In less than one hour, the University of Alabama football program will resume its Southeastern Conference schedule against Arkansas inside D.W.R. Razorback Stadium. After getting a 56-14 win over Louisiana, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban referred to this matchup as a “trap game” and does not want his players losing focused on the task of playing to a high standard.
Despite the Razorbacks encountering growing pains, the transition from Bret Bielema to Chad Morris offered signs of life last week as Arkansas gave Texas A&M a competitive fight.
With the exception of 2012 and 2013 – both games Tide won 52-0 – the Hogs typically give Alabama one of its two most physical games each season. Junior quarterback Ty Storey has to deliver a flawless performance. He held his own versus the Aggies in a 24-17 loss; however, a crucial turnover late in the game doomed the team. Storey cannot afford interception against a Tide defense that feeds on not only setting up its offense with a short field, but also scoring off turnovers. Of Alabama’s nine picks through five games, three have resulted in touchdowns.
Following a 100-yard outing from Trey Ragas of the Ragin’ Cajuns, Devwah Whaley hopes to have the same production. He was very productive in the last two seasons, especially in 2017 as he recorded seven scores. Whaley, a junior, leads Arkansas with 231 yards rushing on 53 carries.
While its roster contains a couple of strong receivers, La’Michael Pettway is the primary target for Storey on the outside. He is averaging nearly 15 yards per catch (14.92) and has three touchdown receptions. Defensively, the Hogs are depending on senior linebacker Dre Greenlaw and senior defensive lineman Armon Watts to set a physical tone. Greenlaw anchors the team in tackles (31), but its Watts that has created negative plays (4.5 tackles for loss) and frustrated quarterbacks with a team-high four sacks.
Should the Tide have a balanced attack offensively and maintain gap assignments on defense, Arkansas will have a difficult time both moving the football and limiting what offensive coordinator Michael Locksley has planned for Tua Tagovailoa and company.
Alabama enters this matchup with the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense (54.2 ppg) and one of college football’s best scoring defenses (13.0 ppg allowed). According to Saban, the team had a strong week of practice and everyone appears to be locked in.
Final prediction: Alabama 45, Arkansas 7 (35.5-point spread)
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
