Arkansas vs. Cincinnati Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Ben Bryant Lead Bearcats to Upset Win?
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Arkansas Take Care of Business at Home?
The Cincinnati Bearcats had one heckuva season last year. Ultimately, the Bearcats made the College Football Playoff, despite being in a non-power five conference. And while Georgia smoked Michigan, Cincinnati put up a little bit more of a fight against Alabama in the one-versus-four College Football Playoff game. The Bearcats will look to start this year's season off with a win against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Cincinnati's last regular season came the year before last season. The Bearcats went 12-0 and couldn't afford one single loss to make the CFP. Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks.
Arkansas vs. Cincinnati Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 3, 2022
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Arkansas vs. Cincinnati Injury Report
Cincinnati
N/A
Arkansas
Questionable: WR Jadon Haselwood (Undisclosed), QB Kade Renfro (Knee) Out: RB Dominique Johnson (Knee)
Arkansas vs. Cincinnati Line Movement
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Prediction
Last season, the Cincinnati Bearcats could do no wrong. The defense was absolutely lights out and the offense performed above expectations to help the Bearcats finish the regular season 12-0.
Because the Bearcats went 12-0, they made the College Football Playoff, where they eventually lost to Alabama.
However, this year, the Bearcats are without a lot of that talent from last year. Still, the offense should end up being very good while the defense will more than likely stay near the top of most defensive rankings.
Ben Bryant will take over at quarterback after playing at Eastern Michigan last season. He threw 14 touchdowns and passed for over 3000 yards in 13 games for EMU.
However, if we're being honest, Bryant could end up losing the job quickly, with Evan Prater looking for his shot. It's been a close competition between those two. But Bryant, who has more experience, will more than likely start.
Bryant clearly won't be Desmond Ridder out there and that's going to hurt. Although, I'll still suggest that the wideouts will be good for the Bearcats. Just probably not good enough against Arkansas' defense.
The Razorbacks weren't as good as the Bearcats defensively last year, but they were consistent. The pass rush was always effective on the defensive end and they tackled extremely well.
If the defensive steps it up, the Razorbacks could have a big season with K.J. Jefferson coming back for another season. Jefferson threw for 2,676 yards last season with 21 touchdowns. He only threw four interceptions and also ran for 664 yards with six rushing touchdowns.
Jefferson was incredible last season and should only end up improving this year. He made really good decisions with the ball and that's going to be crucial going up against a very good Bearcats defense.
The Bearcats weren't Georgia last year, but it was hard to score against those guys last year. The thing is, Cincinnati feasted off turnovers last year. Arkansas, on the other hand, rarely gave up the ball. If Jefferson is smart with the ball, Arkansas will win this game by at least a touchdown.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Pick
- Arkansas -6 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.