Auburn vs Arkansas

Gus Malzahn and Bret Bielema shake hands after the game. Auburn vs Arkansas on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Todd Van Emst)

(Todd J. Van Emst)

Coming off an open week following a dominant SEC road victory and three-game win streak is enough for bettors to favor Auburn against a higher-ranked opponent.

No. 21 Auburn (4-2, 2-1 SEC) opened as a nine-point home favorite against No. 17 Arkansas, according to VegasInsider.com, for Saturday's game at Jordan-Hare Stadium (5 p.m. CT, ESPN).

Arkansas is coming off a 34-30 win over No. 12 Ole Miss.

Since Arkansas joined the SEC, Auburn holds a 12-11-1 edge in the series. The Razorbacks (5-2, 1-2 SEC) won last year's meeting in Fayetteville, 54-46 in four overtimes.

It will be a homecoming for former Auburn defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads, who coaches defensive backs at Arkansas.

Auburn has covered the spread in five of six games this season.