I used to post on this board years ago and thought I would join in a few game week discussions. Here are my thoughts on the game Saturday:
First, this Hawg offense may be the best Arkansas has had under Houston Nutt! For the swine faithful, it is very surprising since Jones was our ONLY returning starter on offense. Your good friend D. Franchonie recently stated that using returning starters as a predictor of future success is the worst method used by sports analysts (of course this was after they were beaten by Utah). He may be right. Consider: Hawgs #1 in total offense (avg. 525 yds.), #1 in passing offense, and #2 in rushing offense. The difference--better than predicted OL, MUCH better WRs, Matt Jones passing, and Nutt has finally opened up the playbook. You will see a completely different offensive strategy this year from the Hawgs. No more run right, run left, pass or draw on 3rd down. Look for true balance on Saturday.
I don't share the same optimism on the defensive side of the ball. We lost 2-deep at all positions in the secondary. Our LBs are not quite as good as last year. The D-line is the strength of the defense, however, the Texas OL gave us problems. We looked great against New Mexico State, decent against Texas, and bad in the first half on the ULM game.
The key to the game will be Alabama's ability to keep the Arkansas offense off the field. If Alabama establishes the run and controls time of possession it could be long day for the swine faithful. Your new QB will have to be able to complete some passes to keep the chains moving. If Arkansas forces several "3 and outs" this game could get ugly.
My prediction: Arkansas 35, Alabama 21
First, this Hawg offense may be the best Arkansas has had under Houston Nutt! For the swine faithful, it is very surprising since Jones was our ONLY returning starter on offense. Your good friend D. Franchonie recently stated that using returning starters as a predictor of future success is the worst method used by sports analysts (of course this was after they were beaten by Utah). He may be right. Consider: Hawgs #1 in total offense (avg. 525 yds.), #1 in passing offense, and #2 in rushing offense. The difference--better than predicted OL, MUCH better WRs, Matt Jones passing, and Nutt has finally opened up the playbook. You will see a completely different offensive strategy this year from the Hawgs. No more run right, run left, pass or draw on 3rd down. Look for true balance on Saturday.
I don't share the same optimism on the defensive side of the ball. We lost 2-deep at all positions in the secondary. Our LBs are not quite as good as last year. The D-line is the strength of the defense, however, the Texas OL gave us problems. We looked great against New Mexico State, decent against Texas, and bad in the first half on the ULM game.
The key to the game will be Alabama's ability to keep the Arkansas offense off the field. If Alabama establishes the run and controls time of possession it could be long day for the swine faithful. Your new QB will have to be able to complete some passes to keep the chains moving. If Arkansas forces several "3 and outs" this game could get ugly.
My prediction: Arkansas 35, Alabama 21