(Above Image Source: Roll Bama Roll)

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 3:30 PM EST

Where: Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville, AR)

Channel: CBS (check local listings)

The Alabama Crimson Tide and Arkansas Razorbacks meet this Saturday in one of the most anticipated matchups in the SEC.

Alabama leads the all-time series 22-8. Arkansas has lost 15 straight meetings against their opponents since Nick Saban took over as Alabama’s head coach. 2006 was the last time Arkansas ever beat them. They will get another chance to end that streak and Bama’s undefeated record Saturday afternoon.

Walking Down Memory Lane: Nov. 20, 2021

It was one of the craziest games to watch last year because it was something Alabama and the fans didn’t expect to see out of the Hogs.

This game not only set up Alabama’s inevitable matchup against Georgia in last year’s SEC Championship game, but it was the game where QB Bryce Young surpassed the all-time, school record with 559 yards in passes. That record hasn’t been broken for 52 years.

Arkansas spent most of the game playing catch-up with Bama. Once they started scoring in the second quarter, it was only a matter of wondering if they would be able to take the lead in this game. They were close to doing that a few times, but their rivals kept scoring to keep themselves a step ahead.

The big test came in the second half. The Hogs had two opportunities to take the lead: Bama missed a field goal in the third quarter and fumbled in the fourth quarter. Those were the perfect moments for Arkansas to take advantage, but the Tide’s defense was too strong for them. They defeated the Hogs 42-35 in the end.

The Real Test Begins

Most of Bama’s run this season has been dominant, but they were all just warm-ups. That is, except for their week two game against Texas. That game was unexpected, and the Tide almost lost their place at the top of the polls after escaping with a 20-19 victory.

They look to continue their undefeated run in their toughest test yet. The Tide needs this crucial win given their matchups against Texas A&M and Tennessee are on the horizon. Saban is not taking any chances with their opponents after last year.

“Psychologically, I think everyone has to know this is the toughest challenge of the year,” he said.

Not Messing Around

Arkansas has shown how much its gameplay has improved in the last few seasons. They are still a long way to go before they can be considered contenders for the national championship, but they are getting there.

They are now trying to come back from a tough 23-21 loss to Texas A&M last week. Razorbacks kicker Cam Little bounced off a field goal that could have given his team a crucial win.

Given how things went last year, head coach Sam Pittman knows that his team needs to be fearless and avoid too many mistakes.

“Bama, they can beat you before you even run out on the field,” he said. “I think what happens when you play somebody close and you start having some belief that you know we got a pretty good team…that’s where we’re at right now with our football team.”

Players to Watch Out For

Hogs QB KJ Jefferson has a 69.1 percent completion rate for 941 yards, eight touchdowns, and an interception. He is also one of three quarterbacks to throw over 900 yards and run over 200 yards this year. RB Raheim Sanders has been the team’s leading ball carrier in four games and is currently leading the SEC in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, and all-purpose yards.

Young has a 69 percent completion rate for 1,029 yards, 13 touchdowns, and two interceptions. RB Jase McClellan and WR Traeshon Holden will be viable factors in the Bama offense. McClellan will get his chance against Arkansas after missing it last year due to a knee injury.