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Arkansas vs Southern Week 1 Betting Preview
No. 14 Arkansas opens its season Monday night against Southern at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. The Razorbacks enter John Calipari’s second year with a reloaded roster after last season’s Sweet Sixteen run.
Freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas headline a class expected to make an instant impact, while veterans D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox bring back experience on the wings. Arkansas lost its top three scorers from last season’s 22-14 team, but Calipari’s track record with elite point guards keeps expectations high. Bettors can follow early season trends on the college basketball previews page
Southern, meanwhile, comes off a 20-12 campaign and was picked second in the SWAC preseason poll. The Jaguars return guards Joe Manning and Andre Nunley but must replace their leading scorers.
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Line Movement and Odds
Arkansas opened as a 20-point favorite and sits between –18.5 and –19 across most books. The total dropped from 147 to 145, signaling early sharp interest on the under. Moneyline pricing has hovered near Arkansas –2000 / Southern +1200.
Public money leans heavily on the Razorbacks, while sharper bettors have taken a few early positions on the under. You can check updated numbers anytime on the NCAA basketball odds page
Matchup Breakdown
Calipari’s new lineup aims to improve rebounding and rim protection after ranking 12th in the SEC a year ago. Transfers Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle add frontcourt strength alongside Trevon Brazile. Expect Arkansas to push pace and attack mismatches inside.
Southern’s guard-heavy roster relies on perimeter shooting. Michael Jacobs (11.3 ppg) leads the scoring options, while Manning and Cam Amboree bring outside range. To hang close, the Jaguars must limit turnovers and control tempo. Bettors tracking both teams can get roster trends and updates on the college basketball picks section
Injuries and Conditions
Arkansas Razorbacks
- No major injuries reported.
- Freshmen Acuff Jr. and Thomas expected to play heavy minutes.
- Ewin and Pringle available in rotation.
See full details on the Arkansas team page
Southern Jaguars
- No current injuries reported.
- Key guards Jacobs, Manning, and Nunley expected to start.
See more on the Southern team page
Conditions: Indoor game. No weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
Arkansas has covered six of its last eight season openers and thrives as a large home favorite. Southern often struggles in nonconference road spots, going 2-8 ATS in its past 10.
Projected Score: Arkansas 83, Southern 62
Best Bet: Arkansas –18.5
Secondary Lean: Under 145
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