Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Television screens pumped all the fuel necessary into Alabama players as their weightlifting session rolled on.

Arkansas' highlights were dazzling, a spectacular reel of runs and catches worthy of wooing a frenzy of excitement out of most football fan.

Except the Crimson Tide.

Players watched Monday as they polished off curls and bench presses getting ready for Saturday's game between No. 3 Alabama and No. 14 Arkansas.

The outcome will figure prominently into who wins the SEC West race.

"They're showing highlights of Arkansas boys just running on people and doin' them dirty," Alabama running back Trent Richardson said. "That's something we have to look forward toward and be prepared. We have to go out there today and have the best Monday practice we've ever had."

Would a great practice be the spark to help Alabama's defense, and possibly boost the secondary to its best game so far?

Trying to stop Arkansas' star-studded wide receiver corps sounds more like slowing F-16 fighter jets tangling with MiG-29s in a choreographed dance of playmakers.

Statistically, Alabama's secondary vs. Arkansas' receivers matches up as one of the best challenges in the nation. The Tide has the No. 5 passing defense in the country (114.67 yards per game), including No. 2 in passing efficiency defense. The Razorbacks are ranked No. 8 in passing offense, averaging 346.67 yards per game.

Arkansas has four talented targets led by junior Cobi Hamilton (6-2, 209 pounds), who has a team-high 252 yards on 13 catches and one touchdown.

Seniors Joe Adams (5-11, 190 pounds) and Jarius Wright (5-10, 180 pounds) also have big-play ability. Adams, who has 21 career starts, has 15 catches for 198 yards including a 56-yard touchdown catch in a 38-28 win against Troy last week.

Wright, who led all receivers in last year's game with six catches for 131 yards, has 11 catches for 171 yards this season, and leads the group with three touchdowns.

Good article.  We should probably shorten the quote quite a bit though, IMO.

[Bama's young secondary] grew up quickly that afternoon, forcing Mallett to throw three interceptions.

Lester had two of them that day, including one in the end zone in the second quarter.

"Honestly, I think it came from the ball being in the air so much," Lester said. "We are a good DB corps. Going against that type of receiving corps, if the ball's up there, we're likely to make plays on them."