For the fifth time in 14 years as head coach at the University of Alabama, Nick Saban has a perfect regular season with Crimson Tide football.
Despite losing sophomore linebacker Christian Harris in the first quarter, Alabama dominated Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to earn a 52-3 victory. In improving to 10-0 on the year, the Tide got it done without having one of its starters on the offensive line.
Evan Neal, a sophomore at right tackle, did not travel with the team. Chris Owens played in his spot and after early struggles, the Tide started rolling on offense. Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks took away the deep shot opportunities from Mac Jones; however, the Alabama quarterback still completed 24 of 29 passes for 208 yards and was efficient.
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He did have one ill-advised throw in the third quarter that was intercepted, but a targeting call on the Razorbacks negated the turnover.
Although he started the matchup with no traction in his cleats, Najee Harris did record 14 carries for 46 yards rushing with two touchdowns. He is now tied with Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry for most career rushing scores (42) in school history.
Jase McClellan, a true freshman, finished the game with a team-high 95 yards rushing. He earned it on six carries, including an 80-yard burst for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The native Texan and four-star recruit has two rushing scores this year.
Brian Robinson tallied 13 carries for 54 yards and three scores.
Jones targeted six different receivers, including Miller Forristall. The senior at tight end led the team in catches (six) and accounted for 52 yards, while John Metchie had five receptions for 72 yards. Slade Bolden even stepped up and totaled four catches for 43 yards. Robinson was responsible for four catches (22 yards) and DeVonta Smith posted three receptions.
Smith created a huge Heisman moment in the first quarter, when he returned an 84-yard punt for a touchdown. During the moments where the Tide struggled offensively, he got the team going.
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Defensively, Alabama pitched its best outing since Mississippi State. Pete Golding and company allowed 188 yards and five conversions on third down (15 attempts).
Coach Saban got a consistent pass rush from the defensive front, as the Tide collected eight sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Christian Barmore and William Anderson (freshman) each had two sacks to lead the team.
The trio of Tim Smith, Shane Lee and Christopher Allen had one sack apiece, while Byron Young and Phidarian Mathis shared a sack.
Alabama’s pressure to Feleipe Franks and K.J. Jefferson led to three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Brian Branch finished the game for the defense with his second interception of the season.
Jaylen Moody, a junior, replaced Harris at weakside linebacker. The former three-star from South Carolina shared a team-high six tackles and posted a forced fumble. Hopefully, things will be okay with Harris as Saban will provide a postgame update.
The Crimson Tide will face Florida next week in Atlanta for the SEC Championship showdown.
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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.
