At its core, the Arkansas at Alabama game (3:30 p.m., CBS) is the Razorbacks offense against the Crimson Tide defense.
Alabama's defense is renowned for it's incredible amount of NFL Draft prospects. Don't discount the talent on the Arkansas offense, however. The Razorbacks have arguably the best group of wide receivers in the nation.
Last year's top receiver, Greg Childs, is having a down year with only two catches for 29 yards. At 6-foot-3, 217 pounds he has the size to make a play on the ball in the air. While Childs has faltered, junior Cobi Hamilton has excelled. He's a big-play wide receiver who specializes in getting vertical. Hamilton's vertical ability allows slot receivers Joe Adams and Jarius Wright to attack underneath from the slot.
The beneficiary off al the talent at receiver is junior quarterback Tyler Wilson. He's a budding NFL Draft prospect. He was a highly regarded high school player, but was stuck behind Ryan Malllett last season. He's good at going through his progressions and hitting his receivers in stride.
Alabama at Arkansas NFL Draft watch notes
Arkansas can also pound the ball using powerful Ronnie Wingo. The junior has the power to take on Alabama’s NFL-style linebackers, but not the speed to break big gains.
Alabama, of course, can counter everything with the most impressive defense in the nation (from a scouting perspective).
This could finally be the game where Alabama cornerback
shows why he’s so highly regarded. He should get plenty of chances to make a play on the ball. Considering Arkansas runs an evenly balanced offense, Kirkpatrick will have to play a lot of man today as the safeties play closer to the line of scrimmage. Namely, strong safety
will be near the line to play horizontally to help contain the run game.
Today could be the game where Alabama outside linebacker
proves he’s worth a first-round pick. Upshaw could pick apart the suspect Alabama offensive line that features a true freshman at left tackle. He’ll get the opportunity to work upfield as nose tackle Josh Chapman and middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower stay at home and handle the run.
Overshadowed on the Alabama defense is free safety
. He’s a playmaking force. It will be interesting to see how the Tide use Lester today. Whether it’s zone or manned on a wide receiver, he can make plays.
One of the better match-ups in this game is Arkansas middle linebacker
against Alabama running back
. The Tide junior’s talent is evident, but Franklin is a strong, sure tackler. How well he can get off blocks in games like this one will determine where he gets drafted.
