For Alabama Football, there should not be trap games against SEC foes, this late in the season. But the Arkansas Razorbacks are set up to provide one. Paying attention to Nick Saban’s comments this week, there is no doubt the Alabama Football, head coach respects the Razorbacks. Saturday afternoon it will be learned how much the Crimson Tide players share Saban’s perspective.
Thursday night on Saban’s weekly Hey Coach segment, he praised Arkansas,
"This team (Arkansas) prides themselves in being physical, being tough, smacking you in the mouth. And if you can’t match that, you’re gonna have a problem. I told the players that right at the beginning of the week."
Talking about Arkansas Defensive Coordinator (and former Missouri head coach), Barry Odom, Saban added,
"I have as much respect for him as any coach in our league."
Saban also said he cannot understand why anyone would think the Razorbacks are not a good team. So, look away from the gaudy 21-point spread and consider what the Crimson Tide must do in order to win the game.
To win Alabama Football Must:
- Slow the Arkansas rushing attack. For the Razorbacks, Trelon Smith, Dominique Johnson and Raheim Sanders provide a combination of speed and power. All three rush for at least five yards-per-rush, led by power back, Johnson at 6.4 yards. Almost as hard to bring down as Johnson is Hogs’ quarterback KJ Jefferson, who at 245 pounds can be a punishing runner. If the Razorbacks can run effectively, Jefferson becomes a considerable threat throwing the ball. He is completing 65 percent of his passes on the season and can throw the deep ball accurately.
- Do not let Treylon Burks dominate the game. Burks has almost as many receptions as the four, next most productive Hogs’ receivers, combined. The junior receiver is having his best season and is one of the best wideouts in the SEC. He is third in the SEC with 796 receiving yards on a team that is run-first oriented. The Razorbacks are last in the SEC in pass attempts.
- The Crimson Tide should have success through the air. Helping to accomplish that would be an effective rushing attack. Barry Odom will try to confuse the inconsistent Crimson Tide offensive line. Bryce Young and the Tide receivers may be enough to beat Arkansas but it will be much harder without a productive rushing attack.
Check out the full Saban video from Thursday night.
Also on Thursday, Nick Saban pointed out a “rocking stadium” helps the “mindset of the players.” Make that a fourth Alabama Football ‘Must.’