Arkansas vs. Alabama Week 4 Preview: 4 Keys to Another Huge SEC Clash

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Nick Fairly #90 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

When No. 14-ranked Arkansas heads to Tuscaloosa on Saturday to take on the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide, it will be the first SEC game for both squads this season.

Alabama will present its elite defense and outstanding running game, while the Razorbacks thrive on offense and have a solid special teams unit.

A late turnover is how I see this game being decided, and the winner will propel itself one step closer to an SEC West title.

This game could go either way, and here are the four main factors that will decide this SEC West battle.

Tyler Wilson vs. Alabama Defense

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 17: Tyler Wilson #8 of the Arkansas Razorbacks throws a pass against the Troy Trojans at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Alabama's defense is arguably the best in the country, which means Tyler Wilson is going to have his hands full on Saturday.

The quarterback has played fairly well against mediocre competition, throwing for over 800 yards and five touchdowns, and his play will be one of the deciding factors in this contest.

Wilson is going to have to set up the run with the pass because of how strong Alabama's run-defense is.

Will Arkansas Be Able to Get Its Ground Game Going?

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 17: Ronnie Wingo Jr. #20 of the Arkansas Razorbacks stiff arms Angelo Hadley #22 of the Troy Trojans at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks beat the Trojans 3

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

There is no doubt that this Arkansas team misses Knile Davis, but backup Ronnie Wingo Jr. has done a nice job carrying the load.

Wingo had his first 100-yard game of the season last week, and has looked better in each game that he has played.

Wingo is a Brandon Jacobs look-alike, and he may be able to wear the Crimson Tide defense down with his size and power.

It is difficult to see him hit the 100-yard mark again this week, but I believe that he will come close.

AJ McCarron's Decision-Making

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback AJ McCarron #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws to a receiver against North Texas in the first quarter on September 17, 2011 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)

Butch Dill/Getty Images

AJ McCarron has solidified himself as the quarterback for Alabama, and his decision-making will be essential to 'Bama's success.

McCarron has been consistent over the last two games and has not thrown an interception since he threw two in Week 1.

The Arkansas defensive unit is going to attempt to shut down the Alabama running game, which means that McCarron might be throwing the ball more than usual.

I believe that Alabama will win this game if McCarron can continue to limit his turnovers.

Alabama's Special Teams

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 10: Kicker Cade Foster #43 of the Alabama Crimson Tide kicks off against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 10, 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Ima

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Alabama has not had a single touchback all season, which will potentially create ample field position for the Razorbacks.

Arkansas' offense has proven that they can put up points with the best of them, which is why this aspect is the key to the game.

The Razorbacks can pull off the upset if they win the field-position battle, and I expect them to give the Tide a run for their money.

In the end, this game will come down to special teams and turnovers, and I expect it to go down to the wire in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.

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