NCAAF Preview: No. 1 Alabama at No. 16 Arkansas

No. 1 Alabama (5-0) will travel to Fayetteville to face the No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1) in a heavyweight SEC West showdown. Last time the Tide traveled to Arkansas they escaped with a 14-13 victory, and won at home last year 27-14.

This will be the second big road test for true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts, and another chance for Bret Bielema’s Razorbacks to make a statement against the top team in the country. Alabama/Arkansas is always a tough, physical game that’s won in the trenches, expect nothing different this season.

The Hogs will need a huge day from quarterback Austin Allen and company in order to shock the world. Alabama’s a 14-point favorite, and Arkansas doesn’t play the kind of football that gives Nick Saban’s defense fits, but they have always been able to play them close.

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) throws a pass against Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Armani Watts (23) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Allen, QB, Arkansas: Austin Allen has been one of the biggest surprises in the SEC this year, and has been able to propel the Razorbacks to a 4-1 record with an upset win at TCU under his belt. Allen will need to avoid turnovers on Saturday, and try to make Alabama’s defense respect his legs. If Allen can have a big day, the Hogs have a chance to spring the upset.

Joshua Jacobs, RB, Alabama: The three star recruit with only two offers has been one of the biggest breakout players for Alabama in the wake of Damien Harris’ sprained ankle. Jacobs has been a bowling ball rushing for 197 yards and three touchdowns in those two games. If Jacobs can get going he’ll be able to open up opportunities for Alabama in the passing game.

Keon Hatcher, WR, Arkansas: Keon Hatcher is a deep ball threat at receiver, and is the type of player who can give Alabama fits. On the season he has 14 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns, with a long of 73. Alabama’s showed they’ve been susceptible to the deep ball, especially in the Ole Miss game, and Hatcher’s a receiver who has the speed to burn them deep.

Adam Griffith, K, Alabama: Alabama and Arkansas are notorious for having tough, bruising defenses that don’t give up points, and this year’s no different. These games over the past few years have all had low scores, and points could be hard to come by, making it especially important that Adam Griffith nails his kicks in this game. Griffith owns a career 67.7% success rate on field goals.

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (83) dives short of the end zone against Texas A&M Aggies in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Win in the trenches: Both teams have huge offensive lines and very physical defensive lines, the battles in the trenches will be fun to watch, and could ultimately decide the game. An Arkansas offense that’s built off the run, and play action will need to control the line in order for them to stand a chance against what might be Nick Saban’s best defense yet.

Get to Austin Allen: Alabama needs to follow Texas A&M’s blueprint, hit Austin Allen early and often. Alabama has a premier pass rush, and they will need to unleash the dogs on Saturday. Allen looked like he needed to be scraped off the field midway through the game in Dallas, and if the Tide can re-create that, they’ll be able to limit what he and that offense can do.

Contain the run: Arkansas will have a difficult task to stop true freshman Jalen Hurts and the rest of Alabama’s talented runners. Alabama is still figuring out their offensive identity, and if the Razorbacks can take away the run game it will put a lot of pressure on the true freshman quarterback to get it done through the air on the road against a top 25 team.

Take shots downfield: Jalen Hurts has shown flashes in the passing game, but one thing he’s yet to consistently do is push the ball downfield. The Tide were down 7-3 to Arkansas at home last year before Jake Coker found Calvin Ridley in stride en route to a 81-yard touchdown strike, and they never looked back. Alabama could be in for a tough game like last year, and they made need that shot in the arm. They have the weapons to do so, and to loosen up that defense they’ll need to take a couple of shots downfield.

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a pass against Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama has won their last nine games against Arkansas, and this year it would be a shocker if they didn’t make it 10 straight games. A ferocious defense, and an offense that’s a serious threat to score on any play from anywhere make them a formidable foe, and insurmountable obstacle for the Hogs.

Austin Allen and the Arkansas offense will need a very uncharacteristic day to beat the Tide’s defense. They will need to push the tempo and force Jalen Hurts, who hasn’t made many mistakes this year, into making a lot. It’s crucial to force three and outs, and fluster Hurts early on.

Ultimately, Arkansas isn’t on the same level as Alabama. They don’t have the talent the Tide does, and their schemes aren’t the ones that drive Saban defenses crazy. They would need an otherworldly day from Allen and company to pull it off, but against this defense, which is without a doubt the fastest in the Saban era, its highly unlikely.

Final prediction: Alabama 31 Arkansas 17