Arkansas Football: Alabama mercilessly slaughters Hogs

1. Despite his struggles, this team needs Austin Allen

Before the game it was announced that the Razorbacks would be without their starting quarterback Austin Allen. It was never going to matter who stepped out to take snaps for the Hogs on Saturday, but the effectiveness of the offense without Allen was shocking.

Alabama was a 37-point favorite against Arkansas. After playing a closer-than-expected game against Texas A&M last weekend the Tide were going to come out and play angry. Arkansas just happened to be the unfortunate team that had to face the Crimson Tide who were out to make a statement.

All of those factors were exacerbated with the loss of Allen, who was injured in last week’s defeat against South Carolina. Freshman Cole Kelly earned the start in his stead and things did not go well. Kelly went 23-of-42 for 200 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Granted, nobody has good numbers against Alabama, but you’ve got to think that Allen would have at least been able to make at least one play against the Tide.

If Austin Allen is out for another week the Razorbacks might as well write off their season now. The floor raises a bit if Allen does come back sooner, but things aren’t looking great for the state of Arkansas football right now.