LITTLE ROCK — Tailor-made for Arkansas basketball fans, here are some proposition bets provided as a service for those who will watch the Razorbacks at LSU today and the Giants vs. the Patriots on Sunday evening.
In Las Vegas, sports book people keen for numbers have to reach now and then to cobble together some “props” for people who are in town for the big game and hungry for action. The offerings might have something to do with an NBA game or an NHL contest or even a particular golfer’s final round score from the PGA Tour event in Arizona.
Arkansas at LSU — one of the Razorbacks’ best opportunities of the year to record a road victory in the Southeastern Conference — provides plenty of fodder.
For example, ponder the following:
—The number of LSU turnovers vs. carries by the Giants’ Ahmad Bradshaw. Arkansas’ opponents are averaging 17.4 turnovers per game. LSU has had 11 turnovers or fewer in each of its last four games, but suffered 16 in Fayetteville. Bradshaw has had 14, 12, and 20 carries in the playoff victories. He’ll be close to 20 on Sunday while the Giants try to keep the ball away from the Patriots.
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—Arkansas’ 3-pointers made vs. touchdowns scored in the Super Bowl. Since beginning SEC play on Jan. 7, Arkansas has made at least five 3-pointers in each of the seven conference games. Tom Brady and Eli Manning are worth at least two touchdowns each.
—Total 3-point attempts in Baton Rouge vs. points by the winning Super Bowl team. The first time around, both Arkansas and LSU tried 18 from long range. The fact that the Razorbacks made nine and the Tigers hit three had something to do with the 69-60 final.
—Points by Arkansas’ Julysses Nobles vs. receptions by the Patriots’ Wes Welker. In SEC play, Nobles’ scoring has been erratic. He totaled five or less three times and 24 vs. Ole Miss. The reliable Welker caught eight or more in a half-dozen regular season games and six in each of the playoff games. He may get even more opportunities if tight end Rob Gronkowski is limited.
—Manning’s touchdown passes vs. rebounds by Arkansas’ B.J. Young. Manning has thrown eight TD passes in the three playoff games; Young has averaged almost four rebounds per game in SEC competition.
—Brady’s total completions vs. Arkansas’ first-half points. Backing Brady is not a lock. In three road games against SEC teams, Arkansas has twice scored in the 20s in the first half.
—Missed free throws by Arkansas vs. the number of passes caught by the Giants’ Victor Cruz. In three SEC road games, the Razorbacks have attempted 52 free throws and missed 19. In three playoff games, Cruz has caught 17 passes for 244 yards.
—First downs by the Patriots vs. total points scored by Arkansas teammates Rick Scott and Young. They have totaled 26 or more in three of the last four SEC games. The Patriots averaged almost 25 first downs per game during the regular season.
—Hunter Mickelson’s rebounds vs. the Giants’ sacks of Brady. Mickelson has recorded three or four rebounds in each of the Razorbacks’ last six games.
—Rushing yards by New York’s Bradshaw vs. points scored by Arkansas. Bradshaw has produced 63, 63, and 74 yards in each of the playoff games. On Sunday, 70 by Bradshaw and 70 by the Razorbacks would point to two winning teams.
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Harry King is sports columnist for Stephens Media’s Arkansas News Bureau. His e-mail address is hking@arkansasnews.com.