Arkansas vs. Alabama: 5 Bold Predictions for SEC Matchup

The Arkansas Razorbacks and Alabama Crimson Tide met for the first time in 1962, resulting in a 10-7 victory for the Tide. The two sides would not meet again until 1980, and then not until 1992.

Since 1992, the meetings between the two schools has been annual and they have formed a strong rivalry. Overall, Alabama has 14 wins to just seven for the Hogs.

This matchup is crucial for the national title hopes of both teams.

They both enter the game undefeated, and are very strong at all positions. The game is shaping up to be a barn-burner. The Tide won last year 24-20, after a monumental fourth quarter collapse that saw the Hogs turn the ball over and give up 17 unanswered points.

It ultimately ruined their season.

There are several different things that can happen in this game, and these are some of them. 

The Arkansas Defense Shuts Down Trent Richardson

Alabama running back Trent Richardson is easily the best offensive weapon the Tide have to offer.

So far this season, Richardson has averaged 105 yards per game and has a total of 8 touchdowns. Richardson has the big-play ability that not many running backs active in 2011 possess, and can break for big runs if the defense isn't prepared.

Clearly the top defensive priority that Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks have been working on going into this game is the rushing defense.

Currently ranked 27th in the nation in that category, the Hogs aren't allowing more than 90 yards a game and have yet to surrender a rushing touchdown in this young season. 

Defensive lineman Chris Smith and linebackers Alonzo Highsmith and Jerry Franklin will be heavily depended upon to stop Richardson and force the Tide to throw the ball more often. The Hogs are poised and very prepared to stop Richardson and the other 'Bama backs on Saturday, and give themselves all the opportunity in the world to make it a reality.

Tyler Wilson Goes Without an Interception

The number-one thing the Arkansas faithful will remember about last season's match-up between the Hogs and Crimson Tide will be Ryan Mallett's inability to close out the game, and how big of a factor his three interceptions were in its outcome.

New Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson will not throw a single interception on Saturday.

Wilson is throwing at a 69 percent completion rate, and is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the nation. He has thrown two interceptions thus far on the year, but if he is going to lead the 'Backs to victory on Saturday he will have to bring his A-game.

With receivers like Cobi Hamilton, Joe Adams and Greg Childs who can go up and catch any ball thrown their way, there is no reason to expect Wilson to throw any picks this weekend.

A.J, McCarron Gets Sacked Multiple Times

Alabama has given up six sacks so far this season. With the exception of Penn State, they have yet to face a defense talented enough to have that many sacks allowed on the year.

The Arkansas defense has just three sacks on the year, but against an Alabama offensive line that has struggled at times, the Hogs should give themselves tremendous opportunity to break through and chase down a not-so-mobile A.J. McCarron.

Led by Jerry Franklin and Chris Smith, the Hogs have the talent needed to punish McCarron in this game. In fact, McCarron has been sacked more times than he has touchdown passes.

The first-time starter should be very nervous going into this game. The Hogs will be out to hunt McCarron down and sack him several times.

Ronnie Wingo Jr. Has a Breakout Performance

Arkansas running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. came into a very difficult position at the start of the season. In a matter of a week he went from third on the preseason depth chart, behind Heisman hopeful Knile Davis and Broderick Green, to the top.

Wingo has performed well so far, averaging 75 yards a game with two touchdowns in a pass-heavy offense. However, if the talented defensive backs cover the Arkansas receiving corps, Wingo will be getting more touches.

If the Hogs go with a more balanced attack to try and throw off the Crimson Tide's defense, it should be expected that Wingo will finally prove his worth. A four-star recruit out of high school who possesses a high football IQ and good size, there is no reason why this shouldn't be a breakout game for Wingo.

'Bama will be mostly focused on stopping the nation's best passing game, which will give Wingo the opportunity to surprise the nation's fourth best rushing defense.

Ronnie Wingo Jr. may not appear to have the opportunity to have a big game on the ground against a stingy Alabama defense, but they won't be ready for him to get as many reps as they are preparing for.

Arkansas Wins

Arkansas is out to redeem their horrendous performance a year ago. That fateful fourth quarter in late September of 2010 is embedded in each Hog fan's mind.

However, this Razorback team is a whole lot better than the one that lost by just four points, and they will win this game. They are going to take the field in an effort to win and not even make it close. 

Both teams are fairly evenly matched, but despite Alabama's second-ranked scoring defense, the Hogs' offense is going to overpower them. There is no way Tyler Wilson and the Hogs put up less than 21 points in this game.

The true test of this game will be how Arkansas handles the 'Bama running game. Based on early performances this season, the Razorbacks should be able to shut it down. 

This game could come down to a kick, or the 'Backs could hit it out of the park on offense and rack up 400 yards through the air. Either way, the Razorbacks are leaving Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa as the winners of this annual matchup on Saturday evening.