Thanks to a solid performance from the Alabama defense and a nice mix of run, pass, and a little offensive trickery…the Alabama Crimson Tide destroyed the Arkansas Razorbacks in front of a wet and soggy crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.
In the early portion of the game it was obvious that Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was in for a rough outing. Mallett was constantly harassed and forced to make quick throws or just heave the ball out of bounds due to the Alabama pressure.
However, while the ‘Bama defense was a brick wall, the ‘Bama offense was stale. Thanks to the lack of production from both teams, the first quarter ended how the game began…with zeros on the board.
The Crimson Tide offense would get on track in the second quarter, and in retrospect, essentially put the game away. Freshman running back Trent Richardson played a game of “body bowling” with the Arkansas defense as he broke several tackles before getting to the sidelines and racing 52 yards for a Crimson Tide touchdown.
As the half continued, the ‘Bama defense remained solid while the Alabama offense began to exploit the Arkansas pass defense. In the second period Alabama showcased the “wildcat” formation for the first time since the season opener. However, this “wildcat” came with a wrinkle. With Mark Ingram taking the snap, the Tide running back handed the ball to a crossing Terry Grant, who then flipped the pigskin to quarterback Greg McElroy, who found an uncovered Julio Jones for a
50-yard touchdown. Alabama would take a 14-0 lead into the locker room.
The second half saw Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett display his talents when he found receiver Greg Childs on an 18-yard fade pass for a touchdown. The Arkansas touchdown cut the lead to 14-7, but this game was all Alabama…and the rout soon commenced.
Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy hit Marquis Maze for an 80-yard touchdown, and the ‘Bama offense would later march 99 yards which culminated in a Mark Ingram touchdown. Ingram would later add another score to seal the Crimson Tide victory.
On the day, quarterback Greg McElroy was 17-24 for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns. Highly touted Arkansas signal caller Ryan Mallett was dreadful thanks to the stingy ‘Bama defense. Mallett was only 12-35 for 161 yards and threw an interception to Justin Woodall late in the contest.
Alabama racked up 425 yards of total offense compared to only 254 yards by the Razorbacks. Arkansas was a dismal 2-14 in third down conversions and only managed 63 yards rushing. The Crimson Tide garnered 134 yards on the ground and were led by Trent Richardson who had 9 carries for 65 yards, and Mark Ingram who carried the ball 17 times for 50 yards.
Unfortunately for ‘Bama fans the rout of Arkansas came with a price. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower injured his left knee in the first quarter and by all accounts, the prognosis is not good. I will have more on the injury to Hightower in the coming days.
Alabama now stands 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in the SEC. The Tide holds steady at No. 3 in the AP and USA Today polls.
NOTE: Coming soon...Alabama/Kentucky preview.
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