Arkansas football vs. Alabama: Scouting report, score prediction for big SEC clash

FAYETTEVILLE — For both teams, Arkansas football vs. Alabama is the biggest test of the season so far. The No. 19 Razorbacks are looking to recover from a disappointing loss to Texas A&M, while the No. 2 Crimson Tide faces its most difficult opponent yet.

Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) played Texas in Week 2, and it was a highly anticipated game. The Tide won by one point against a Longhorn squad that was without its starting quarterback for much of the game and has since dropped out of the top 25. Arkansas might be the Tide's best opponent yet.

Arkansas (3-1, 1-1) played Alabama close last season, losing by a touchdown on the road. On Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, CBS), the Razorbacks will try to beat the Tide for the first time since 2006.

Here's what to know about the matchup and our final score prediction.

FROM ALABAMA TO ARKANSAS:Arkansas' Drew Sanders leading nation in sacks started with football games vs Molly, his black Lab

SMACK TALK:Will Anderson Jr.: 'We want fans to leave their own stadiums' early when they play Alabama football

Alabama's stout run defense

Alabama's defense is a juggernaut. The Tide has allowed just over seven points per game and a league-best 201 total offensive yards per game. But Alabama's run defense is particularly dominant, and that could be a problem for Arkansas.

The Tide has allowed under 2 yards per carry, the third-best figure in the country. Alabama also ranks No. 4 nationally in rushing yards per game allowed with 62.5. It's worth noting that the best team Alabama has played so far is Texas, which was without its starting quarterback for much of the game and has since dropped out of the coaches poll top 25.

Linebackers Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To'o To'o are big names to know, and they've been crucial to Alabama's success on defense.

Arkansas' strong running game will be an important test for the Tide and vice versa. The Razorbacks rank ninth in the country and second in the SEC in rushing yards per game (243.75).

Bryce Young 'better' than a season ago

Pittman believes reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young is playing even better than he did last year. Considering Young set a school record with 559 passing yards against Arkansas last season, that's saying something.

"A lot of confidence in everything he does, whether he’s throwing or whether he’s scrambling, he’ll stay in the pocket until the last second," Pittman said. "When he gets outside the pocket he just looks comfortable, like, 'I could run it for a touchdown, I can throw it for a touchdown. I’m just going to do whichever one I decide to do.'"

Alabama hasn't had a dominant receiver emerge just yet, but with talented players on the outside and Young at quarterback, the Tide is still a threat. Against Arkansas' depleted and struggling secondary, it's a mismatch that could be a serious problem for the Razorbacks.

MORE:Arkansas football needs to remedy its turnover problem before playing No. 2 Alabama

Pressuring quarterback is key

The secondary might be an issue, but Arkansas' defensive front can do some damage against Alabama. The Razorbacks lead the nation with 20 sacks, and former Tide linebacker Drew Sanders has 5.5.

It's been difficult for opponents to pressure Young, but Pittman noted Texas had success in that area when the Longhorns lost by one in Week 2. If Arkansas' deep defensive line and linebackers can get to the quarterback, they could throw off his timing and force him into some poor throws. With the secondary being a weak spot for Arkansas, that would be a huge help.

Arkansas will have to improve its tackling for that to work, however. The Razorbacks don't have to put Young on the ground on every play, but they can't miss tackles on him or Alabama's backs if they're going to limit the Tide.

Score prediction

Alabama 31, Arkansas 21: This game shouldn't be a disaster for Arkansas. The Razorbacks are arguably Alabama's first real test this season, and the Razorback Stadium crowd will be a factor. But Arkansas' secondary is a poor match for Young, and the Razorbacks can't afford to make the kinds of mistakes they have in their last two games.

Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Times Record and USA Today Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@swtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs. Alabama: Scouting report, score prediction