This was expected to be a meeting of two top ten teams, but it didn\u2019t work out the way it was planned. Arkansas lost as a 30-point home favorite against Louisiana-Monroe last weekend. John L. Smith will try to rally the troops this weekend, but they\u2019ll face a very stiff test. <\/p>\n
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Arkansas Razorbacks<\/strong> Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Crimson Tide of Alabama dominated in the title game last year, and they have looked awesome so far in 2012.<\/p>\n There isn\u2019t a better college football program in the country right now than the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nick Saban continues to reload with top-notch players on an annual basis. Last year\u2019s team was amazing, and this year\u2019s squad seems destined for huge things once again. A team that loses their entire defense would usually struggle, but this defense shut down Denard Robinson and Michigan in week one. Last week, they pitched a shutout against Western Kentucky. This unit is filled with guys who are future NFL stars.<\/p>\n The single biggest strength of the Alabama football team is probably their offensive line. There isn\u2019t a better offensive line in the country. T.J. Yeldon and Eddie Lacey are both guys who can run the ball well, and running behind this offensive line is a huge plus. A.J. McCarron has more on his shoulders this year, and he seems to be more than able to carry the extra weight. So far this season McCarron has six touchdown passes and no interceptions. The only spot where Alabama might have a small weakness is in the kicking game.\u00a0\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Bobby Petrino was fired after his ridiculous offseason escapades, and John L. Smith was given the head coaching position at Arkansas. Smith never had much success at Michigan State, and many questioned the decision to hire him. After last week\u2019s loss, you can bet even more Razorback fans doubt the team\u2019s decision. Star quarterback Tyler Wilson was injured in last week\u2019s loss to Louisiana-Monroe, and his status for this weekend\u2019s game is unclear. There really isn\u2019t another player with any experience to plug in if Wilson can\u2019t go.<\/p>\n Knile Davis hasn\u2019t gotten on track yet this year, and Arkansas needs some major production out of him. The Razorbacks will have to run the football some, and they may have to run it a lot if Wilson misses this contest. The biggest problem for the Razorbacks has been their defense. Louisiana-Monroe rolled up 550 total yards of offense against Arkansas last week. Kolton Browning threw for 412 yards and ran for the game-winning touchdown against this unit last week. If Arkansas is going to have any chance in this game, the defense must step up in a big way.<\/p>\n Alabama will likely have their way with this Arkansas defense. I expect the Razorbacks offense to show up and put together some good drives here as well. Look for a higher scoring game than most expect.<\/p>\n
\n Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville Arkansas<\/strong>
\n Saturday September 15, 3:30 PM EST on CBS<\/strong>
\n College Football Betting Odds from Bovada<\/a><\/strong>
\n Moneyline: Off<\/strong>
\n College Football Spread: Alabama -21 (-110) vs. Arkansas +21 (-110)<\/strong>
\n Over\/Under: 53.5<\/strong><\/p>\nAlabama<\/h3>\n
Arkansas<\/h3>\n