Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA — Three games in, the sample size is finally there.

Let the statistical analysis of the retooled Alabama offense commence. Just don’t forget the footnotes. These numbers come with an asterisk or two considering competition and the movable parts.

Regardless, the Crimson Tide breezed through the non-conference season outscoring Kent State, Penn State, and North Texas by a combined 116-18. None of the three threatened serious competition after halftime — a streak that likely ends Saturday when No. 14 Arkansas rolls into Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Razorbacks (3-0) threaten to tax the Alabama defense with more of everything in six days, thus the Tide offense can exit the testing phase and expect more responsibility for the final result.

SEC defenses won’t likely surrender four touchdown runs of 43 yards and longer as North Texas did Saturday.

“If you’re averaging four yards a run,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said, “that’s supposed to be pretty good running. We probably did that minus the long runs.”

It was actually 3.9 a carry, but wasn’t a bad estimation considering Saban ballparked it just minutes after the game. Of Alabama’s 347 rushing yards, 239 (or 69 percent) came on the four marathon touchdown runs split two apiece between Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy.

Subtract the 71- and 58-yard scoring runs from Trent Richardson’s career-best night and he runs nine times for 38 yards. His average carry dips from 15.2 a try to a still-respectable 4.2.

Lacy’s 17.9-yard average was even gaudier when factoring the touchdown runs of 43 and 67 yards. He still would have netted seven yards a pop without the scoring plays that helped define the night.

But without those four outbursts, the Alabama offense operated without the sizzle. It’s hard to argue with the ultimate success, but the explosive plays of 20 yards and longer didn’t pile up in the first three Saturdays.

Granted, there wasn’t much need to expose playbook secrets to outsiders, so three game tapes of mostly conservative passing plays were screened Sunday in Fayetteville.

The defense had better be ready Saturday because Petrino will test them to a high degree. I look for CNS to try and counter will ball possession as Bama's weapon so we can look for a lot of short passes Saturday mixed with Richardson and Lacy. If we can run the ball with success we all know who wins the game and I look for the running game to be better this week, consistency. Roll Tide!!

The defense had better be ready Saturday because Petrino will test them to a high degree. I look for CNS to try and counter will ball possession as Bama's weapon so we can look for a lot of short passes Saturday mixed with Richardson and Lacy. If we can run the ball with success we all know who wins the game and I look for the running game to be better this week, consistency. Roll Tide!!

Good points, J.  I'd just add that we'll need to demonstrate that the 2011 D can get to the passer better than the 2010 D could at this time last year.  If we can get sacks and some hurries, it'll be a fun afternoon and the 12-point odds will become reality. 

Jesse's chance to shine.

I'm curious about WR Jarius Wright. 
If he can't play against us Saturday, it'll be a major blow to the Arky passing game.  Apparently his injury was worse than first thought; he didn't play against Troy.  No word yet, except to say he's questionable for Saturday.

http://www.statfox.com/cfb/injuries.asp

You always hate to hear that.

Signed,

You Know