Tide Buzz: Key Matches, Factors In Alabama-Arkansas Game



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The details:

What: No. 1 from Alabama to Arkansas

When: Saturday at 11 am

Or: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium

Line: Alabama is a 35-point favorite, according to Westgate

This game will determine …

If Alabama can extend his streak of consecutive wins against ungraded opponents to 78 wins.

Three things to look for:

1. Tua Tagovailoa latest exploits: The second quarter of Alabama was dazzled in the first five games. He led the nation with an efficiency of 238.32 and delivered 14 touchdown passes without any interception. Tagovailoa posted staggering numbers and became a Heisman Trophy candidate, even though he has not yet taken revenge in the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa has become a must-attend event for college football fans who want to be on the lookout and see what he's going to do.

2. Return game of Jaylen Waddle and Alabama: The Alabama cornerback, Trevon Diggs, said he had never seen a player comparable to Jaylen Waddle, the freshman sensation of the Crimson Tide. Waddle scored three touchdowns last Saturday in a 42-point rout of Louisiana, including one that resulted in a 63-yard punt return. Waddle could have a booster performance on Saturday against the Razorbacks, a team that has already made three goals on special teams.

3. Status of left tackle Jonah Williams: Alabama's offensive line has been criticized – some are justified and others unjustified. Now the unit may have to go on without its best player. Jonah Williams was injured in his ankle last Saturday against Louisiana. If head coach Nick Saban is optimistic, the left tackle will play, but he acknowledged that the status of the junior lineman was debatable. Matt Womack's recent comeback of a fractured foot should help mitigate any possibility of a fall if Williams can not play. Womack was the good start tackle in 2017.

Key Match:

Alabama's defensive front against the Arkansas offensive line

Ty Storey may want to add extra padding this weekend. The Arkansas quarterback is expected to be under pressure on Saturday. After all, the offensive line of the Razorbacks looked like a sieve during the first month of the season, giving 14 sacks. Right tackle Brian Wallace was the weakest link, according to ProFootballFocus.com. The Missouri senior allowed 11 squeezes and two sacks. The defense of Alabama, which is equipped with a host of effective pass defenders, should be able to take advantage of it. The tide has accumulated 18 bags – tied for the third highest total in the country.

In numbers: 11-0

Nick Saban's record against Arkansas since he's in Alabama.

Arkansas player to watch for: Second assistant Dr. Greenlaw

The senior clash was a force Saturday in a 24-17 loss to Texas A & M, making 13 tackles and intercepting two assists. In a short time, he became one of the mainstays of John Chavis's defense. Greenlaw played a critical role in a unit that imposed ten turnovers – the SEC's third-highest total. He forms a formidable tandem with linebacker De Jon Harris, who leads the conference with 53 tackles.

Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beaten editor for the Alabama media group. Follow him on Twitter @RainerSabin

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