Arkansas Razorbacks vs Alabama Crimson Tide Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

No. 3 Alabama Aims to Keep Rolling Against Resurgent Arkansas

No. 3 Alabama has been one of the most dominant teams in the SEC, winning 13 of its last 14 games, and will look to extend its five-game winning streak when it faces an improving Arkansas squad on Saturday in Fayetteville. While the Crimson Tide have been surging, the Razorbacks have shaken off a rough start to conference play and now have an opportunity to make a statement at home.

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Arkansas Finding Its Stride After Early SEC Woes

The Razorbacks (14-8, 3-6 SEC) looked lost after opening SEC play 0-5, but head coach John Calipari has helped steady the ship. Arkansas has now won three of its last four games, including back-to-back road victories over then-No. 12 Kentucky (89-79) and Texas (78-70).

Calipari sees his team coming together but knows there is still room for growth.

“We’re coming together,” Calipari said. “We’re still not close to what I think we could be. We’ve proven now in two tough places we can go on the road and win.”

One of the biggest reasons for Arkansas’ turnaround has been Johnell Davis, a key transfer from Florida Atlantic’s 2023 Final Four squad. After struggling to find his footing early in the season, Davis has been electric over the last three games, averaging 20.0 points per game.

Davis’ confidence has been growing, as he scored a season-high 18 points against Oklahoma, matched that total against Kentucky, and then set a new season best with 24 points in the win over Texas. Over this stretch, he has shot 10-of-25 from three-point range and been a disruptive force on defense, racking up 13 steals in his last four games.

“It’s nice to see Nelly being what we thought he could be,” Calipari said. “He’s been great. With him playing the way he is, now we’re dangerous.”

Davis’ emergence has been crucial after the loss of Boogie Fland, the standout freshman who suffered a hand injury and is likely out for the season. Fland was Arkansas’ second-leading scorer at 15.1 points per game, behind Adou Thiero (16.2 PPG).

Alabama Refreshed and Ready to Go

While Arkansas has been grinding through a tough stretch, Alabama (19-3, 8-1 SEC) had the luxury of a mid-week break, giving the Crimson Tide extra time to rest and prepare. Their last game was a dominant 90-69 win over Georgia last Saturday.

Head coach Nate Oats welcomed the extended break, allowing his team to recover from minor injuries.

“It’s huge for a physical re-set,” Oats said. “We’ve got a lot of guys banged up, so we’ve adjusted our original plan. … We’re only gonna go hard once in practice and make sure that it’s a lot more controlled than maybe what a game would be.”

One of the most significant developments for Alabama has been the resurgence of Mark Sears. The standout guard leads the team in scoring at 18.1 points per game, but he was benched for the second half against LSU two games ago as Oats challenged him to play with more defensive intensity.

Since then, Sears has responded in a big way. Over the last two games, he has averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 5-of-10 from three-point range.

“I thought that was the hardest Mark Sears has played,” Oats said. “He had some turnovers, but he sprinted back and made tough plays on defense. He didn’t sulk, didn’t pout. His leadership and the effort he gave really helped set the tone for how the team is supposed to look.”

If Sears continues to play with that level of intensity, Alabama’s already potent offense will be even tougher to stop.

Series History and Key Matchups

Alabama has dominated the recent series, winning four straight games against Arkansas.
Johnell Davis vs. Alabama’s Perimeter Defense – If Davis stays hot, he could be the key to an Arkansas upset.
Mark Sears vs. Arkansas’ Backcourt – Sears’ playmaking and efficiency will be a critical factor for Alabama.
Arkansas’ Defense vs. Alabama’s Fast-Paced Offense – The Razorbacks have struggled defensively at times this season, and Alabama will look to push the tempo early.

Can Arkansas Keep Its Momentum Going?

Alabama has been a machine in SEC play, and with a well-rested roster and Sears playing at a high level, the Crimson Tide enter this game as clear favorites. However, Arkansas has shown resilience in recent weeks, pulling off back-to-back road wins and riding the emergence of Johnell Davis as a reliable scoring option.

The Razorbacks will need to bring their best defensive effort to slow down Alabama’s high-powered attack. If they can do that—and if Davis continues his recent surge—Arkansas could put itself in position for another signature win.

Still, Alabama remains one of the most complete teams in the country, and with extra rest and preparation, the Crimson Tide will be tough to stop as they look to extend their dominance in the SEC.