Alabama vs Arkansas

I like Arkansas plus the points, cant wait to watch the game!

With all due respect, Alabama fans have been patiently waiting for OC Jim McElwain to open up the playbook for three years now to no avail.  I'm not holding my breath that we'll see an offensive metamorphosis from Alabama this Saturday.

I can't think of an OC in the country who has gotten less out of his talent than Jim McElwain.  I'm guessing that's why head coaching offers have not been flowing in his direction.

The only thing I expect to see different offensively in the Arky game that we have not seen thus far from Alabama is QB/RB Blake Simms being the trigger man in the Wildcat formation.  I don't think that'll be a game changer however.

Despite surrendering 28 points to Troy this past week, defense has been the primary point of emphasis for Petrino in the offseason.  The Razorbacks have a very experienced and, IMO, underrated defense.  This unit returns for 7, and is replete with experience and senior leadership.

Arkansas will employ the now very familiar defensive strategy of stacking the box to take away the run, and force Alabama's inexperienced QB A.J. McCarron to beat them down the field.  They'll also rely on the strength of their defense - their front 7 - to pressure McCarron and make him uncomfortable in the pocket, and hopefully force him into making some mistakes.  If given time in the pocket McCarron is deadly accurate, but he does not create well when flushed.  So moving McCarron off of his square will be key for the Razorbacks.

I don't think Alabama will be able to match Troy's 28-point output.  I also think that Arkansas offense will succeed in scoring in the 13-20-point range.  In the end I see Alabama pulling out a home victory in a close and relatively low-scoring game.  I'll call it Alabama 20, Arkansas 17.

Play Arky and the points here.

The lines makers have gone nuts... They are really focussing on the NFL right now. Take a look at the LSU -4, and Oregon -14. They both have moved two points as well.

Arkansas +13 is a joke....

I agree JW.

Bama's offensive execution against North Texas was abysmal.  That's inexcusable because most of these guys have been in McElwain's system for several years.

McElwain just never seems to be held accountable for the offense's poor performance.  I thought he should have been let go after last season, but at least he did have somewhat of an excuse becasue Greg McElroy was the QB.  Now he has a true gunnerslinger at QB so he is out of excuses.  There is simply waaaaaaaay too much talent on the offensive side of the ball for the defense to have to carry this team on their back all season.

That too.  But before they can they can think about the LSU fight, they need to fight and win the fights with Arky and Florida.  Neither will be easy.

I agree Simms is a damn momentum killer. He deserves to sit the bench this year. I would advise to take Arkansas with the points. Bama will win this one by a TD.

Gl to all.