It’s been a while since Arkansas has been competitive with Alabama, but it’s an intriguing matchup this year. The Crimson Tide just lost their first game of the year, and the Razorbacks appear to be on the rise.
How to watch Alabama vs. Arkansas: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
Can the Crimson Tide avoid their first two-game SEC losing streak since 2007?
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Tide offense was able to move the ball last week against Ole Miss, but had trouble finishing drives. Alabama scored 10 offensive points -- its defensive touchdown came after a controversial facemask no-call -- and only three in the second half. In the end, too many mistakes -- two missed field goals, two turnovers, seven penalties -- doomed the Crimson Tide.
As for Arkansas, the Razorbacks are still looking for their first conference win since 2012, but more and more each week it looks like they won’t have to wait too much longer. They lead the SEC in rushing with their power attack, and they gave Texas A&M everything it wanted in an overtime loss two weeks ago. If Arkansas can win the turnover and field position battles, the Hogs can make things tough for ‘Bama..
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 6 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN (Joe Tessitore, Brock Huard, Shannon Spake)
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: Coming off its first loss of the year, Alabama is 4-1 (1-1 SEC) and ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25 and Amway Coaches Poll. Arkansas is 3-2 (0-2) and in the “others receiving votes” category in both polls. The Crimson Tide lead the all-time series, 17-7, and have won seven in a row, including the last two by a combined 104-0.
Vegas: Alabama opened as a nine-point favorite, and that spread is back at 9 after going up to 11 at some sports books. The over/under is set at 56.
Weather forecast: Rain with a high of only 55.
Two things at stake
Arkansas is probably out of the SEC West race, but a win over Alabama would be the Razorbacks’ biggest victory in several years, and it would announce that Bret Bielema’s program has arrived.
With games left against Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Auburn, Alabama can’t afford another loss if it wants to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt.
One big matchup
Arkansas’ passing game vs. Alabama’s pass defense
The Razorbacks want to load up in jumbo sets and run the ball up the middle as often as possible. That can do serious damage against smaller defenses that are build to stop spread attacks, but Alabama’s D is perfectly suited to stop Bielema’s scheme. Arkansas has to be able to throw the ball to open up the run.
Fortunately for the Hogs, Alabama's pass defense hasn't been great. The Tide rank seventh in the SEC in opposing quarterback rating, and they're 10th by allowing 45 completions of 10 or more yards. On top of that, they've picked off just two passes so far, tied for fewest in the conference. If Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen can avoid bad decisions, he can keep his team in the game.
Further reading
For more on the Crimson Tide, check out Roll ‘Bama Roll. For all things Razorbacks, visit Arkansas Fight. SEC coverage is available at Team Speed Kills.
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