News Article: Arkansas preview: Conference opener will tell the tale of Alabama’s defense

[Ark-Tider]

this game is being billed as a championship quality game already by the media. arks has bought into it, with their upbeat comments, how this year they are much better. i dont see it.

After last years game CBP said that he didn't feel like his players thought they could win. That has been something they have hammered home every since.

 

[crimsonbleeder]

After last years game CBP said that he didn't feel like his players thought they could win. That has been something they have hammered home every since.

Andtherein lies the delusional rub: those are the things we used to tell ourselves before we played sabans later ( fully recruited, like now) teams with Shula at the helm when he was at lsu, and this team is better than sabans best team there by a long shot...

 

[JessN]

Arky better linebackers than Bama? You must be joking.

Take a look at the preseason rankings for both units, compare them to where they are rated now and tell me I'm not shocked about it myself.

Alabama has more potential at LB, sure. But Arkansas' linebackers have been more productive thus far. Alabama has gotten next to nothing from the Jack position, which is due in part to Courtney Upshaw's multiple injuries, but fair or not injuries are a factor. Chavis Williams has been largely transparent. The coaches started shuffling positions this week in practice to try to get the mix right.

Arkansas has no such issues.

Arkansas also has a major edge in experience. The starters are seniors, including one (Franklin) who could be all-SEC if he stays focused and doesn't get in the doghouse again. Just about everyone they'll play against Alabama is an upperclassman.

Sometimes, you've got to stop looking at hype and start looking at what someone has actually done.

 

[sanjosecrimson]

agree on everything except I don't see the hogs scoring 30 points.

if they do is because of major breakdowns in the secondary.

I don't see them sustaining long drives either.

I expect the D will tighten up as they did in the 2nd half of the Duke game.

btw, Duke only had 70 total yards with zero points in the 2nd half, crossing the 50 yard mark only once. this with our 2 and 3 string players.

with the shuffling and putting the right players in new D schemes, we will see the Bama D of 2009 in this game. having Dareus get his feet wet last Saturday was a major boost, I see him shining in this game!!

hopefully, Upshaw is close to 100%. the edge rush will prove lethal to Mallet.

 

[BAMARICH]

Sometimes, you've got to stop looking at hype and start looking at what someone has actually done.

That's a comment a lot of folks in our fanbase need to hear right now about a number of our players Jess. One thing regarding the LB's that I think is fair to discuss is the fact that our DL is NOT keeping opposing OL off our backers.

In our defense, DL are not really supposed to be the ones making tackles... they are primarily responsible for occupying OL so the LB's roam freely. Last year, Cody consistently required two - and both Washington/Deaderick could command the same attention at times (MD also). IF our DL play gets better, our LB play will improve simultaneously... but we've got to do better jobs on the DL with physical play. BTW, there's a reason why we're recruiting JUCO interior DL.

 

[Crimson Speed]

The most critical part for us our defensive line play. If we get pressure on Mallet, we will comfortably handle the hogs. But, that is a big "if" because we have not made a habit of pushing into their backfield with any frequency. We do not want to get into a passing shootout with these guys; should that happen, I believe we will start playing ball control on offense to keep them off the field. It will be interesting to see how much our defense has grown. Yes, this might be tight in the first half, but I have a gut feeling that we will pull away in the 4th QTR.

 

[trenda]

The most critical part for us our defensive line play. If we get pressure on Mallet, we will comfortably handle the hogs. But, that is a big "if" because we have not made a habit of pushing into their backfield with any frequency.

If by "their" you mean Arkansas, you may want to go back and rewatch the last two games Bama's played against the Hogs.

The difference this year is that they have a line full of upperclassmen except at RG, where I believe they're starting a frosh and we've got a new rotation from the past couple of years.

But, totally agree that our interior line push is critical. Mallet has never handled pressure well.

 

[capnfrog]

I'm looking for Ark. to try and exploit our weaknesses, which on film seem to be the short passes out in the flats as well as a good dose of power running to keep our D honest. I have no doubt that Ark. will come out playing like they are snot slinging mad and that in itself will whip the home crowd into a hog calling frenzy. Get ready Bama wide receivers, this will be the game to make folks forget about our talented depth at RB for a split second in the first half, that will open up the run.

 

[wood78221]

At Duke, which was a good lesson, our defense got a little complacent given the 28 point lead, as well as got extremely gassed due to the TOP that Duke had due to our quick scoring in the second qtr. Fortunately, that problem ended with the paint-peeling dress down that the defense got at halftime, and of course 0 points were scored by them in the second half.

Our defense is MUCH better than we think, and our linebackers are better than Arky's. This won't even be close: 45-17....

I agree. I was kind of suprised by Jess's review after all. I think our linebackers are much more talented. I think the game will not be quite as close as some think. Bama by 20

 

[RogueElephant]

There are still some fundamental concerns with the defense. Guys are out of position, not making the right read, and there has yet to be an effective-consistent pass rush. At times this looks like how the D played against Utah. I think Jess' point is that quality teams and quality players will exploit these holes. The talent is there, the experience just has to catch up. The sole job of the offense is to score enough to let the D grow into its ability. Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later.

Personally, I think we will see much more power running in this game because Mallet can't score from the sidelines, and Ark. isn't going to be able to do much to stop it.

Very good points. I agree.

 

[bayoutider]

I cant see 71 points being put up in this game, Arkansas can't score more on Bama than they have scored on the likes of Georgia.

 

[RJ YellowHammer]

I cant see 71 points being put up in this game, Arkansas can't score more on Bama than they have scored on the likes of Georgia.

Until the last drive, Georgia bowed up in the 4th quarter. Of course, with Mark Richt's "practice when you feel up to it" philosophy, Arkansas's 4th quarter troubles may only be exacerbated this weekend.