Belk Bowl Betting: Arkansas vs. Virginia Tech Odds, Analysis and Pick

Virginia Tech is 5-3 over its last eight bowl appearances, 4-3-1 against the spread. Arkansas is 4-1 straight up and 3-2 ATS over its last five bowls. A division champion from the ACC meets a fifth-place team from the SEC when the Hokies battle the Razorbacks in the Belk Bowl on December 29 in Charlotte.

Belk Bowl point spread: The Hokies opened as six-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via OddsShark computer: 37.8-29.2 Hokies (College football picks on every game)

Why the Arkansas Razorbacks can cover the spread

The Hogs started 4-1 this year, and later victories over Ole Miss, eventual SEC East champion Florida and Mississippi State secured a third straight bowl bid. Arkansas finished with a 28-24 upset loss at Missouri, falling in that game despite leading 24-7 at the half.

The Razorbacks outgained the Tigers that day 503-399 and dominated time of possession by a 40/20 margin. But quarterback Austin Allen threw two interceptions deep inside the Missouri red zone, and Arkansas failed on a fourth down from the Tigers' 20-yard line in the final minute.

The Hogs outgained and outrushed three of their last four opponents.

Why the Virginia Tech Hokies can cover the spread

In its first season since the retirement of longtime coach Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech is playing in a bowl for the 24th year in a row. The Hokies started 7-2, with wins over North Carolina, Miami and Pittsburgh, and a later victory over Virginia gave them the ACC Coastal Division title. Virginia Tech then gave Clemson a good fight in the conference championship game, losing 42-35 but covering as an 11-point underdog.

The Hokies trailed the Tigers in that ACC title tilt 35-14 in the third quarter, rallied to within one score and drove to the Clemson 23-yard line late, but an interception ended the comeback.

On the season, Virginia Tech ranks 40th in the country in total offense, averaging 448 yards per game, and 19th in total defense, holding foes to 343 yards per game. The Hokies are also 3-1 ATS this year when favored by 10 points or less.

Smart pick

Virginia Tech owns advantages in the running game and on defense, and that should be enough to take care of business against an erratic Arkansas outfit. The smart money here at sports betting sites hangs with the Hokies.

Betting trends

Virginia Tech is 7-3 SU and ATS in its last 10 games in December.

The total has gone over in Virginia Tech's last six games against the SEC.

Arkansas is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games after losing as a favorite.

All college football lines and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.