Game Blog: Arkansas vs. Alabama
September 26th, 2009
For game updates and analysis, scroll down to the comments section.
2:22 p.m.: The rain has moved out and the sun is actually starting to poke through the remaining clouds. That’s good news for Arkansas’ passing game, one would guess.
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2 p.m.: Arkansas is going to have problems hanging onto the ball today, as will Alabama. The Razorback receivers had a hard time catching balls in warmups, including Lucas Miller who dropped two by my count. Miller has been out of action since he broke his collarbone Aug. 20.
Some initial thoughts: Miller looks rusty … the field is already starting to show some wear and tear near the end zones where the Hogs and Tide have been running pre-game drills … the student section is rowdy … the sound system here is awfully loud … and expect a lot of running if the rain doesn’t let up.
Follow my updates on Twitter via @wholehogsports.
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1:45 p.m.: Made it to the stadium about two hours ago when it was muggy. Now it’s muggy and raining. It’s been pouring for the last half hour and it’s going to be very interesting to see how Arkansas comes out and attacks the weather and the Crimson Tide.
Bryant-Denny Stadium just before the rain clouds started to dump the wet stuff in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Brandon Marcello)
Wet weather usually suits a defensive battle, and with the Hogs’ defense being very suspect, one wonders how this could turn out in wet conditions. We’ll find out in about an hour.
While heading into the stadium I ran into a former Tide player, who will be honored on the field at halftime today with his teammates from the 1979 national championship team.
That ‘Bama team defeated Arkansas, 24-9, in the Sugar Bowl to garner recognition as the national champions.
The video is below with more from former Tide offensive guard Vince Cowell, who shares his thoughts on Bear Bryant and he also has some thoughts on today’s game between the Tide and the Razorbacks.
Keep it here and the comments section for updates and analysis from the game.
— Brandon Marcello
Arkansas 0,
Alabama 0
FIRST QUARTER
Hey, Arkansas’ running game has shown up to play today in Tide Land. The Razorbacks have allowed 8 yards on five run attempts.
Hogs CB Ramon Broadway was burned on Alabama’s previous drive but a separated Marquis Maze could not come up with the pass from Greg McElroy in the Hogs’ red zone. If he had not alligator-armed the ball, ‘Bama would be up 7-0 right now.
Alabama got some pressure on Hogs QB Ryan Mallett on their previous drive, so it’ll be interesting to see how Arkansas reacts and adjusts now on their own 20-yard line.
The Hogs had good field position on their first two drives, but were unable to capitalize. This is the perfect time for Alabama’s D to tee off.
Arkansas 0,
Alabama 0
END OF FIRST QUARTER
What a fake punt, then run by freshman Ronnie Wingo to pick up a first down on fourth-and-6 at their own 25. That took guts. Wingo picked up 9 yards and Ryan Mallett and the Hogs' offense decided to come out and fire with a deep pass to Joe Adams for a 19-yard catch.
The Hogs certainly have tried to establish the running game and had nine runs for 32 yards. Screen passes and the intermediate game have been used quite a bit by the Hogs. Either by design or because Mallett has little time to make his reads, it hasn't really been working.
If Mallett gets protection, the Hogs have a chance to get some points on the scoreboard.
Alabama 14,
Arkansas 0
SECOND QUARTER
Julio Jones made Tramain Thomas look silly all alone near the red zone on a reverse pass. Jones streaked down the middle of the field, hung under the ball, caught it and Thomas came up to make the tackle in the red zone. Problem was, Thomas couldn't wrap up and Jones high-stepped into the end zone to make it 14-0.
Alabama is definitely one of the top five teams in the nation. It defense gets pressure whenever it wants it and the offense has the chance to being consistent and quick with playmakers at the skill spots.
Previously, Trent Richardson broke three tackles and dodged four Razorbacks who had shots at tackling him for a 52-yard touchdown run with 9:30 remaining.
Arkansas moved the ball again, but an illegal block in back penalty brought them back 10 yards after a 20-yard Greg Childs catch and Ryan Mallett was unable to complete his
HALFTIME
The Hogs are lucky to only be down 14-0. Credit the Hogs' run defense for staying tough up front for most of the first half, and a couple of 'Bama dropped passes.
Arkansas has been unable to move the ball down field, and had a perfect opportunity early to put pressure on the Tide when it had good field position. The Hogs were in 'Bama territory three times in the first half but never capitalized. They got down as far as the Alabama 30, and even started a drive on the Tide's 42.
Alabama certainly isn't sending pressure on every defensive snap, but when they do want pressure, they get it. Cornerback Javier Arenas is super fast and has two sacks in the first half. Mallett was sacked three times, ending two pivotal drives.
What are your thoughts? Are the Hogs lucky to still be in this one?
HALFTIME STATS
Mallett has completed 7-of-21 passes for 74 yards and has been sacked three times.
The Hogs' ground game has come up with just 27 yards. Michael Smith leads the Hogs with 10 carries for 42 yards.
On the 'Bama side, the Tide is rolling with consistency. Greg McElroy is 8-of-15 passing for 103 yards and 1 touchdown. Meanwhile, Trent Richardson has 61 rushing yards and Mark Ingram chipped in with 37.
If you're adding up at home, 'Bama has rolled up 201 yards to the Hogs' 101.
The 'Bama's defense is just as advertised, but the Hogs obviously are not when they can't protect their quarterback.
By the way, true freshman Anthony Oden did get his first start at offensive tackle. Ray Dominguez did come in later in the first half.
If we can get better protection from the OL we have a chance to win this game.
I know that Bama is good at getting pressure, but I think that sometimes Mallet needs to man up, tuck the ball, and run it. I know this isn't his specialty, but he needs to start showing some toughness.
