Alabama Football: Crimson Tide Roll against #20 Arkansas on the road

Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) reacts after a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) reacts after a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) tackles Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (9) in the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) tackles Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (9) in the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Alabama’s defense answered a lot of questions this afternoon.

After the Texas game, a lot was made about Alabama’s secondary and just how good it was. The back half of the Crimson Tide defense reminded everyone how talented they are. Alabama’s secondary might not have recognizable names like Patrick Surtain and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but this is a young, talented group.

The defensive line was outstanding in this game, limiting the Razorbacks’ running game to 3.7 yards per rush. SEC leading rusher Raheim “Rocket” Sanders did gain 101 yards, but 26 of them came on one carry. Quarterback KJ Jefferson was sacked three times under constant pressure all game long.

The Crimson Tide defense also limited Jefferson in the run game, allowing just 38 yards to the quarterback. Arkansas struggled against Alabama’s multiple looks. In many ways, the game was reminiscent of the Texas A&M game. Down by down inconsistency with some big plays mixed in between.

The only difference is some of those plays came in the A&M game came early, while the Razorbacks had a big third quarter against the Crimson Tide.

When it counted, the Razorbacks struggled. They got nothing going in the fourth quarter. They kicked a field goal and went three and out on their very next drive.