Alabama Football: A semi-serious look at three keys to beating Arkansas
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football versus Arkansas games are supposed to be hard-fought battles with no guarantees of the result. Check out these three both serious and not, keys to Saturday’s outcome.
Earlier in the week, we joked Alabama football would have no problem Saturday as long as the equipment truck, a few coaches and most of the players make it to Fayetteville on schedule. While Hogs’ fans will see no humor, we were just trying to highlight the significant talent difference between the teams.
Arkansas has some talent. Offensively they are just not suited to the system Chad Morris wants to play. John Chavis will make the most of what he has on defense but his secondary is likely to be overwhelmed by the Crimson Tide passing attack.
The word out of Fayetteville is some starters are being added to special teams. The Razorbacks will need them on kick and punt coverage. Even with the adjustment, Chad Morris really needs a game plan that avoids ever kicking the football to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The mismatched Razorbacks offense is most vulnerable in pass protection. Fortunately, they have a quite sturdy body at QB to take the pounding on Saturday.
What then are three real keys for Alabama football on Saturday? The keys apply to a goal beyond just going 6-0.
Key No. 1 – Stay Healthy
Don’t put Jonah Williams at risk for aggravating his ankle injury. Matt Womack or even Chris Owens can handle the left tackle role. Don’t allow Tua to run the football – under any circumstances. Play Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs sparingly. Keeping them healthy is only one benefit. Najee Harris and Brian Robinson need more game touches to keep them engaged and prepared, if necessary, to play bigger roles later in the season.
Key No. 2 – Develop Depth
Winning ugly will be just fine on Saturday. Use the game to get more than a few Alabama football backups considerable action. Tyrell Shavers is one example on offense. Others on offense are Chris Owens (at center) and Deonte Brown if he is now the “third” guard.
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On defense, backups throughout the front seven need extra game work. Johnny Dwight may not be fully healthy but Phidarian Mathis and Tevita Musika need playing time. Several linebackers need to fill in for Mack, Dylan, Anfernee and Christian. A third dependable inside linebacker needs to be identified and Saturday will be a good training ground. Throw in Eyabi Anoma on the edge and let him make mistakes that will accelerate his development. He will make plays too.
Key No. 3 – Make some field goals
The thoughts of field goals trigger nervous twitches among Crimson Tide fans. Hopefully, 2018 will be a season when no game-winning field goals are required. But on Saturday, both of the primary placekickers need to try a couple. Mike Locksley and Jeff Banks need to carefully coordinate the efforts to not be too long and at the preferred angle for each kicker. The placekicker development plan could fail and the Tide kickers could regress but at least it would not cost Alabama football a win.
By now, readers must realize our three keys are a mixture of whimsical and practical. Alabama football is going on the road in the SEC. An opponent will be primed to pull off a major upset. As always, Nick Saban will seek to leave nothing to chance, least of all the outcome.
After the trip west, Alabama football returns home for homecoming. Missouri is better than many Crimson Tide fans realize. The three keys Bama Hammer discusses next week will be fully serious.