Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Betting Odds: Analysis and Prediction

Is "Bielema Ball" taking hold in Arkansas?

The Razorbacks are off to a 3-1 start, both straight up and against the spread, in their second season under the former Wisconsin coach, Bret Bielema, but they will get a much better idea of where the Hogs stand when they take on Texas A&M Saturday afternoon in Arlington.

Bettors will get a better idea as well.

Point Spread: The Aggies opened as 12.5-point favorites at AT&T Stadium, but the line was bet down to nine points as of Thursday.

Odds Shark Computer Prediction: Aggies 41.8, Razorbacks 22.2

Why the Arkansas Razorbacks Can Cover the Spread

The Razorbacks have won three in a row after crushing Northern Illinois last week 52-14, covering as 14-point favorites. Arkansas returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, then returned a fumble for a score. It led 21-0 after the first quarter.

The Hogs ran for 212 yards on 45 carries and held the ball for almost 35 minutes. Yep, that sounds like Bielema Ball.

Two weeks ago, Arkansas held the ball from Texas Tech's pass-happy attack for 40 minutes in a 49-28 upset victory on the road.

The Hogs are 3-1 ATS, and should be 4-0 but for that scoreless second half against Auburn in the season opener.

Why the Texas A&M Aggies Can Cover the Spread

The Aggies are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS after cruising to a 58-6 victory over SMU last week, covering as 34-point favorites.

Kenny Hill, who's completed 70 percent of his throws and averaged 613 yards and 55 games per game so far with a 13-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, hasn't missed a step as Johnny Football's successor.

The season-opening victory at South Carolina was particularly impressive, racking up 680 yards of offense on what's supposed to be at least a decent Gamecocks defense, winning outright as 10-point dogs. Last week, the Aggies put up 663 yards on the Mustangs and made it look easy.

Smart Pick

Arkansas put on one of its best efforts of last season against A&M, losing 45-33 but covering as a 14-point underdog. The Hogs look like they're on the upswing this year. They'll have to figure out how to deal with Hill and that Aggies offense, or at least slow them down.

But part of that game plan includes keeping the ball to themselves, which is something they're capable of doing. So the pick here is with the Razorbacks and the points to extend their 9-2 SU run.

Trends:

• Arkansas is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games.
• Texas A&M is 5-0 SU in its last five games at home.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates.