Alabama Football: Three Bold Predictions for Bama vs Arkansas

Alabama Football (5-1, 3-0) looks to tighten its grasp on the SEC West and remain unblemished in conference play when it hosts the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4, 0-3) for the Tide’s homecoming game.

Bama seems to have the edge in this one, but Arkansas has notable playmakers, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and should not be underestimated.

Last week’s bold predictions struck out, but Alabama Football got a big win in College Station that shifted the perceived power dynamic in the SEC West from a national standpoint.

My biggest miss was my bold prediction that Alabama would be able to run the ball against Texas A&M. The Tide’s rushing attack was largely shut down by the Aggies, finishing the game with just 23 yards.

All season, it has taken Bama too long to get the run game going. In many outings, it has been well into the second half before the Tide was able to find its footing on the ground. This is a trend that has to be corrected soon if Alabama Football wants to be a championship contender.

I also predicted that the game total would go over 55. However, both defenses were as good as advertised and the betting total of 46 hit right on the nose.

Lastly, I projected that Alabama would win the turnover battle. Instead the Crimson Tide won the game despite a 2-1 deficit in the turnover column. All three turnovers in the game came in the second half, but the Bama defense essentially negated both of its offense’s mistakes.

When Jalen Milroe threw an untimely interception trailing 17-10, freshman safety Caleb Downs picked off A&M’s Max Johnson just two plays later, giving the ball right back to the Bama offense for an eventual touchdown.

Later in the fourth quarter, with Bama nursing a 24-17 lead, Jermaine Burton gave away what appeared to be a costly fumble deep in his own territory.

How did the defense respond this time? By sacking Johnson on two consecutive plays to force a three-and-out, and then blocking the ensuing field goal attempt to keep the Aggies off the scoreboard entirely. Because of these defensive efforts, Alabama’s two turnovers did not cost it points against Texas A&M.

Let’s take a look at three bold predictions for Alabama’s week seven battle against Arkansas.