Tide Attempt to Clinch SEC West Against Dangerous Hogs
The Tide welcome Arkansas to Bryant Denney as they try to clinch a second consecutive SEC West title.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
Brain Robinson will need to have a good game for the Tide to take down the Razorbacks. Photo via John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
For Crimson Tide fans, the 2021 season has felt like a giant emotional rollercoaster. From big victories over Miami, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State to head scratching struggle wins over Florida and LSU to the agony of defeat at the hands of Texas A&M, Bama Nation have run the emotional gamut throughout the first ten games. What will that roller coaster ride look like on Saturday as 2nd ranked Alabama enters its final home game of the season with a chance to clinch its second straight SEC West title and set up a showdown with the top ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta on December 4th? The 21st ranked Arkansas Razorbacks and a 6’3’’, 245 pound quarterback came a callin’ and could create a bumpy ride for the Tide as the car comes rolling into the station.
The Hogs have had a solid season under second year coach Sam Pittman, who has restored hope to the proud program out of Fayetteville. After years of frustration, Arkansas arrives at Bryant-Denny with a 7-3 record (3-3 in the conference) having won their last three games, including last week’s 16-13 overtime thriller over LSU. The Hogs started hot, opening the season with four wins, including impressive victories over Texas and Texas A&M. Arkansas was brought down to earth as they dropped their next three to Georgia, Ole Miss, and Auburn before starting their current streak.
The offense ranks 34th nationally, averaging 439.8 yards and 30.9 points per game and is led by sophomore quarterback KJ Jefferson, who is a big man with a rifle arm and who also has the ability to carry the rock. Jefferson is completing 65% of his passes, tossing 17 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions. He is also the team’s second leading rusher, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and has scored 5 touchdowns on the ground. Leading the ground attack is junior Trelon Smith, who has scored 4 rushing touchdowns and averages 5.1 yards per carry. Junior Treylon Burks is a 6’3’’ 225 pound receiver that has had a terrific season, averaging 15.6 yards per catch and 8 of his receptions have gone for touchdowns. Freshman placekicker Cam Little has hit on 17 of his 21 attempts with a long of 51 yards. Defensively, the experienced unit currently ranks 37th nationally, giving up 347 yards and 22.9 points per game. The linebacking core is the strength of the defense, boasting senior standouts Bumper Pool, Hayden Henry, and Grant Morgan. Watch out for senior defensive lineman Tre Williams, who leads the team with 6 of the Hog’s 18 sacks. In addition, senior Montaric Brown and junior Simeon Blair anchor the team's solid secondary, as the duo have 4 interceptions each.
On the other side of the ball, the Alabama offense got back on track last week against New Mexico State, putting up 587 yards and 59 points. The unit ranks 10th nationally averaging 484 yards and 44.6 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young continues to have a special season, completing 70.9% of his passes for 33 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions. Senior tailback Brian Robinson Jr. leads a thin backfield and has 14 touchdowns on the season. Junior receivers Jameson Williams (10 touchdowns, averaging 20.2 yards per catch) and John Metchie III (6 touchdowns, averaging 10.8 yards per catch) continue to have great seasons as well. Junior tight end Cameron Latu has had a few drops this year, yet is still averaging 14.3 yards per catch and has caught 6 touchdown passes. Steady junior placekicker Will Reichard has hit on 10 of 13 attempts with a long of 51 yards.
Defensively, there are signs that show progress during the last few weeks, and the Tide D will need to bring their “A” game for the Hogs on Saturday. The unit ranks 5th nationally, giving up 288 yards and 18.2 points per game. Linebackers Will Anderson, Henry To’oTo’o, and Christian Harris lead the way and are backed by an improving secondary led by junior Jalyn Armour-Davis, who leads the team with 3 interceptions on the season.
Expect a well played, close contest early as Arkansas and Jefferson will find first half success. His arm and legs could cause a problem for the inconsistent Tide D, and he has the ability to keep the chains moving. It will be interesting to see how Alabama’s offensive line, which has struggled mightily at times, handles the Hogs deep and talented linebacking core. Can they give Young, who has been sacked 22 times so far this season, time to find Williams, Metchie and company down the field? Can the line open up holes for Robinson and sophomore backup Trey Sanders so that the offense can stay balanced? Look for the Tide to create separation in the second half as the defense will make plays and Young and the offense find continued success, leading Alabama to the SEC West title.
Alabama 38
Arkansas 20