In preparation for Saturday’s showdown between UAB and Arkansas, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the game between the Blazers and the Razorbacks.

Arkansas defense vs. UAB offense

Arkansas is coming off perhaps its worst defensive performance of the season in the loss to Georgia. The Razorbacks allowed 386 yards of total offense to the Bulldogs, highlighted by 202 yards given up to Georgia tailback Nick Chubb.

UAB travels to Fayetteville for the first ever matchup between the Blazers and Hogs. UAB is 4-2 and comes in with an explosive offense averaging nearly 500 yards of offense per game. UAB is led on offense by quarterback Cody Clements who is completing 70 percent of his passes and has thrown for 1,540 yards through seven games. Clements is complimented by Jordan Howard, the Blazers’ leading rusher, who has 752 yards on 151 carries and is averaging five yards per carry.

Arkansas has a great opportunity to shore up questions on the defensive side of the football after last week’s effort before the Hogs have to travel to Starkville to take on No. 1 Mississippi State. The Razorbacks’ youthful secondary including D.J. Dean and Henre’ Toliver will face a challenge in Clements. Athleticism at receiver has proven problematic at times for Arkansas.

This game should never be close. If Arkansas can slow down the Blazers offense and play well defensively with a pass rush and stopping the run, Arkansas should be in control early and often.