FAYETTEVILLE – There was a stretch in the history of the Arkansas-Alabama football series the Razorbacks had the edge. It’s known as the Matt Jones era.

Or, if you’re an Alabama fan, it’s known as The Lost Years.

Arkansas once beat the Crimson Tide in three out of four tries – 2003, 2004 and 2006. Since then, Alabama has won eight straight at the clip of one per year. Consecutive 52-0 defeats set the low-water mark for the Razorbacks in the series. Last year, though, part of the reason Arkansas had such high hopes entering 2015, was a one-point loss, 14-13, at the hands of Alabama.

It gave reason for optimism. Ten days ago, if you’d have asked, all that hope would have been out the window. Mostly, anyway, from the Arkansas perspective. Arkansas had lost three straight games and the crazy part of the fan base was suggesting only one win was left on the schedule – against FCS Tennessee-Martin. Now, after a win over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium, the team’s first SEC road win in coach Bret Bielema’s three years, the flicker is back.

Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, it’s ill-timed. Alabama looked more like Alabama on Saturday against Georgia. The doomsayers, who, let’s be honest, were mostly provided soundbites for the sake of promotion, were wrong. The dynasty is far from over.

Alabama is second best in the league in scoring and total defense. It’s first in rushing defense and fourth in passing defense. For the first time in 72 games, Alabama was an underdog this last week. The Crimson Tide proceeded to handle Georgia to the tune of 38-10.

The Arkansas offense is 32nd in the nation in both rushing and passing, and fourth in both in the SEC. It’s the most balanced offense Alabama will have faced all season.

But ultimately the outcome will be determined by which Arkansas team shows. Last year’s group that lost by one point and looked the part Saturday against Tennessee has a chance. This year’s group that lost to Toledo and Texas Tech does not.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE CLOSER LOOK

Top player, offense: RB Derrick Henry, Jr. — The 242-pound “El Tractorcito” has become the Tide’s go-to option on offense. Henry carried 26 times for 148 yards last week in a driving rain. He’s averaging 6.1 yards per carry and nearly two rushing touchdowns per game.

Top player, defense: DL Jonathan Allen, Sr. — This distinction could go to any number of players. But against Arkansas, a future NFL run-stuffer who can also rush the passer and bat down passes, one who is physical enough to contend with the large Razorbacks offensive line, seems appropriate.

Top player, special teams: P JK Scott, Soph. — Despite some early-season difficulties with his drops, Scott remains capable of becoming one of the nation’s best punters. His 2014 average of 48.0 yards per punt has given way to an average of 39.4 this year. But Scott still can change field position in a hurry, as he did against Arkansas last year.