Last minute Arkansas preview

AU takes on the Razorbacks today in a game that I really don't know what to expect. Like last week, this game could go either way, but I think one of two things will happen. Either AU wins a close game that comes down to the wire or Arky will blow it out.

AU needs to have a similar game plan against the Hawgs that they did against USCe; stop the run and pressure the QB. If given enough time, UA QB Wilson will pick AU apart and rack up major yards. It is, as usual, up to the D line to step it up and play lights out to give AU a chance. Jake Holland is going to have to play the game of his life in calling defenses and recognizing UA's formations, defending tight ends and running backs and tackling well. Arky has big tall receivers that can run and catch and will be a huge task for anyone to cover. Alabama actually had the right approach to defending them: give up the underneath stuff and tackle as soon as the receivers catch the ball and put major pressure on the QB. Need the defense to create some turnovers and get off the field on third downs to give us a chance to win.

On offense, Barrett Trotter HAS to be productive and throw the ball down the field. If you thought it was tough in the previous games, AU is without (probably) leading WR Emory Blake and playmaker Trovon Reed. Someone will have to step up and make some plays for the receiving corp. The gameplan will be give the ball to Dyer and let him run til his legs fall off. Arky has not been good against the run this year giving up over 300 yards rushing to TAM last week. AU has to be able to move the chains and have long sustaining drives that end in touchdowns, not field goals. This not only keeps UA's offense on the sidelines, but scoring TD's will help keep pace with Arky's ability to score.

If the offense that played against MSU and the defense that played against USCe shows up together, AU will win. If not, who knows? I feel that AU will play well, but stopping Garcia is one thing, Wilson a complete something else. He showed last year how dangerous he was against a suspect pass defense. Being on the road in a place where AU tradionally doesn't play very well will be tough for this young team. However, I do believe AU will get back on track on offense and keep it close for a while, but in the end Arky makes a few more big plays.

Prediction: AU - 30 Arky - 45
like I said, it will be a close AU win or an Arky blow out. Here's hoping I'm wrong for the 2nd week in a row.