SEC Football: Can The #10 Arkansas Razorbacks Upset The #1 Alabama Crimson Tide?

For the first time in a long time two top ten teams will meet in Fayetteville.  The last time Arkansas was in a game this big at home it was played in Little Rock.  When the 2006 Hogs lost to LSU in a top ten duel that killed the Razorbacks' national title hopes.  Now Arkansas has its highest ranking since it lost the second of three straight games to end the 2006 season.  Alabama is an unstoppable machine.  The Crimson Tide have not lost a regular season contest since November of 2007.  Nick Saban is 6-2 all time against the Razorbacks, having won the last two meetings over Bobby Petrino by a combined score of 84-21.  This is not the 2008 or 2009 Arkansas team.  It also is not the 2008 or 2009 Alabama defense.

So let us look at the 2010 Razorbacks and Crimson Tide.  Ryan Mallet is the best quarterback in the country.  i cannot think of any one guy i would rather have running my offense.  Mallet does not do it all alone though.  Arkansas has what may be the best receiving corps in the entire country.  This poses problems for Alabama's young and inexperienced secondary.  If the young guys struggle for the Crimson Tide Arkansas may put up more points on Alabama in regulation that anyone has in an insanely long time.  However, Arkansas's defense was suspect coming into the season.  It has looked better, but how will it look against the most balanced offense in the country?  Do i need to repeat myself?  Alabama has the SEC's all time leader in fewest interceptions per pass attempt.  Greg McElroy also has the 2nd highest quarterback rating in the country.  Alabama has a receiving corps in the same league as Arkansas.  Add Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and you have an offense no defensive co-ordinator wants to be within a 200 Mile radius of. 

It is clear to me from breaking down the questionable defenses that shall participate in this game that it is likely to become an offensive shootout, at least by Alabama standards.  I just cannot fathom either team being able to come close to shutting down the other's offense.  that being said, because Arkansas is so one dimensional, I have to give Alabama the edge. Arkansas fans, do not get too upset over this loss if i am correct, as you may end up with a 10 or 11 win season, but if you win this game you should start making plans for the Georgia Dome in December.  Depending on what happens to Florida and Carolina in the next few weeks, you might ought to think about Glendale in January.  i hear Phoenix Stadium is nice that time of year.  With all that said, Alabama is just playing too well to go against at this point.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide 45

#10 Arkansas Razorbacks 34