Alabama vs. Arkansas: Game Grades, Analysis for Crimson Tide and Razorbacks

No. 7 Alabama defeated Arkansas on Saturday, surviving with a 14-13 win to improve to 5-1 on the season, 2-1 in the SEC. 

It wasn't easy, and if not for Jonathan Allen blocking a point-after attempt in the first half, the result of this game could have been different. 

Crucial penalties and miscues on special teams were plentiful for Alabama. However, the Crimson Tide escaped because of a tremendous effort in the second half.

For Arkansas, it was a tale of missed opportunities. In addition to not converting any Alabama turnovers into points, the Razorbacks fumbled away a touchdown early in the first quarter and dropped at least two would-be interceptions.

The Razorbacks play Georgia next week in search of their first SEC win. Alabama returns home to host Texas A&M.

Position Unit	First-Half Grade	Second-Half Grade
Pass Offense	C-	C-
Run Offense	D	C-
Pass Defense	B+	A-
Run Defense	C+	A
Special Teams	F	C+
Coaching	C	C

Alabama Crimson Tide Grades Analysis

Pass Offense: Blake Sims wasn't good the entire game. Pass protection wasn't an issue, either. Sims often had time to throw but was off target. He forced the ball to Amari Cooper several times in the first half when the play wasn't there. Sims had at least two interceptions dropped. He must play better going forward. 

Run Offense: The Crimson Tide ran for just 45 yards as a team. T.J. Yeldon led the Tide with 45 yards, but Alabama couldn't sustain drives. Arkansas did a nice job of taking away the edge, forcing 'Bama's run game to be one-dimensional. 

Pass Defense: Outside of one drive, 'Bama's pass defense was outstanding. Landon Collins, in particular, was everywhere. His interception in the fourth quarter sealed the win for Alabama. The biggest breakdown for 'Bama was A.J. Derby's 54-yard touchdown in the second half. 

Run Defense: Arkansas consistently ran the ball well in the first half—specifically, Jonathan Williams. However, the Razorbacks ran for just four yards in the final 30 minutes. Alex Collins was a non-factor, finishing with 13 yards on six carries.

Special Teams: Awful, awful performance. Strangely enough, though, it was a play on special teams that proved to be the game's biggest play. Allen's blocked PAT essentially won this game for 'Bama. Muffing three punts after last week's disaster is bad, though. 

Coaching: Nick Saban didn't get outcoached. He never does. But his team had too many bad penalties on third down. How do you come out of a timeout with 12 men in the huddle late in the fourth quarter on third down?

Position Unit	First-Half Grade	Second-Half Grade
Pass Offense	B	C-
Run Offense	A-	D
Pass Defense	A	B+
Run Defense	A	B+
Special Teams	C-	C
Coaching	B+	C-

Arkansas Razorbacks Grades Analysis

Pass Offense: Brandon Allen was good on two drives. Other than that, he was extremely shaky. For the most part, he had a clean pocket to throw from. He was inaccurate and often forced things. He had two key passes underthrown, including the one Collins picked off.

Run Offense: Williams was terrific in the first half. However, he rarely played in the second half. Alex Collins didn't play in the first quarter and was ineffective the rest of the game. Arkansas seemed to get away from the run in the second half, and it cost the team.

Pass Defense: The Razorbacks allowed just 161 yards passing by Alabama. Amari Cooper had just two catches for 22 yards. Arkansas did drop two easy interceptions that could have changed the outcome of this game. Overall, this unit had a strong performance, especially defensive end Trey Flowers. 

Run Defense: Arkansas was all over the place against Alabama. When the Crimson Tide tried to get the edge, Razorbacks defenders met them there. Arkansas has a very talented defensive line that will continue to create problems for opponents moving forward.

Special Teams: The Razorbacks recovered a pair of fumbles on punt returns. However, in the second half when Alabama muffed another punt, the Razorbacks missed a grand opportunity to recover the ball around midfield. And that blocked PAT proved to be the difference in the game.

Coaching: Arkansas was ready to play. Offensively, the game plan was solid. The Razorbacks ran the ball well in the first half and put Allen in a position for several high-percentage throws. But why did Williams only get four second-half carries? He needed to be more involved.