Connect with us

Alabama Football Headlines

Five takeaways from Alabama’s close win over Arkansas

John David Mercer - USA Today Sports

The University of Alabama football team earned its sixth victory last week to become bowl-eligible.

Nick Saban has the program headed to a bowl game for the 17th time in his tenure as head coach.

RELATED: Alabama moves up in Coaches Poll after defeating Arkansas

A win is a win for the Crimson Tide; however, this team has yet to have a dominant game from start to finish. Arkansas, despite injuries, inconsistency, and having four losses, hung in the matchup with the Tide. Alabama was projected to win by two touchdowns or more, but it could not put the Razorbacks away. It carried a 21-6 lead at halftime, but Arkansas outscored Alabama, 15-3 in the second half. Coach Saban saw his group gain a 24-21 victory, but he was not pleased with the outcome.

He wants to see his team dominate the opponent, not just win. The rivalry matchup with Tennessee is Saturday, and the Tide wants to avenge a loss from last year. Alabama needs to improve, and here are the takeaways from the narrow win over the Hogs.

1. Jalen Milroe has to be more consistent in his decision-making

Jalen Milroe has made incredible growth as a first-year starting quarterback, but the decision-making of the sophomore remains uncertain at times for Alabama.

Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

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.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

More in Alabama Football Headlines