Arkansas vs Alabama: Preview, predictions, betting odds & live stream
Sep 26, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Denzel Devall (30) and defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) tackle Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Garrett Smith (13) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama Rush Defense vs. Arkansas Rushing Attack
The Alabama rush defense ranks among most dominant in the country. Through the first five games of the season, the Crimson Tide has allowed an average of 84 rushing yards per game, which is the best in the SEC and ranks No. 10 in the country.
Other than an 83-yard touchdown run by Nick Chubb in the third quarter last week, the Crimson Tide bottled up the Bulldogs for an impressive 110 rushing yards on 37 carries (2.97 yards per carry). Chubb’s TD was only the third the Alabama defense has allowed on the ground this season. That is even more impressive given the fact that Georgia ranks second in the SEC and in the top 15 in the country with 244.8 rushing yards per game this season, and has averaged 6.5 yards per carry, which is the fifth best average in the nation.
Great rush defense has also helped the Crimson Tide to get off the field quickly and give the football back to the offense. In the last two games, Alabama has forced 21 three-and-outs, which increases the team’s average to 6.8 per game that is third most in the nation behind Marshall and Clemson.
Defensive end Jarran Reed has been a standout performer for the Tide up front. Reed had eight total tackles last week against Georgia, which tied for the team lead. His 28 tackles this season rank second on the unit, which is an extremely rare accomplishment for a defensive end. However, it also illustrates how tough it has been to run football this year against the Crimson Tide because ball carriers aren’t even breaking through the Tide’s literal first line of defense.
This week, Alabama has the task of facing one of the best offensive lines in the SEC. Arkansas has allowed just two sacks this season, which is the fewest in the conference, and the Razorbacks’ offensive line has paved the way for an average of 204 rushing yards per game this season, which is the fourth best in the SEC and ranks No. 32 nationally.
After struggling to get the ground game going in the first two weeks (285 rushing yards combined against UTEP and Toledo), the Hogs have gained 228 rushing yards or more in the last three weeks, including a season high 275 last week against Tennessee.
Alex Collins has been terrific this season. The junior running back has gained 656 rushing yards, which ranks third in the conference and No. 8 in the country, and six touchdowns on 113 carries this year. Collins has eclipsed 150 rushing yards and scored a touchdown in the last three games, joining LSU’s Leonard Fournette as the only players in the country to do that. Also, true freshman Rawleigh Williams ran for 100 yards last week on 14 carries in the first 100-yard performance of his career.
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