Alabama Football: What’s at stake vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

There is plenty on the line for Alabama football

When you look at this weekend, it may feel like a lackluster game. Alabama football will play against Arkansas, a team that has rarely kept games close against the Tide. However, there is more on the line this week than you would think.

Let’s start with what is most important. Alabama football is a win away from clinching the division and booking their ticket for the SEC Championship. If they lose, Auburn will be a must-win game on the road for the Tide. That is a bad scenario for Alabama to be in, so it will be nice to wrap up the SEC West at home.

Also, a loss against Arkansas would essentially kick the Tide out of the College Football Playoff race. Could they still make it with a narrow loss to Auburn and a win over Georgia? Probably. Could they get in if they barely lose to Georgia? Potentially. However, nothing will save Alabama if they have two losses against Texas A&M and Georgia. That will hurt their resume too much.

Beyond those implications, Alabama also needs to prove to themselves that they are a dominant team. In their past few games against SEC opponents, they have struggled. LSU came down to the last play, and it took a while to pull away from Tennessee. They need another dominant performance to boost their confidence heading into the Iron Bowl.

Personally, this week could help Bryce Young and Will Anderson. Both have a chance of being Heisman Trophy finalists. This isn’t the game where you can have a Heisman moment, but it can at least keep them in the running before Alabama football plays Auburn and Georgia.

For the seniors, this will be the last time they play in Bryant-Denny Stadium. It will be important for them to end their careers in Tuscaloosa with a win at home.

All things considered, there is more at stake this week than you usually see against Arkansas. We’ll see if the Tide are up to the task.