Arkansas @ Alabama preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2010 ) Alabama 24, Arkansas 20

THE STORY: It will be a classic case of "something has to give" when second-ranked Alabama and its stiff defense opens SEC play against No. 12 Arkansas and its prolific passing attack. The Razorbacks lead the SEC in scoring (47.0 points per game), passing (346.7 yards per game) and total offense (517.3 yards per game). But that unit will be tested by an Alabama team that ranks third in the nation in total defense, allowing 170 yards per game, and has given up an average of six points per game. Alabama has won four straight in the series, including a 24-20 road win last year, and has won 22 of 23 overall at home.

TV: CBS. LINE: Alabama -11.5

ABOUT ARKANSAS (3-0, 0-0 SEC): The Razorbacks hit the road for the first time after home wins over Missouri State, New Mexico and Troy. The offense, led by QB Tyler Wilson, has gotten a major assist from the return game. The Razorbacks lead the nation with three kick return touchdowns (two on punts). Arkansas has won nine of 10 dating to last season. The Razorbacks are 10-9 all-time in SEC openers and 5-4 in road openers.

ABOUT ALABAMA (3-0, 0-0 SEC): Defense has been the signature of coach Nick Saban's teams in Tuscaloosa, and this year is shaping up no differently. The Crimson Tide leads the SEC in scoring defense (6.0 points per game), pass defense (114.7 yards per game) and total defense (170.0 yards per game). Alabama has held opponents under 300 total yards in 32 of Saban's 57 games at the helm. The offense has been steady behind the play of RBs Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy, both of whom set career highs for rushing yards last week against North Texas. They will face a tough Arkansas run defense: the Razorbacks are one of six teams in the nation that have not allowed a rushing touchdown.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Alabama has won 19 consecutive SEC openers dating back to 1992, the longest active streak in the conference. The streak includes wins against Arkansas in 2002, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

2. Arkansas has started 3-0 in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1988-89. The last time the Razorbacks started 4-0 was in 2003.

3. Alabama is the only team in the nation with two players averaging more than 100 yards rushing per game. Richardson (105 yards per game) ranks 27th in the nation, and Lacy (101.3 yards per game) ranks 33rd.

PREDICTION: Alabama 27, Arkansas 24 — Both teams start relatively inexperienced quarterbacks, but Alabama has the better running game to lean on and a stronger defense.