Alabama Set to Host Arkansas

On Saturday, the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1) will host the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4), who are a 20-point underdogs at the Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Crimson Tide are coming off a close victory against Texas A&M, defeating the Aggies 26-20.

Alabama vs. Arkansas: Head-to-Head

The Razorbacks are looking to defeat Alabama for the first time since 2006. Historically, the Crimson Tide lead the all-time head-to-head series with a 26-7 record. In the last five years, Arkansas’ closest game against the Tide came in 2021 when Arkansas nearly upset Alabama, losing 42-35. In  the team’s past two contests against each other, Alabama has scored 91 points while Arkansas has scored 61.

Head coach Sam Pittman said in Wednesday’s SEC teleconference the matchup will be a challenge for his squad.

So far this season, Alabama’s offense is averaging 31.2 points per game and Arkansas is averaging a similar 31.3. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has completed 67.6% of his passes for 1,159 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Arkansas quarterback K.J Jefferson holds a total of 1,300 passing yards this season with one rushing touchdown and 12 passing touchdowns. Though, he holds a lower completion percentage (67.1%) than Milroe (67.6%).

Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton had a strong performance against the Aggies Saturday. He caught two touchdown passes, matched his career high of 197 yards and had a career-high nine receptions. Burton currently leads the SEC and ranks ninth nationally with a 22.7 yards per catch average and has accumulated a team-high 386 yards and four touchdowns across 17 catches. If the Razorbacks want a chance to win, they’ll have to limit Burton defensively.

Pittman expressed his team’s excitement to play Alabama. He mentioned Milroe’s efforts this season that have given him a leadership role on the team.

Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday.