How Alabama/Arkansas Matchup

**alukk** · 09-20-10, 05:08 PM

I like Alabama, much better Rushing attack and that makes a big difference. Who do you like?

**WorkHorse** · 09-20-10, 05:57 PM

Alukk, I think Alabama is one solid football team. Two tough running backs, a quarterback who makes few mistakes and a receiving corp that is underrated. I like Bama and believe the defense will put the heat on Mallett. Under pressure he has proven to be very inconsistent. Should be another hard hitting SEC affair.

**wacked** · 09-20-10, 06:02 PM

I like Alabama, just don't think Arkansas will be ready for what Saban brings to the table, but there is always a chance when playing at home.
Expect Alabama to display more exotic blitzes and for both teams to open up their playbooks this week.
I know Arkansas hasn't shown 50% of their offensive playbook, and I know Bama has a lot more they will show also.
I'd take Bama up to -7, but after that I'd pause. Arkansas should be able to put up points as long as the OL can stop Bama's blitzes.
Arkansas has yet to showcase a running game so far, and lost top returning RB Dennis Johnson due to an injury in week 2 but has 3 other RBs available, but none have stepped up so far.

Greg McElroy has really stepped up in his 2nd year as a starter and has shown he can make all the throws. The Bama running game is stronger than last year, believe that if you may and they bring a very balanced attack to the table.
Ryan Mallett for Arkansas also has a cannon and while he should be ready for the game, I'm not sure the OL can pick up everything Bama will bring. Without a running game to keep Bama at bay, they might simply pin their ears back and rush a lot.

The bright sign for Arkansas is that Alabama lost most of their defense starters from a year ago and their secondary is depleted. Their biggest weakest believe it or not is their secondary this year. While their offense is on track, their defense is lacking due to all the new starters. If Arkansas can hold the line and pick up the blitzes while being able to run the ball occasionally this could be a close game.

I'll be rooting for the Hogs, but if I had to bet I'd take Bama -7. The line opened at -7 and is either -7 or -7.5 depending on your book. If I was going to play I'd buy a hook and take it to -6.5.

I think I'll just sit back and watch this one without a bet, as it's too hard to keep emotions out of this one.

**WorkHorse** · 09-20-10, 06:29 PM

Solid post Wacked. You present some excellent points sir.

Alabama's defense has many new starters but most got plenty of playing time last year. There is lots of talent on that side of the ball. Watch #30 at MLB.....he is a man among boys.

**jwbama23** · 09-20-10, 07:06 PM

I am not sure you can still Bama's secondary is weak. The D as a whole through 3 games have given up 1 TD. I think the preseason perception was that they would be weak but its turning out to be not so weak. Loads of talent on the D. Bama will over power Ark and by the 3rd Q Ark will have lost its will and Bama will do what it does every game clock control and pound the ball.

Bama wins by 2-3 scores

**HoldEmHook!!** · 09-20-10, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by jwbama23

I am not sure you can still Bama's secondary is weak. The D as a whole through 3 games have given up 1 TD. I think the preseason perception was that they would be weak but its turning out to be not so weak. Loads of talent on the D. Bama will over power Ark and by the 3rd Q Ark will have lost its will and Bama will do what it does every game clock control and pound the ball.

Bama wins by 2-3 scores

JW, If mallet continues to hold the ball too long ARK's will, will be broken long before the 3rd quarter.

**wacked** · 09-20-10, 10:07 PM

When I said Bama's secondary was weak, that was in relationship to the rest of their team.
Their secondary is the weakest part of either side of the ball.
They defense as a whole gave up 300 total yards to Duke and against Penn State a freshman QB was able to find open passing lanes.

I'm not saying Bama's D is weak, but their secondary is their weakest link by far.

Originally posted by jwbama23

I am not sure you can still Bama's secondary is weak. The D as a whole through 3 games have given up 1 TD. I think the preseason perception was that they would be weak but its turning out to be not so weak. Loads of talent on the D. Bama will over power Ark and by the 3rd Q Ark will have lost its will and Bama will do what it does every game clock control and pound the ball.

Bama wins by 2-3 scores

**zebo** · 09-20-10, 10:18 PM

#30 has lost a step due to injury and his increased body size. I look for him playing DE rushing QB. Marcell looked a bit out of shape against Duke. It was his first game since suspension. My thought is Bama's defense is good but not excellent like last year. The DB's are very talented and but Saban is limited to what he can do against Arkansas due to lack of experience/youth. I say it takes a full year before a player can be comfortable playing on Saban's defense. Therefore, you cant play as quick.

Bama's offense could have scored 100 against both San Jose and Duke and maybe 40 against Penn State. Bama has not kept the pedal to the floor yet this year. They will against Arkansas. Due to the offense I think bama by 10. If Hightower and Marcell get their motors running they will be able to put pressure on Mallet. If this happens Bama by 17 or more.

**TWEETS** · 09-20-10, 10:54 PM

Like the under, tough fought SEC game

**WorkHorse** · 09-21-10, 07:33 AM

Tweets, the total right now is around 54.5. The line opened at 5.5 and is now at 7.5.

Defensive minded coach against an offensive minded coach...should be fun to watch.

**wacked** · 09-21-10, 07:53 PM

The line opened at -7 and is either -7 or -7.5 as we speak.
I don't think moving from -5.5 to -7.5 in 11 mins at BM counts.
The O/U opened at 48 at Matchbook and moved to 48 at Pinny and around 54 to 54.5 now.

Originally posted by WorkHorse

Tweets, the total right now is around 54.5. The line opened at 5.5 and is now at 7.5.

Defensive minded coach against an offensive minded coach...should be fun to watch.