Cincinnati vs. Arkansas picks, predictions: Who wins Week 1 college football game?
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The No. 19 Arkansas Razorbacks host the No. 23 Cincinnati Bearcats Saturday in a Week 1 college football game between Top 25 teams. Which team will win?
Which team will win the game?
Check out these picks and predictions for the game, which is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. MST and can be seen on ESPN.
Arkansas is a 6.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions:
College Football News: Arkansas 26, Cincinnati 17
Pete Fiutak writes: "Grinding won’t be a problem for the home side. Cincinnati held up well last year by dominating in the red zone – the D occasionally bent, but didn’t break – it was third in the nation in takeaways, and now it goes against a team and a style that led the SEC in fewest turnovers. This might not be anything pretty, but Arkansas will grind its way to a win. Hog QB KJ Jefferson is a massive key here. He doesn’t have to be the best player on the field, but he probably will be."
Capper Reviews: Arkansas 31, Cincinnati 21
It writes: "Home field should prove to be a significant advantage for a Razorbacks team that comes in with high expectations. The Bearcats should be due for a let down after an improbable Playoff run last season. Coach Fickell won’t allow his team to slip too far despite the player turnover, but the Bearcats can expect some growing pains in Week 1. Both teams will likely lean on their running game, and KJ Jefferson will miss star wide receiver Treylon Burks who caught 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 TDs in 2021. The Razorbacks #2 wide receiver had just 24 receptions for 337 yards and two TDs."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions: Oregon vs. Georgia, Utah vs. Florida key games
Odds Jam: Take Arkansas to cover vs. Cincinnati in Week 1 game
Christian Beauchamp writes: "I think all signs point to the Arkansas Razorbacks dominating this Week 1 game. The Razorbacks return their star quarterback, while the Bearcats look to replace many key contributors, including quarterback Desmond Ridder. Arkansas should also be buoyed by a raucous home crowd looking forward to another successful season. Ultimately, I think this Cincinnati team has too many new players in key positions. My prediction is that the Bearcats will be overwhelmed by an experienced Arkansas team playing at home. I like the Razorbacks to win by at least two scores."
Odds Shark: Cincinnati 41, Arkansas 25.6
The site predicts that the Bearcats will win the Week 1 game and that the total will go over.
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 schedule: Game dates, times, television channels, how to watch
Picks and Parlays: Arkansas 30, Cincinnati 17
It writes: "Cincinnati will have a hard time repeating its success of last season as their best overall offensive player quarterback Desmond Ridder is no longer on the squad. Arkansas is expected to have another strong squad led by quarterback KJ Jefferson. Arkansas will use a strong running game to wear down the Bearcats defense and Arkansas’ defense against the run will force Cincinnati to pass more often than usual which will lead to turnovers."
Cappers Picks: Take Arkansas to cover vs. Cincinnati on Saturday
It writes: "Cincinnati comes into this one with a lot new pieces in place, and while Luke Fickell will surely coach this group up and into place, a new signal caller will make his first start in what will be a very hostile environment. Fayetteville will be sold out and rocking, and the home crowd itself will play a big role in this one. This is not an ideal spot to make your first career start, and if presence of the Hogs fans gets to Evan Prater, Cincy could find themselves in a bit of trouble."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 odds: Point spreads, money lines, over/under for conference games
247 Sports: Arkansas 34, Cincinnati 24
Brad Crawford writes: "The hype meter is increasing for the Razorbacks this offseason thanks to a roster many believe Sam Pittman could lead to a potential No. 2 spot in the SEC West behind Alabama next season. With quarterback KJ Jefferson returning along with several key transfer portal additions, Arkansas looks to build on 2021’s success with noticeable confidence. This isn’t the same Cincinnati team that has run off consecutive unbeaten regular seasons under Luke Fickell, but you can bet the Bearcats are using the naysayers as fuel heading into the opener with a national spotlight chance against an SEC opponent."
ESPN: Arkansas has a 59.6% chance to win the game vs. Cincinnati
The site gives Cincinnati a 40.4% shot at picking up the victory on the road in the Week 1 college football game.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cincinnati vs. Arkansas football picks, predictions for Week 1 game
