Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Week 1 Betting: Back the Under, Razorbacks at Home

Although the 2022 NCAA college football season technically began last week, things really kick off in a few days with Week 1. Among the top first-week matchups is a showdown between the No. 23 Cincinnati Bearcats and No. 19 Arkansas Razorbacks.

"Some guys bring iced tea, and some guys bring liquor. You just gotta figure out what they’re bringing.”

Arkansas HC Sam Pittman on figuring out their game plan vs. Cincinnati ? pic.twitter.com/jytzjnjupN

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 29, 2022

The Bearcats had a 2021 season to remember, going 13-1 with a perfect 8-0 record against the AAC. Cincinnati even won the AAC Championship and even qualified for the College Football Playoff, but lost 27-6 to Alabama in the semifinal.

Meanwhile, the Razorbacks’ campaign was a mixed bag. Arkansas only went 4-4 against SEC, finishing third in the West Division. Nevertheless, Sam Pittman’s squad did go on to defeat Penn State in the Outback Bowl to cap off their season.

Here are BetOnline Sportsbook’s latest Cincinnati vs. Arkansas betting odds, as well as a prediction and best bet for the upcoming NCAAF tilt.

Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: No. 23 Cincinnati Bearcats (0-0) vs. No. 19 Arkansas Razorbacks (0-0)
• Venue & Location: Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022
• Game Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where to Watch Cincinnati vs. Arkansas: ESPN

Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Cincinnati Bearcats +6.5 (-115)
• Arkansas Razorbacks -6.5 (-105)

Over/Under

• Over 51.5 (-112)
• Under 51.5 (-108)

Moneyline

• Cincinnati Bearcats +190
• Arkansas Razorbacks -235

Can Arkansas Defeat Cincinnati at Home?

This Week 1 NCAAF matchup is somewhat of a treat because it marks the first-ever time that Arkansas and Cincinnati are colliding on the gridiron. With how decent both schools played last fall, this game has the potential to be quite entertaining.

Nevertheless, the Bearcats do have the disadvantage of being on the road against a strong Razorbacks team. It’ll be especially tougher considering that Cincinnati lost several key players over the offseason to the NFL Draft and transfers, including star cornerback Sauce Gardner and No. 1 quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Even the coach staff lost key members, like offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and special teams coordinator Brian Mason. Although head coach Luke Fickell found suitable replacements, it could be a while before they’re all on the same page.

While Arkansas lost noteworthy individuals too, they also had a solid recruitment class and transfer portal showing. Two noteworthy additions are five-star-rated wide receiver Jadon Haselwood and linebacker Drew Sanders.

Cincinnati Bearcats coach Luke Fickell remains noncommittal on who will be QB1 on Sept. 3 at Arkansas.

Fickell said a lot will be decided next week. pic.twitter.com/obE8byMXl8

— Keith Jenkins (@MrKeithJenkins) August 20, 2022

At the end of the day, the Razorbacks’ offense might just be too much for the Bearcats to handle, especially after all the talent that the latter has lost. Cincinnati will be without last year’s top-two CBs, which will make life a lot easier for Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson.

Arkansas also has one of the best running games in the nation, averaging 223.3 rushing yards per game (No. 9). Although Cincinnati had a solid defense last year, it did surrender an average of 153.5 — No. 59 in the NCAA.

While it could end up being a semi-close game early on, Arkansas has the talent to make things ugly as the game continues. Cincinnati needs to get off to a hot start to stick around for the long haul, otherwise, things could get out of reach fast.

Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Betting Trends

• Cincinnati is 8-0 straight up in its last eight road games.
• Arkansas is 6-0 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games played in September.
• The total has hit the under in six of Cincinnati’s last eight games.
• The total has hit the under in four of Arkansas’ last five games as the favorite.
• Cincinnati is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games played in September.
• Arkansas is 6-0 straight up in its last six Week 1 matchups.

Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Prediction and Picks

Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Arkansas 20

Cincinnati vs. Arkansas: Arkansas -6.5 (Best Value: -105 at BetOnline) & Under 51.5 Points (Best Value: -108 at BetOnline)

While I think the Bearcats will get better as the season goes on, Arkansas is too tough of a Week 1 matchup. The Razorbacks have a more well-rounded team, which will be too much for a rebuilding Cincinnati to handle.

Having said that, I believe that Arkansas can cover the 6.5-point spread, however, I think that both defenses are solid enough that the total will finish below 51.5 points. Besides, the above trends show that both the Bearcats and Razorbacks consistently hit the under.

Other NCAA College Football Stories on Betting News

• College Football Week 1 Predictions, Picks & Odds
• Oregon vs. Georgia Week 1 Betting: Expect Bulldogs to Open Season with a Victory
• Central Michigan vs. Oklahoma State Prediction & Odds
• Penn State vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds & Picks
• Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Week 1 Betting: Can Buckeyes Cover Massive Spread?