According to Bret Bielema, leading up to Arkansas’ game at Alabama, the Razorbacks were well aware that Austin Allen would be unable to go. That didn’t stop the coach from a little gamesmanship all week, indicating that the senior would play against the Tide.

Immediately following the 41-9 loss to Alabama, Bielema announced Allen could miss more action. Here’s what the Arkansas coach had to say in his postgame press conference.

“We knew thru the course of the week that Austin was not going to be there,” Bielema said. “We got some good news earlier in the week that it wasn’t as bad as… it wasn’t one of the worst diagnosis. Got lucky in the fact that it’s nothing that needs surgery. We’ll get him back in the… there’s a chance this week but if not, it may be a couple of weeks but he should return back for his senior year.”

Based on those comments, Allen’s injury is serious enough to make him miss several games. In his place, redshirt freshman Cole Kelley stepped up and made his first start against the No. 1 team in the nation. While he wasn’t spectacular, he was solid in his debut on the road in a hostile environment.

Kelley threw for 200 yards and a touchdown in the game. He also threw one interception against Alabama.

“I thought Cole did some things, he’s a fighter,” Bielema commented.

He’ll need to bring that intensity next week as well, as it appears he will most likely start again against 5-2 Auburn. The Tigers lost Saturday at LSU, by a score of 27-23.