By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
We’re two days away from kickoff between the number one ranked Crimson Tide (7-0) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-5) and the anticipation is less than stellar.
The Tide come into this game without their top player, Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With his absence, Alabama will turn to Sophomore Mac Jones to take over the offense. Very limited in his playing time this season, Jones will make his first career start in a game that many people believe the Crimson tide will win no matter who is under center.
In 2019, Jones has completed 20-32 passes for 237 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Against Tennessee last weekend, Jones completed 6 of 11 passes for no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Razorbacks are limping into this game after the 51-10 thrashing they took from Auburn last weekend in Fayetteville. They haven’t been able to solidify a starting QB all season, and that trend has continued this week as Chad Morris has yet to decided between Ben Hicks and Nick Starkel.
With the uncertainty surrounding the Alabama QB position, look for coach Saban to have a bit of a short leash with Mac Jones. It’s highly possible that we will see more a traditional Alabama offense, littered with short passes and a heavy dose of the run game. Najee Harris should be a load for the Arkansas run defense that surrendered 298 last week.
Oh, and Mac Jones has a couple of pretty good receivers that can bail him out of situations.
Prediction: Alabama 42 Arkansas 14
