Central Arkansas vs Arkansas State Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Central Arkansas Bears

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Arkansas State Red Wolves

Recent betting trends in games played between Central Arkansas and Arkansas State

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Central Arkansas vs Arkansas State game

Central Arkansas Bears Betting Preview

The Bears posted a 7-4 overall run last year with a pretty solid 4-2 run in United Athletic Conference games. Central Arkansas finished second in the standings behind only Austin Peay at 6-0. The Bears lost 14-12 to the Governors in their final game of the season.

It’ll be head coach Nathan Brown’s seventh season at the Central Arkansas helm in 2024. He’ll get some First Team All-Conference players back in DE David Walker and safety TaMuarion Wilson. ShunDerrick Powell is also back to anchor the running game after 1,016 yards and six TDs last season.

Arkansas State Red Wolves Betting Preview

Over on the Red Wolves’ side, they were just good enough to get into a bowl game last year at 6-7 overall and 4-4 in Sun Belt games. Arkansas State landed in third place in the West Division behind Troy and Texas State. The Camellia Bowl game was a loss however, 21-19 versus Northern Illinois.

In head coach Butch Jones’ fourth season, the Red Wolves ranked fourth in the West Division in the preseason coaches’ poll. It’ll be a dogfight in the standings behind favorite Texas State this year. The good news is that the Red Wolves are on the upswing after their first bowl appearance since 2019.

Why the Arkansas State Red Wolves will win

• Arkansas State has won each of its last seven home games against non-FBS teams.
• Arkansas State has covered the spread in each of its last four home games against non-FBS teams.

Why the Central Arkansas Bears will win

• The underdog has won each of Arkansas State's last three games.
• Arkansas State has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The underdog has covered the spread in eight of Arkansas State's last 10 games.
• Arkansas State has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games as a favorite.

Total Points Facts

• Three of Arkansas State's last four games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Central Arkansas vs Arkansas State Prediction

I’ll take a stab on Arkansas State here, but I could probably go either way. The Red Wolves certainly have their work cut out for them in 2024, especially on defense. That side of the ball was a liability last season, giving up 31.2 points per game and 445 yards per game—both in the bottom four of the Sun Belt.

Arkansas State does get the benefit of returning lots of experience this season, including LB Charles Willekes (90 tackles and two sacks last year). If the Red Wolves can get that side of the ball up to speed quickly in this opener, the offense should be able to keep a cover pace. This will be a fun game to check out regardless.