Thoughts from the Chick

Tomorrow’s test will be the first of many this season.  As the SEC stretch begins, a powerful Alabama defense will take on a high-powered Arkansas offense.

Everyone this week has talked about what will Nick Saban’s defense do against Bobby Petrino’s offense - and no one really knows until tomorrow.

We know the playmakers for the Crimson Tide, but who should we be looking at on the Arkansas side of the ball? 

We know Ryan Mallet.  He’s been hyped more this week than Tim Tebow (if that’s actually possible).  What about his wide receivers?  Well, 12 receivers have made at least 1 catch for the Hogs this season - but the leading 3 are Jarious Wright, Greg Childs, and Joe Adams.  Look for them to be Mallet’s main targets tomorrow.  As far as running backs go - Michael Smith and Broderick Green tend to split carries, but even the Arkansas fan boards admit that they have no run game.

On the defensive front, Malcom Sheppard (lineman) and Freddy Burton (linebacker) are two to watch. 

And on special teams, return man Dennis Johnson has averaged 35.6 yards per return this year - so Alabama’s kickoff coverage team better be ready. 

All of that said - my prediction is this - I think that with the balanced attack Alabama has on offense and it’s solid defense, if they come out and play a good football game from start to finish, they’ll be hard to beat - even with Ryan Mallet on the other side of the ball.   

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