TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When discussing Alabama football, you really have to dig deep to find things to criticize.

Alabama is leading the nation in scoring (54.2 points per game) and is top 5 in the country in points allowed (13 points per game).

Few, if any, teams in the country appear to be on Alabama’s level, and the regular season looks like a breeze on paper.

But Nick Saban has asked for reverse rat poison in recent weeks so here are a few things the Crimson Tide could do better, starting Saturday against Arkansas.

Run the ball better

Alabama hasn’t consistently run the ball all season. The Crimson Tide has yet to have 100-yard rusher against a Power 5 team this season. Alabama has shown flashes at times, but even Nick Saban has harped on the team not being able to run the ball at will.

The offensive line hasn’t always gotten the best push, but Alabama running back Josh Jacobs has said the ball carriers could do a better job of pressing the holes and making one-cut runs.

This would be the perfect game for Alabama to impose its will against an SEC defense.

Force more fumbles

While they’re tied for second in the nation with 9 interceptions, Alabama is near the bottom in forced fumbles (2). The Tide have recovered only 1.

“That’s a major issue because we pride ourselves in forcing turnovers,” Alabama linebacker Christian Miller said. “I remember two years ago, we used to score every game on defense. I don’t remember the streak of defensive touchdowns, it was crazy. We’re trying to get back to that. Our DBs are doing a great job of getting interceptions. That’s one way of getting turnovers, but getting the ball out, that’s something we need to do better.

“We pulled up that stat and I think we might have been almost last in the country for actually forcing fumbles. That’s something we’re working on going forward.”

The fact that Alabama’s players recognize its a problem means we should see an uptick in attempts at ripping the ball out, which should lead to more fumbles.

Play better on the second-team defense

Alabama’s first-defense played a near perfect game last week, but the twos stepped in and skewed the stats. Alabama’s second-team defense allowed two late touchdowns, ruining an opportunity for the Crimson Tide to cover the spread.

That gave Saban fuel for things the team could improve on, which we all know he loves more than anything in the world.

There is a steep drop from Alabama’s first-team defense to the backups, but that doesn’t mean the twos should give up two touchdowns to a squad like Louisiana-Lafayette. If they get in Saturday, the twos should take pride on holding Arkansas scoreless.

Make field goals

Who knew that Saban’s only Kryptonite is a consistent kicker. Joseph Bulovas appeared ready to be that guy for Alabama, but he missed two more kicks last week to continue the Crimson Tide’s run of inconsistent field goal kickers.

Alabama already has missed 4 field goal attempts (5-for-9). Only 5 teams in the country have missed more.

Alabama’s kickers don’t get a lot of opportunities, but when they do, you can’t miss chip shots like you did against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Saban said he is still confident in Alabama’s kicking game. Let’s see if they can make him proud this Saturday.

Cover the spread

This one is mostly just for fun, but it was interesting watch Alabama try to cover that ridiculous 49-point spread in the first half last weekend. Alabama is beating teams so handily that you have to find other things to make their games intriguing and the spread is a natural one.

Alabama is a five-touchdown favorite against the Razorbacks so that’ll be something to watch Saturday.