There are some who think Alabama Football will face considerable adversity against Arkansas on Saturday afternoon. The Razorbacks are a good team no one argues the Hogs will provide a challenge.
Despite being at home, Arkansas will be playing under must-win pressure. In some ways, Arkansas will be under far more pressure than the Crimson Tide.
Given the unfriendly environment the Alabama football team will compete in on Saturday, why has Arkansas chosen a fan gimmick? The gimmick is the first-ever ‘Red-Out’ for the Razorbacks.
With past success by the Crimson Tide against such ploys, the decision is a bit surprising. It also begs a question. The magnitude of the game is so great for Arkansas, shouldn’t Razorback fans be in a frenzy, whatever they are wearing? Maybe a sea of red will help pump up the home team, but any thought of a need to do so suggests desperation.
Moving on to a more serious issue, what Arkansas needs the most on Saturday will be pressure on Bryce Young. A quick look at national stats indicates the Hogs should be able to provide it. The Razorbacks lead the FBS with 20 sacks in four games. That stat cannot be measured without consideration of the four offensive lines the Arkansas defense has faced.
Eight of the 20 sacks came against an FCS offensive line; Missouri State. In terms of sacks allowed, among FBS teams, Texas A&M is tied at No. 70. South Carolina and Cincinnati are tied at No. 91. The Hogs made three sacks in the loss to Texas A&M. Max Johnson is not an immobile quarterback, but elusiveness is not one of his best attributes. Last season at LSU, the Bengal Tigers gave up 38 sacks and almost all of them came while Johnson was the LSU QB. In fairness to Johnson, last season the LSU offensive line was about as leaky in pass protection as was the Crimson Tide.
Former Alabama Football Linebacker, Drew Sanders
Some Alabama football fans look at Drew Sanders’ sack stats and expect he will cause Bryce Young problems. The former Crimson Tide linebacker is tied at No. 1 for the most individual sacks in the FBS, with 5.5 sacks. Sanders was credited with half a sack against the Aggies, but otherwise had little impact on the game.
Even with the ability of the Razorbacks to create sacks, the Hogs’ pass defense has given up over 300 passing yards per game. In that stat, Arkansas is No. 126 in the FBS.
Another problem for the Hogs’ defense will be slowing the running of Jase McClellan and Jahmyr Gibbs. Texas A&M’s Devon Achane rushed for 159 yards against them.