Alabama’s trip to Fayetteville this week presents a daunting task, but it’s merely the first in a grueling SEC slate.

Still to come: another road trip, this one to Knoxville, a home game against the uptempo offense of Texas A&M and following a bye, a trip to Death Valley.

They all seem challenging in different ways. Arkansas has the most efficient quarterback of the four and has shown balance on offense. Tennessee is unbeaten at this time, somehow finding a way to rally and win games each week.

Texas A&M has an arsenal of weapons at wide receiver and features a high-octane offense that also has balance. LSU seems to have found its offense a week after firing head coach Les Miles and more importantly, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

Not only that, but Death Valley is an absolutely stifling atmosphere for opponents. The point is the upcoming five-week stretch will make or break Bama’s season.

Recent history does favor Alabama. In the last five years, Alabama hasn’t lost to a team ranked lower than No. 15. Arkansas could break that trend as the Razorbacks are just below the threshold having climbed to the No. 16 spot in the latest AP Poll. For those curious, the Volunteers are ranked No. 9 and the Aggies are ranked No. 8.

Also of interest is the fact that Alabama has lost six games in the past four years, just about all at the hands of teams with up-tempo, spread-dominant offenses. Arkansas runs an old school, pro-style offense. Alabama did lose to a pro-style offense in 2011 in a 9-6 overtime slugfest with LSU.

If there is a team likely to defeat Alabama in a defensive showdown this season, it is likely LSU again. The Tigers’ two losses can absolutely be placed on the shoulders of the team’s offense. While Arkansas has a solid defense, the Razorbacks aren’t at the same level defensively as Alabama or LSU.

One of the biggest challenges against Arkansas is the balance of the offense. Unlike Ole Miss, Arkansas has both a strong running and passing game. Rawleigh Williams is the second-leading rusher in the SEC, and Devwah Whaley emerged last week with 135 yards on 9 carries last week.

Still, Alabama had no problem shutting down Stanley “Boom” Williams, who also had excellent numbers prior to the Alabama game. Will Arkansas’ Williams have any better luck? He’s having a strong season, although it should be noted his one lackluster game came against Texas A&M, but the sophomore still managed 79 yards on 17 carries with a score in that contest.

Of course, Alabama could use the services of Damien Harris in this game. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Harris simply didn’t get enough practice last week, so he was used sparingly. However, he is expected to play more against Arkansas. Between Harris, Jalen Hurts, Joshua Jacobs and B.J. Emmons, Alabama has a stable of capable runners.

As for the passing game, Arkansas’ Austin Allen has placed himself among the SEC’s top quarterbacks. He has the highest quarterback rating in the conference (167.7). He also has the second-highest completion percentage (67.6), the second-highest yards per attempt (8.9) and the fourth-highest output for total passing yards (1,232).

Arkansas has three receivers in the SEC’s top 15 in receiving yards. Drew Morgan has 301 yards (11th), Keon Hatcher has 281 (13th) and Jared Cornelius has 262 (15th). Tight end Jeremy Sprinkle isn’t making explosive plays but has accumulated 15 receptions, three of them touchdowns, and serves as a great safety net for Allen when other receivers are unavailable downfield. Allen will need that this Saturday.

Ole Miss presented a similar challenge in terms of the passing game. However, the Rebels don’t possess the same threat on the ground.

Of course, Alabama is the favorite, but Arkansas is quite the test and just the first of many that are lined up to stop the Tide.