The No. 16-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks face a stern test this weekend when they head to Bryant-Denny Stadium to face the Alabama Crimson Tide and their unruly supporters.
The Razorbacks kicked off their regular-season schedule with a 46-26 win at home over Troy, and as most experts figured, Darren McFadden was at the heart of Arkansas's good play. The running back, who finished second in last season's Heisman voting and figures to be the early favorite for this year's award, rushed for 151 yards and a score on 24 carries, while also throwing a 42-yard touchdown pass. Casey Dick was 11-of-20 for 108 yards for the Razorbacks, who racked up 507 yards of total offense but also committed a pair of turnovers (both fumbles). The Razorbacks have to try and not rely so much on McFadden so much, as better teams than Troy will force Arkansas to beat them in other ways. Also, the Razorbacks allowed 176 yards on the ground against the Trojans and they'll need to improve against the run to compete in the SEC.
The Crimson Tide have won their first two games of the season, including last week's 24-10 win at Vanderbilt. Alabama's run defense was in fine form against the Commodores, who only managed 57 yards on the ground and 232 yards in total. The Crimson Tide ran for 221 yards and put up 371 yards combined. Terry Grant exploded for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 24 carries, and John Parker Wilson went 14-for-28 for 150 yards and an interception. Wilson is a much better quarterback than his stats against Vanderbilt would indicate, and he will need a better showing against the Razorbacks.
The Razorbacks are 8-9 lifetime against the Crimson Tide, but have won the past two games including last season's 24-23 overtime win at home. Alabama is listed as a 3-point home chalk, with the total sitting at 47. Kickoff is at 6:45 pm ET with the game being broadcast on ESPN.
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