Crimson Red Sports

The No. 3 Crimson Tide (3-0) are averaging 242 yards rushing per game this season, second in the Southeastern Conference. Stopping that ground attack will be the toughest challenge of the season so for an experienced Arkansas (3-0) defense that entered the season with hopes of joining the SEC’s elite.

“Both teams might end up in the next week not being able to practice, because of how physical this game is going to be,” Robinson said. “We’re excited about the challenge of the physical part of it, but it’s also a matter of who’s not going to give up the big play.”

Big plays hurt the Razorbacks last season when Alabama rallied from a 20-7 second-half deficit to earn a 24-20 win. The Crimson Tide rushed for 227 yards in the win, including a 54-yard touchdown run by Mark Ingram in the first quarter.

Richardson finished with 85 yards rushing in the win, including a 53-yard run near the end of the first half. It was during the second half, however, when Alabama took control of the game by effectively running the ball and shutting down Arkansas’ run.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/no-14-arkansas-looks-to-stop-no-3-alabamas-running-attack-in-sec-opener/2011/09/22/gIQAsNXioK_story.html

I may have to lower the hogs score in my pick.  I forgot about us shutting them out in the second half once all the DBs got on the right page.  That was the first conference game for many of them as a starter and it was against CBP.  They are one of the best groups in the country now, and their QB is the new guy.

It could go either way.  I don't think they have much success running the ball, but if Wilson has a Garcia moment, the Hogs will score.  Petrino has been game planning for this game all Summer, so I expect him to find a chink or two in the Tide defense's armor.  It might take Saban and company a few series to adjust to what Arkansas is doing.  Anyway, I see Bama pulling away in the second half, but Arky might put some points on the board early.