Defense is much better. That TD run was inexcusable, but trick plays are trick plays. Sometimes a team can just catch the defense napping. Of course, they have had guys running open.
Alabama 14,
Arkansas 7
(THIRD QUARTER)
That'll get you back in it. An 18-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mallett to Greg Childs, who was wide open on a fade route with 10:45 remaining, has the Hogs within striking distance if its defense can keep playing well.
'Bama was a bit conservative to open the second half. How do they respond now?
We just saw how they will respond.
Brandon - defense may have showed up, they didn't stay. This is coaching.
Having some Internet issues, but it is 28-7 Alabama with 2:13 remaining in third quarter.
Talk amongst yourselves.
Yep. Right when I opened my big mouth, the defense just totally falls apart. Is anyone on the coaching staff going to tell our d-line that when the O-line lets you come free, it's a screen. You would think that they would realize this because we can't rush passer at all, so when we do get pressure, it might be because Alabama is setting up something.
I know the corners have some responsibility in this, but they can only do so much when the QB has enough time out to pull out a lawn chair and work on his tan.
We just can't tackle, and they are more physical than we are. Basically, this game boils down the three things: Outmanned, Outplayed, and Outcoached.
very obvious robinson is lost
We dont call out the players cause they arent paid - easy to pick on the millionaire coaches. Tiger misses a 4 ft putt, noone blames his putting coach....
35-7 now
Sloppy play, lack of focus, not getting the breaks. This team is nowhere near ready to contend for anything. With the murderous schedule this year, they will be lucky to better last year's record.
O-line and D- line are just not SEC calibur. That's the bottom line. And don't forget the mediocre at best overall defense. Reminds me of Nutt's offenses...mediocre and high school.
SAD......Depressing......shouldn't have got my hopes up....Looks like another season of, wait until next year.
I'll try to post some thoughts after the game, but I've got a early deadline fast approaching and post-game press conferences to attend.
The 99-yard touchdown drive which chewed up 6:28 off the clock and ended with Mark Ingram's 2-yard run was proof enough that Alabama could do anything it wanted today against the Hogs and be successful. After scoring three touchdowns of 50 yards or longer, 'Bama went to small ball and punished the Hogs in the second half.
It doesn't help having costly penalties, too. Andru Stewart got called for a pass interference with 'Bama on the Hogs' 13. Seconds later, Ingram rushed in untouched for a 2-yard score.
I'll leave it to you guys to dissect the game for now. The Hogs are hurting on defense, obviously, but is this what you expected from the offense?
how long do we play with this defense
Well, I think we know who we are now. We might be MILDLY better than we were last year. Oddly enough, this game really wasn't that close. It would do no good to go through laundry list of problems again...we are what we are.
Alabama deserves respect. They have a great defensive front, which is why our O -line needs work. I take nothing from Alabama but this is the game that shows us where we need work and I still contend it's defensive coaching. All those with unreal expectations of 8 plus wins can come back to earth and just enjoy the season for what it is.
Couldn't agree more Jdog. I thought 8 wins would only occur in a perfect scenario, but I at least thought that we would be a little more competitive. I didn't expect to win this game, but I expected us to look better against them than we did last year. I think I would argue that we looked WORSE against them than last year.
Eastern Michigan and Troy will be the only other wins this year.
If we played a team like Houston we would get beat! We can't stop the pass to save our lives. I almost think our secondary is worse than last year! Coaching...it comes down to this one fact. And on defense, Willie Robinson just isn't getting it done. And I have been a big Petrino fan but 2.5 million should translate. That was just an awful performance and it is going to get worse I fear...
Arkansas' fabulous facilities plus the well paid coaching contracts probably has a lot to do with getting a great offensive mind like coach petrino, but I wonder if we will ever be able to recruit the top blue chip defensive players. We are no better in my opinion than a c-usa team and unless we recruit texas better, I don't see us getting better defensively. I wonder if there is an opening in c-usa ?
One final thought before I pack up and head to get some dinner here in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Bobby Petrino mentioned that the Texas A&M game is obviously a game they must win.
If they don't win that game, the Hogs may be in a troubled downturn that could prove dangerous the rest of the way. The game against the Aggies is huge right now for the program. Lose that, and I don't see the Hogs reaching a bowl game.
More coverage in the morning on WholeHogSports.com and in the Northwest Arkansas Times and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
SPECIAL TEAMS, NOT SO SPECIAL. How about the special teams coach was 22-26 as a head coach a Michigan State. Maybe Coach Petrino or at least one of the Coach Petrinos should take over the special teams.
As a diehard hog fan, I'm so dissapointed in the effort by the hogs. The defense reacts in a rookie manner as though they've never played D-1 ball before. We hire a coach and staff to fix these issues and I think it is important to continue to hold them accountable, because I'm starting to sense that we as a fanbase are tired of excuses (wait till next year, wait till next game, we will try to recruit better in the future,etc.)my point is we as fans want results or we need to move to a conference where we can compete better on a regular basis. Although I myself and many fans didn't expect this team to win against Alabama, we certainly wanted better effort and focus from the defense. The performance on both sides of the ball was pathetic and the coach and staff must be held accountable not so much for win vs loss but for the pathetic effort by our beloved hogs!!!!!!!!!
John L Smith wins at L'ville in Conference USA. He leaves and goes to Michigan St and goes 22-26. He is replaced at L'ville by Bobby Petrino, who wins in Conference USA. He leaves goes to the NFL and goes 3-10. No bowl game last year for U of A and 0-2 thus far in the SEC this year. So who good is this coaching staff, we'll know soon.