In what is being billed as the game of the year so far in 2010 SEC play, Arkansas and Alabama prepare to battle it out in an early season SEC West showdown.
Alabama rides a 27 regular season winning streak into Razorback Stadium. The defending national champion has not lost an SEC game in over two years. Arkansas meanwhile, comes in to Saturdays contest on a 4 game winning streak, having won 8 of its last 7 overall games.
Saturday marks the first time two top ten teams have met in Fayetteville since the 1979 season, when Arkansas played host to the Cougars of Houston. Arkansas last beat a #1 AP team at home in 1981, when visiting #1 Texas lost in a blowout. In 2006, Arkansas took care of #1 LSU on the road, 50-48.
As the day draws near, let's take a look inside the numbers to see how each team matches up with the other. Today, we will focus on the defenses of both teams to get an idea of how each team stacks up against the other.
When you think of Alabama football recently, you think of defense. The 2010 version of the Crimson Tide, features a potent offense, including the nations #1 passing efficiency QB in Greg McElroy. The defense, which is yet to be seriously tested, still ranks among the best in the nation but is very young and raw. Replacing 9 starters from 2009's national championship defense, it still has questions that need to be answered.
Through 3 games this season, Alabama ranks near the bottom of the SEC in sacks, with only 2 on the season. It seems as though Saban is hesitant on bringing too many men that would then allow his young secondary to be exposed in man coverage. The Alabama front four has not seemed to muster as much of a pass rush as they did a year ago. This could spell trouble for the Tide on Saturday if they cannot get pressure on Mallett without using blitzing schemes. The Arkansas offensive line was able to go nearly an entire game without yielding a sack last week, until very late in the 4th quarter. If it takes that long for Alabama to get to Mallett this week, that would be great news for Hog fans.
The Arkansas defense boasts one of the best pass rushes so far in the young season of 2010. Arkansas leads the league in sacks with 12, an average of 4 per game. Anthony Leon leads the way with 2.5 sacks on the season, and Demario Ambrose & Ross Rasner right behind with 2 a piece. This is a must come Saturday. The Razorbacks must get in the face of McElroy to disrupt his timing. McElroy has yet to face a serious pass rush this season, and the Alabama offensive line has only given up 5 sacks through 3 games this season. Not exceptional by any means, considering the competition the Tide have played.
Stopping the run has been the Crimson Tide's trademark since Saban arrived four years ago. This season, against weak to horrible competition, Alabama ranks 7th in the SEC in stopping the run. Alabama has allowed 120.7 yards per game rushing to its opponents this season, giving up an average of 3.8 yards per rush, but yet to give up a score on the ground. Arkansas has yet to prove it can consistently move the ball on the ground this season, and is still in search of that marquee back who will take over late in the game. Supposedly loaded with talent, Arkansas has yet to produce a 100 yard rusher this season.
Keeping it with rushing defense, Arkansas ranks 5th in the conference in that category, yielding just over 111 yards per game. Last week Georgia could never find its groove in the running game. The Bulldogs managed some nice runs at times, then at times the Razorback defense would step up and stuff the run. Arkansas has only given up 2 rushing touchdowns this season, and is only allowing 2.8 yards per attempt. The Arkansas run defense will surely be tested this week, as Alabama boasts the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who returned last week after missing the start of the season with a knee injury. Mark Ingram is also being pushed for playing time back Trent Richardson. The Tide boast one of the most potent backfields in all of college football, and likely the most productive duo since the Razorbacks tandem of Darren McFadden & Felix Jones. The Crimson Tide rank 2nd in the league in rushing offense, averaging 250.7 yards per game.
This certainly will be Arkansas' biggest challenge yet on the ground. The Razorbacks must try to contain two very potent backs, who have the capability of breaking the big run at any time. In fall camp, DC Willy Robinson stressed to the defense that eliminating big plays would be the key to a successful campaign. Alabama averages a whopping 6.8 yards per rush, and has scored 9 touchdowns this season on the ground. If Arkansas is to have a chance in this game, the Alabama ground game cannot be allowed to run wild and burn the clock.
In 2009, Alabama ranked among the best in stopping the pass. So far in 2010, the Tide are still among the best in league play, only allowing 132.7 yards per game through the air. Alabama has had to replace all but one regular in its secondary from a year ago, but so far have not disappointed. The Alabama defense has yet to face a tough passing challenge so far in the young season, nothing like what they will encounter in Fayetteville this Saturday.
Alabama has only given up 1 touchdown through the air this year, and is only allowing 4.3 yards per completion to its opponents. Do not let the young secondary image fool you, this group has talent. The Tide secondary also has picked off 5 passes this season. While young and a little inexperienced, Saban knows how to prepare a secondary with hidden coverages, hidden blitzes, anything to confuse the opposing QB. While the Alabama pass defense has put up great numbers so far this season, it has yet to face a potent passing attack like the Razorbacks.
The Arkansas Razorback secondary made many highlight reels a year ago, but there was one glaring problem. They were not Arkansas highlights, they were opposing teams' reels they were featured on.
This season, the Razorbacks boast the 3rd best pass defense in the conference, only allowing 144.3 yards per game through the air. Arkansas has intercepted 2 passes this year, none returned for touchdowns. The Hogs are giving up 7.3 yards per catch, and opponents are completing passes at a 50% rate. Arkansas has allowed only 2 touchdowns through the air this year as well. Not staggering numbers, but a far cry from where the Hogs sat this time last year in these categories.
If Arkansas is to have a chance in this game, it must be able to eliminate the big play. Alabama will certainly try and stretch the field with the deep ball and deep crossing routes to open up the run game. Arkansas must stay disciplined in the play action game. Getting caught looking into the backfield on play action, will eventually lead to a big play for the Crimson Tide.
Saturday cannot get here soon enough. Students are already camping out at the entrance of Razorback Stadium, and the Goodyear blimp is already flying high above campus. In what should be the best atmosphere Fayetteville has seen in 30+ years, this game will not disappoint.
By the Numbers on Defense:
Rushing Defense
(5)Arkansas: 111.3
(7)Alabama: 120.7
Passing Defense
(2)Alabama: 132.7
(3)Arkansas: 144.3
Pass Defense Effic.
(1)Alabama: 73.6
(6)Arkansas: 115.0
Interceptions
(3)Alabama: 5
(9)Arkansas: 2
Sacks By
(1)Arkansas: 12
(12)Alabama: 2
Opponents 1st Downs p/g
(t1)Arkansas: 13.7
(t1)Alabama: 13.7
Opponents 3rd down conv. %
(3)Alabama: 28.3
(4)Arkansas: 29.5
Turnover Margin
(5)Alabama: +1
(9)Arkansas: -3
Red Zone Defense
(2)Alabama: 66.7%
(9)Arkansas: 100%
parethesis=conference ranking
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-Clint Alan
