Alabama vs Arkansas: Can the Tide Keep the Hogs at Arm's Length Again?

In Alabama's 10 victories last season, no one had the Crimson Tide dead to rights like the Arkansas Razorbacks did. With the Hogs leading 20-7 in the third quarter, it appeared that Bobby Petrino would finally slay the Nick Saban dragon and ignite the Hogs' fan base. Unfortunately for them, however, Ryan Mallet couldn't keep from turning it over; without a proper ground attack, Alabama kept its winning streak alive in Fayetteville.

So here we are in 2011, and it's another big stage for these two programs. Getting off to a fast start in conference play is doubly important in the treacherous SEC West. What does Alabama have to do to once again thwart the efforts of Arkansas?

Tame the Hogs

Last season, Mallet was going up against a very green Alabama secondary, and it showed early. Missed assignments and busted coverages led to big plays for the Hogs, but that same back seven grew up in the game and eventually stopped Petrino's high powered attack.

The tables are turned this time. Alabama's defense is arguably the best in the nation and while Arkansas has put up gaudy numbers in its three contests, they have not faced a unit like the Tide's D. 

Tyler Wilson thrilled the Hog faithful last season when he came in for an injured Ryan Mallet at Auburn. He threw for over 300 yards and had four touchdowns, but when pressured in the second half he tossed two costly interceptions and Arkansas was routed 65-43. Alabama needs to apply pressure to Wilson and cause him to make quick decisions. Arkansas has a very talented and fast receiving unit, and it will be the biggest challenge to the Tide secondary of this young season, so when Wilson does get the pass off, tackling in space will be critical.

You also have to wonder about the legitimacy of the the Razorback running game with the season-ending injury to Knile Davis and the suspect quality of Arkansas' first three opponents. Ronnie Wingo is a talented replacement, but is he ready to front the load in a big-time environment?

Sustained Drives

You can't score if you don't have the ball, and while Alabama's big play prowess against North Texas was a welcomed sight, it would profit greatly by long, ground-out drives against Arkansas. Can Alabama make that happen?

They did in Happy Valley. Four of Alabama's scoring drives against Penn State were over four minutes. While no one is going to argue with big play scores from the Tide, Alabama would benefit greatly from marathon scoring drives. They have the horses to do it, but will the Crimson Tide's offensive line be up to the challenge?

Against North Texas, Alabama averaged less than three yards per carry when you take away the long runs by Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. One way to open up the ground game would be for Jim McElwain and company to get AJ McArron a few easy tosses to open things up, much like they did against North Texas.

Get Maze in Space

Alabama senior receiver Marquis Maze has been the Tide's most dynamic players in this early campaign. He's been averaging 147 all-purpose yards per game with 195 total yards coming from punt returns.

He can make people miss in space and has the explosiveness to burn by defenders once he has any sort of crease. Alabama would benefit greatly by getting him the ball as much as possible on Saturday. It wouldn't surprise me if the former high school quarterback even lined up in the wildcat and makes a pass, much like he did against Florida last season.

Overall, if Alabama can stay disciplined and not hurt itself, I think they should be able to handle Arkansas this weekend. The Razorbacks have a lot of talent, but my gut tells me this edition of the Hogs isn't ready to win a game like this in Bryant Denny Stadium. Stranger things have happened, though and whoever comes away victorious will have a big leg up in the early race for the SEC's western division.