TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Arkansas' bid for a clean run through the SEC West ran into big, bad Alabama right out of the gate.
The No. 3 Crimson Tide flexed their muscles with one touchdown on an interception return and another on a punt return, snuffed out No. 14 Arkansas' running game and put a 38-14 thumping on the Razorbacks on Saturday.
The decisive victory, in front of 101,821 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, gave Alabama (4-0, 1-0) its fifth consecutive victory over the Razorbacks (3-1, 0-1). The Crimson Tide, which have won 20 consecutive SEC openers, have outscored Arkansas 146-55 in four victories since Coach Bobby Petrino's arrival.
"They beat us," Petrino said. "They beat us in all three phases."
Arkansas, held nearly 300 yards below a season average accumulated in three nonconference games, will now have to face Texas A&M with a new set of injury issues, after defensive starters Tenarius Wright, Isaac Madison and Tramain Thomas all came out of the game for good with injuries.
Alabama strangled off the Arkansas running game, holding the Hogs to 17 yards on 19 carries, and delivered one big shot after another to quarterback Tyler Wilson and the Razorback receivers.
"I'm really proud of the way we played defense," Alabama Coach Nick Saban said. "They have a really good offense, a team that's really hard to defend."
Arkansas managed 59 offensive snaps and 226 total yards, its lowest against the Crimson Tide under Petrino and the second-lowest of his tenure, behind a 191-yard outing at Texas in 2008.
"All the Alabama defenses have been tough," Arkansas receiver Jarius Wright said. "Who is to judge which one is the best? We just didn't play our football. ... We kind of stunk it up."
Alabama gained 397 total yards, but did not have to rely on its offense after capitalizing on defense and special teams for touchdowns. The Tide also scored on a fourth-down play after lining up in field-goal formation.
Wilson, with virtually no running game in his support, took a series of hits but hung in well enough to throw touchdown passes to Dennis Johnson and Cobi Hamilton.
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