It doesn’t take a major college football analyst to realize that the Razorbacks’ biggest test of the season will come this week against No. 1 Alabama. And while the Razorbacks got a nice-confidence builder this week by beating Alcorn State in what amounted to a glorified scrimmage, there’s still a lot that needs to go right for No. 16 Arkansas to have a shot at the upset.
Protecting Austin Allen is critical. Allen didn’t have much to worry about against the Braves, but got pounded repeatedly in the Razorbacks loss to Texas A&M the week before. He’s more than willing to hold onto the ball as long as possible and accept the punishment, but making plays against that kind of pressure is a recipe for failure.
Of course, if the Razorbacks can run the ball well, that would go a long way towards alleviating some of that pressure. Arkansas focused on its running game last week, and both Devwah Whaley and Rawleigh Williams had big games. Alabama’s defense doesn’t give up big plays on the ground, since their linebackers and secondary are excellent at converging quickly onto the ballcarrier, but even the ability to keep out of obvious passing situations and managing the clock effectively would be helpful. Moreover, the short-yardage plays have to be more effective; Arkansas was again stymied at the goal line and on fourth-and-short situations against Alcorn State.
Also key will be the ability of the receivers to win their individual battles. Alabama likes to jam receivers on the line to keep them from getting into their routes quickly, thus disrupting plays before they get underway.
Defensively, the Razorbacks have to avoid giving up the big play, a problem season long. Texas A&M was able to score quickly in the second half two weeks ago, and though Alcorn State couldn’t generate points the Braves did manage to pile up yardage in chunks. Stopping Jalen Hurts and the Alabama spread offense is always difficult, but it’ll be a lot more manageable if the Razorbacks execute their assignments and finish the plays.
On the positive side, Arkansas is used to playing the Crimson Tide when they are at their best, and the results have at least produced good games. This will be the fifth time since 2010 that the Razorbacks have taken on a No. 1-ranked Alabama squad, and the third time the game has taken place in Fayetteville. Both of those resulted in narrow Razorback losses; 24-20 in 2010 and 14-13 in 2014. Historically, Arkansas has played the No. 1 team in the country 21 times, winning four — the last of which came against Louisiana State in 2007.
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Austin Allen had a badly-needed easy week against Alcorn State, throwing for 206 stress-free yards and three touchdowns against an Alcorn State defense that rarely came with touching distance. After getting hit hard by Texas A&M the previous week, that was a nice change. Alabama, however, will likely be focused on getting to him quickly and making him pay for each completion.
–RB Devwah Whaley broke the 100-yard barrier for the first time as a Razorback, finishing with 135 yards on nine carries. He and Rawleigh Williams will be counted on to control the game on the ground to slow down Alabama this week.
–TE Jeremy Sprinkle hasn’t been a big part of the offense so far in 2016, but that may be about to change. He’s an excellent pass catches and the coaching staff has discussed finding ways to get him more targets, particularly against a defense like Alabama’s where his sure hands will be a key asset.
–WR Jared Cornelius is coming off a big game against Alcorn State, with four catches for 106 yards. He nearly had a special teams score as well, but his punt return for a score was negated by a penalty.
–CB Henre’ Tolliver returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown last week. He also tied for the team lead with seven tackles.