re: Let's Talk Arkansas

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When: Saturday, Oct. 11; 6 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Alabama ran for 352 yards in a 52-0 home shutout of Arkansas last October.



What to watch for

Alabama (4-1, 1-1 SEC) allowed two late touchdowns then saw Blake Sims' potential game-winning touchdown pass intercepted in the end zone in the loss at Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide's first legitimate challenge of the season exposed breakdowns on defense and saw their potent offense slow down on the bigger stage.

"We did not play as well as what we have been playing and do what we do to continue to improve," Alabama coach Nick Saban told Andrew Gribble of AL.com.

The Tide haven't lost consecutive SEC games since 2007, in Nick Saban's first season, but after being unable to get to a mistake-prone Bo Wallace they now have to deal with a bruising run game that's well-rested after being off last week. Alabama tends to fare better against running teams, but if it keeps turning the ball over its defense is vulnerable to being worn down.

Arkansas (3-2, 0-2) averages 316.6 rushing yards per game, seventh-best in the country. Combined, Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams have run for 14 touchdowns and average just under 7.3 yards per carry as they run behind a massive offensive line that will give Alabama's great defensive front a huge test.

For the first time in recent memory, it will be Alabama trying to be the one to ramp up the tempo, but it will be Arkansas' control of the clock that gives it the victory and sends the Tide spiraling into uncertainty.

Prediction: Arkansas 28, Alabama 24

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