The Alabama Crimson Tide march in to hog country to get down and dirty with the Arkansas Razorbacks. The game is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, October 8th at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. Alabama is a -14 point favorite and the over/under for the game in Fayetteville is 49.
Alabama took a minute to get rolling last week against Kentucky, but they woke up and handled their business to the tune of 34-6. The Crimson Tide defense only allowed the Wildcats 161 yards of total offense.
The Razorbacks bounced back after their tough loss to the Texas A&M Aggies by thumping Alcorn State. Arkansas came close to beating the Crimson Tide in Fayetteville two years ago and feel they have enough talent to get it done in 2016.
#1 Alabama (5-0):
First year quarterback Jalen Hurts, has been awesome for the Alabama offense so far this season. Furthermore, he is keeping the ball secure and that’s a big deal when your coach is named Nick Saban. This year, Hurts has collected almost 1,000 yards on 84 passes with seven touchdowns and one pick.
Unlike the past few years, Alabama is running the ball out of the back field by committee. Four different ball carriers have combined for over 820 yards on 130 totes of the rock with eight trips to pay dirt. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been solid with his legs, helping with 54 carries with over 275 yards and three more scores.
Super star wide out Calvin Ridley is the next man up for a receiving corp that keeps churning out studs. Ridley has the lion share of the catches and yards through the air, nabbing 31 balls for almost 400 yards and three scores. Three other wide outs also have contributed five more touchdowns.
The Crimson Tides defense hasn’t missed a beat. Alabama reloads and this year is no different. The solid squad only gives up 13 points a game and less than 70 yards over the ground. As a result, they only give up 257 yards a game which is eighth best in the country.
#17 Arkansas (4-1):
Austin Allen has been steady at quarterback for the Razorbacks this season. He will need to be again, as this will be the best defense he will face all year. The signal-caller has accumulated over 1,200 yards on 94 completions for 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
The Razorbacks will need a huge game from their running back running Rawleigh Williams III on Saturday. It’s important that he keeps the front of the Crimson Tide honest so they can’t load-up on the pass rush. In 2016, Williams III has ran with the ball over 100 times for 559 yards and four touchdowns.
Arkansas like to spread the ball around to four different receivers who all find their way into the end zone. Together, they have gathered in 71 balls for almost 1,000 yards and an impressive 11 touchdown appearances. This is a very underrated unit that Bama will have to contend with.
The Razorbacks need to put plenty of pressure on Jalen Hurts to stop the multi-talented back from hurting them with his arms and his legs. They also need to stop the Alabama run game if they want to pull off the upset. So far this season, Arkansas ranks 73rd in the country giving up over 160 yards a game. Unfortunately, their weakness is also Alabama’s strength.
Trends and Notes:
The Crimson Tide are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
The Razorbacks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 conference games.
The Under is 5-2 in the Crimson Tide last 7 conference games.
The Under is 4-1 in the Razorbacks last 5 home games.
Game Prediction:
The game on Saturday could end up being the best game of the weekend. Arkansas and head coach Bret Bielema and his squad want to prove that they belong on the field with the best teams in the SEC.
This is against the number one team in the nation though, and Nick Saban will have his club ready for a slobber-knocker. Arkansas will keep it close with a balanced offense, but will it’s defense be able to stop the Alabama run.
The over/under at 49 might scare some folks because the Tide’s defense is hard to bet against. Alabama will find a way to survive this game but Arkansas should give them all they can handle and more. Take the Razorbacks, who will play inspired at home, to cover the +14.
