{mosimage} For Arkansas, this will be the SEC opener, and for Alabama, their first real test of a game. Both games will be of major importance to each program affected by the outcome. For the Tide, this game will be about showing the rest of the SEC that they are truly back in "Bear Bryant" form. As for the Razorbacks, this game is about coming up with the goods, despite being without a couple of key players on offense. Which team will be able to wave their respective "red" with pride come Saturday night? We shall soon see, my friends.

Arkansas' offense surely didn't struggle in the season opener against Troy, however, they will be facing a much different, much stiffer test come Saturday. The key will be using Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Peyton Hillis in every way possible. Look for some QB touches from McFadden to try and throw off Saban's crew a little. For Bama's offense, the true test will be seeing if Terry Grant can pull off his running efforts against a much better opponent this week. The first two games were cupcakes compared to Arkansas' defensive front line. If Grant can pull off the same runs this week as he did last week, the Razorbacks will be in for a long day. John Parker Wilson and crew clearly have the edge in the passing department.

On defense, Arkansas must show their teeth in the middle. 6'3" 307-pound senior DT Marcus Harrison and 6'2" 230-pound senior Weston Dacus at inside linebacker must step up and make plays on running back Terry Grant. This will then force John Parker Wilson to be on top of his game and throw the ball. Besides Dacus and Harrison, the Razorbacks also have 6'2" 255-pound junior Antwain Robinson starting at defensive end. Robinson is arguably their best playmaker, finishing last season with 68 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 14.5 tackles for loss. For Alabama, they must approach this game in a similar way to that of Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly in last Thursday's game against Oregon State. By this I mean that coach Saban and the Alabama staff must focus their attention solely on the three-headed monster of McFadden, Hillis, and Jones. After all, there's no way on this planet that Arkansas is going to beat them through the air. Especially with leading receiver Marcus Monk sidelined. With a banged up defensive line, this will be easier said than done. The Tide linebackers must step up big in this game in order to keep McFadden in check. The talent is certainly there with guys like Prince Hall, Darren Mustin, and true freshman phenom Rolando McClain. Look for the Tide to even bring up senior corner Simeon Castille and other safeties on blitzes in order to help put some pressure on Casey Dick and whoever else is playing quarterback for Arkansas. Seven to eight men up front ALL game, seriously.

Players to Watch:

Darren McFadden - Obviously, McFadden, the main man in the Arkansas attack will be looking to bust some big ones against the Tide. McFadden continued his Heisman-worthy form this season with 151 rushing yards netted in the opener vs. Troy. His average was 6.3 per carry which he will want to improve on. He also caught two balls for 30 receiving yards. Players like McFadden are always craving to show their skills in front of a large audience and he will surely get the chance this weekend as the game will be televised nationally on ESPN 2.

Peyton Hillis - Hillis just may be the most underrated fullback in the nation. Owen Schmitt out of West Virginia gets all the hype, but Hillis is just as good. He has, by far, the best hands of any fullback in America and is a complete, do-it-all type of player. He uses his big 6'2" 243-pound frame to take on oncoming tacklers and help out McFadden and Jones in their pursuit for 100 night in and night out. Blocking may actually be his best asset, which is why he is sure to land on and NFL roster come draft day in April. Hillis showed his soft hands in the opener when he led the team in receptions with 6 catches for 39 yards. He also rushed for just 19 yards on only 4 carries.

Simeon Castille - Castille is an All-SEC type of player and is a big corner at 6'1" 189 lbs. If Casey Dick and the Razorbacks dare try to throw the ball his way, Castille will be waiting to make his first interception of the season. If not intercepting passes, he will be waiting to hit his receiver in the mouth if he even dares to attempt to catch the ball around him. Castille and the Tide coaching staff will look to pressure Dick with blitzes in order to keep him off balance and make him hand the ball off almost every single time. This way, the rest of the Tide defense can keep focus on the ground game.

John Parker Wilson - Wilson must improve on his performance from last week. Against a weaker Vanderbilt defense, Wilson managed just 150 yards on 14 of 28 passing attempts and threw NO touchdowns and 1 INT. This absolutely must improve. If he can get into a rhythm and play up to his capabilities, Wilson should be able to pick apart the rather pedestrian secondary of Arkansas. It helps emmensly that he has such a bevy of talented receivers to throw to as well including D.J. Hall, who just went over the 2,000 yards receiving mark and Keith Brown.

My Prediction:

This matchup is sure to be yet another tough as nails battle between SEC opponents, fought hard until the very end. Alabama is the more talented overall team, but we all know that doesn't matter much when you're playing in the SEC West. I look for this to be a tough, grind-it-out game for both teams and for ‘Bama to win at home under new coach Nick Saban in a close one that is sure to start the rumors of the Crimson Tide's return to national power.

Alabama - 23

Arkansas - 21

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systix said:

	Bama looked good tonight. Not as good as UF, but good.
	report abuse vote down vote up

September 16, 2007
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