Can Arkansas upset top-ranked Tide?
Keys for Alabama
Protect assets: Not that Alabama should take Arkansas lightly, as a loss here could be a detriment to College Football Playoff consideration, but the Crimson Tide already has a spot in the SEC Championship Game against Florida. Nick Saban has shown in the past that he’s willing to pull starters early, and that should be the case here if Alabama gets any sizable lead. Players like DeVonta Smith will be critical if Alabama hopes to make a deep postseason run.
Lockdown the slot: Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks has feasted this season from the slot. He’s a guaranteed mismatch against linebackers and most safeties, as he’s surged for 804 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the Razorbacks in both categories. Freshmen Malachi Moore and Brian Branch have done some good work this season from the star position, and they’ll likely draw Burks on Saturday. That will be a key matchup to watch.
Keys for Arkansas
Pound the rock: It’s hard to identify what it will take to beat Alabama, as the closest a team has gotten was Ole Miss’ 48-point effort in a 15-point loss. One thing the Rebels did very well was run, rushing for 310 yards and four touchdowns.
The Razorbacks are more than capable of moving the ball on the ground, even without Rakeem Boyd, as Trelon Smith has had an impressive campaign, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. With Feleipe Franks’ status for Saturday in the air, it’s imperative that Arkansas is able to run effectively.
Limit explosive plays: Alabama quarterback Mac Jones has put together a ridiculous year, completing better than 75% of his passes for 27 touchdowns to just three interceptions. It helps that he has Smith, a bona fide NFL firstrounder, and John Metchie, a breakout star, to throw to.
Score predictions
Alabama 48, Arkansas 24: Arkansas is much improved under first year coach Sam Pittman, but this Alabama team is No. 1 in the nation for a reason. The Crimson Tide presents a tough matchup for anyone, and will roll to the SEC Championship Game.