guarantee the accuracy of the information provided or the outcome of any game or event.