5 most important Arkansas players as the Hogs face Alabama
By Eric Bolin
Published:
FAYETTEVILLE – The mood certainly is different around here.
On the University of Arkansas campus so far this week, it feels a lot like it did in early November last year when the Razorbacks scored their first SEC win under coach Bret Bielema.
But winning at Tennessee is different than winning at Alabama. Arkansas hasn’t beaten the Crimson Tide since 2006.
It’s possible, of course. Arkansas is a 16-point underdog, though. Then again, last year the spread was larger and Alabama needed some Arkansas mistakes to leave Donald W. Reynolds with a one-point win, 14-13.
If Arkansas is to pull the upset, these five will have to have big games.
Arkansas QB Brandon Allen – Allen has been knocked his whole career for his inability to win a game. Note that’s different than Allen’s ability to be a winner in games. It’s just that the senior quarterback has never put together a late, takeover performance. Arkansas won’t necessarily (but probably will) need such a performance Saturday, but it will need some gleaming numbers otherwise from its quarterback.
Arkansas FS Santos Ramirez – Mr. Ramirez, your second-ever start is against Alabama. How do you feel about that? We might actually find out later today how Ramirez feels about it when the Arkansas defensive coaches and players meet with the media. For now it’s up to Ramirez to get comfortable. He will be called on for run support, his strength, in slowing Derrick Henry and be relied on to keep the depths of the field patrolled.
Arkansas TE Jeremy Sprinkle – The converted wide receiver looked like a potential breakout start after the team’s game, catching two balls for 60 yards. He’ll never be the weapon the other Arkansas tight end, Hunter Henry, is, at least not while Henry is around. But Sprinkle has loads of ability. Arkansas needs more than the 31 yards in four games he’s achieved since.
Arkansas LT Denver Kirkland – Most left tackles are important because of their ability to keep defenders off the quarterback’s blindside. And while that’s still true with Kirkland, it isn’t the biggest key. Kirkland has his best game by far Saturday against Tennessee, at least to untrained eyes. But again, Tennessee isn’t Alabama. Kirkland needs to show why he’s thought of as the team’s best offensive lineman, especially as he goes against the league’s best defensive line.
Arkansas RB Alex Collins – Three running backs in Arkansas history have run for 150 yards in three straight games. One of them is Collins. He’s on that streak right now. A fourth time would be incredible considering the competition. A fourth time, too, would probably mean the Razorbacks have done enough to at least keep it close in Tuscaloosa.
Eric Bolin is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football and Arkansas.
