Alabama at Arkansas – Preview and Prediction
ALABAMA 14 ARKANSAS (49)
Implied Projected Score: Alabama 31.5 Arkansas 17.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – Alabama -14
The Game
ROLL TIDE takes their undefeated 5-0 record into a tough match-up with Arkansas on Saturday. Alabama has outscored their opponents 220-65 so far while Arkansas is 4-1 with their only loss coming to the JUGGERNAUT Texas A&M Aggies.
The Match-Up
Alabama offense vs Arkansas defense
It doesn’t matter who lines up a running back. They are moving the ball. QB Jalen Hurts is poised and dangerous. Only one interception so far. And what does ROLL TIDE face this week ? Well it is the #14 (dead last) run defense in the SEC in terms of yards per carry allowed. Arkansas is also near the bottom of the FBS in 3rd down defense. Alabama is in the top 25 in time of possession. Hmmm. It seems to us that the Crimson Tide will be facing a very tough opponent this week but have the personnel and proven ability to impose their will. The Razorbacks have only allowed 3 TD passes all year (vs 5 INT) so the Tide will probably have to do most of the dirty work on the ground and hope to hit a big play or two in the passing game. We do not see them going nuts – but – any time you can run the ball at will it opens up all kinds of possibilities.
Arkansas offense vs Alabama defense
The Razorbacks do not get enough credit for being a really balanced offensive team. And we never thought we would get over our man crush on Brandon Allen but QB Austin Allen has started a legacy of his own with a big road win over TCU and a 12-2 TD to INT ratio so far. The running game has been working so far but now they face the ultimate brick wall. ROLL TIDE is #1 in the SEC in yards per carry allowed (2.26) and we worry about the Hogs being able to establish anything on the ground. We have hope for Arkansas because they ARE balanced and DO have talent. It is just that – well – it is Alabama.
MEGA-MAZEMENT !
The last two meetings between these two teams have been competitive and low scoring Bama wins…..14-13 and 27-14…..MEGALOCKS SEC HISTORIANS will note that the previous two meetings both ended in 52-0 scores…..Amaze your cheating poker buddies with that gem….Bama begins a tough stretch starting this week and have Tennessee, Texas A&M andn LSU to follow…..Meanwhile Michigan will be playing some high school flag football team…..(just kidding – no car bombs please – thanks)
Summary
We have a corporate policy to not go against ROLL TIDE, Ohio St or Clemson until further notice. Line seems about right.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Arkansas TT under any number 17 or better.