Arkansas vs Alabama, 27-14: Full highlights, final score and more

Alabama’s dominant defense overcame a shaky offensive effort to avoid an upset at the hands of Arkansas on Saturday night.

After trailing at the half, the No. 8 Alabama Crimson tide pulled away from the Arkansas Razorbacks late in a 27-14 victory on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama got off to a promising start, forcing a quick Arkansas punt before driving down to the Razorbacks’ five yard line. However, the Arkansas defense was able to hold the Crimson Tide to a field goal, which would turn out to be a critical stop early in the game.

The Crimson Tide defense would continue to stall Arkansas for the remainder of the first quarter, but Alabama could not pull further ahead. Arkansas caught a huge break when Adam Griffith missed a 25-yard field goal following another long Alabama drive.

Arkansas would continue to hold Derrick Henry and the Alabama offense while consistently pinning the Crimson Tide deep in their own territory. After intercepting Jake Coker late in the second quarter, the Razorbacks finally got on the board two plays later on a four yard touchdown pass from Brandon Allen to Drew Morgan.

Griffith missed a 48 yard field goal to end the first half and help preserve the 7-3 Arkansas lead. The script would remain the same early in the third, as the Crimson Tide couldn’t get anything going offensively with bad field position.

The Alabama offense was finally able to connect on a big play late in the third quarter. Calvin Ridley beat the Razorbacks defense on a double move to reel in an 81 yard touchdown pass from Coker and give the Crimson Tide the lead.

Alabama’s special teams were finally able to come up with a big play late in the third, stopping a Arkansas punt around midfield. Richard Mullaney hauled in a three yard touchdown pass to put the Tide up double digits, aided by a crucial Arkansas holding penalty earlier in the drive.

Eddie Jackson picked off Allen moments later to set up another Crimson Tide field goal. After another Arkansas three and out, long Cyrus Jones punt return set up a Henry touchdown to effectively put the game away. Allen would find Dominique Reed for a 54-yard score with 1:37 left, but the Crimson Tide recovered the subsequent onside kick to win 27-14.

Three Stars

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama. Totaled nine receptions for 140 yards and an 81 yard score that completely changed the game.

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama. Star linebacker contributed both in run defense and pass coverage to lead an excellent defensive effort, including limiting star Arkansas running back Alex Collins to 26 yards.

Mitchell Loewen, DE, Arkansas. Recorded two sacks to lead an Arkansas defense that was strong for much of the game but didn’t quite have enough.

Highlights

Odds

Reed’s late touchdown ensured that Alabama did not cover a 16.5 point spread. The two teams fell short of the 48.5 over/under.

Next Week

Alabama travels to Texas A&M for a game that will have tons of implications in the SEC West and College Football Playoff. Arkansas gets a week off before trying to regroup against reeling Auburn.

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