Alabama has its first challenge since the Texas game Saturday versus Arkansas.
Sam Pittman has the Razorbacks and its fans ready to give the Crimson Tide a compelling matchup. Nick Saban spoke Thursday on the challenge Arkansas presents his team. After dealing with Louisiana-Monroe and Vanderbilt, Tide fans will now see what type of team it has. Arkansas suffered a two-point loss to Texas A&M, but it’s up for this weekend contest at 3-1 on the season.
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The Razorbacks have a couple of areas that match up with Alabama.
Arkansas has playmakers on both sides, but below are the marquee guys for the Tide to watch.
KJ Jefferson, Quarterback
Quinn Ewers tested Alabama’s defense as a drop-back passer in the Texas game.
KJ Jefferson brings a dual-threat component to Will Anderson, Henry To’oto’o, and the Crimson Tide. He went round-for-round with Bryce Young in an epic battle in 2021 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Jefferson completed 22 of 30 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, despite a 35-42 loss. He did not turn the ball over and attacked Alabama’s secondary with pinpoint accuracy.
The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is playing well in his junior season. He comes in with 12 total touchdowns (four rushing scores) and one interception through four games. Jefferson has a lot of confidence in his arm talent; however, he excels at running over defenders and making plays on the perimeter. The Crimson Tide cannot afford to let him control the game’s pace.
Raheim Sanders, Running Back
After holding Bijan Robinson of Texas under 60 yards rushing, Raheim Sanders now challenges the Tide.
Sanders, who is listed at 6’2″ and 227 pounds, is one of the best running backs in the Southeastern Conference. He possesses great vision, power, speed, toughness, and contact balance. Sanders averages 21 carries, 6.1 yards per rush attempt, and 127 yards rushing per game. He leads Arkansas with 508 yards rushing and totals three touchdowns. Alabama’s defensive front has to limit Sanders’ production on first and second down. The Razorbacks want to own time of possession and keep their crowd engaged.
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Alabama’s run defense is allowing 62.5 rushing yards per matchup, ranking it fourth in the nation.
Jadon Haselwood, Wide Receiver
Jadon Haselwood arrived in Arkansas as a transfer from Oklahoma.
Defensively, the Tide has its first test in the secondary since Xavier Worthy of Texas. Haselwood, who stands at 6’3″ and 213 pounds, has the physicality to attack the ball and speed to separate from defensive backs. Jordan Battle, a senior safety for Alabama, suffered a hamstrings injury against Vanderbilt. He is listed as ‘day-to-day,’ but the Tide is hopeful for him to play versus the Razorbacks. Battle’s leadership and communication are critical for the matchup because of the hostile environment.
Haselwood has 18 receptions for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
Drew Sanders, Linebacker
He could have had a great career at the University of Alabama, but Drew Sanders found his path at Arkansas.
He transferred to the Razorbacks after spending last year with the Crimson Tide.
Sanders, a native Texan, is having a strong season as he leads the team in sacks (5.5). He has 6.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. Sanders came into Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class as a five-star with Bryce Young, so he’s looking forward to pressing the junior quarterback. Arkansas will create one-on-one opportunities for Sanders to rush Young. Bill O’Brien has to roll his reigning Heisman winner away from the pressure and neutralize Sanders.
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Bumper Pool and Jordan Domineck are two others to watch on Arkansas’ front.
Pool leads the Razorbacks for total tackles (36) and has two tackles for loss, a sack, three pass breakups, and four quarterback pressures. Domineck, a defensive lineman, has 4.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Dwight McGlothern, Defensive Back
Arkansas’ secondary is its defensive weakness.
Opposing quarterbacks have torched the Razorbacks’ defensive backfield, but Dwight McGlothern has been the most consistent performer. He has two breakups and a team-high two interceptions. If he can pick off Bryce Young, it would give Arkansas much confidence.
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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.
