FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) - It was all set up for an Arkansas upset of No. 7 Alabama but the Crimson Tide's defense made the play of the day.
Brandon Allen and the Razorbacks' offense had one last chance to mount a game winning drive but the Arkansas quarterback was picked off by Landon Collins with 1:59 left and allowed No. 7 Alabama to escape with a 14-13 win.
“I can’t put into words how proud I am of our guys," Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said. "As a coach, when you sign up for this, I came in here with a dream and an idea to do something and it’s coming. I can guarantee it’s coming."
The Razorbacks out gained Alabama, 334-227, but three turnovers, a botched snap on a field goal attempt and a blocked extra point proved to be too much to overcome.
“I can’t give enough credit to Robb (Smith) and Clay (Jennings), Rory (Segrest) and Randy (Shannon)," Bielema said. "Guys invest a lot into it defensively and I think they knew they were up for a big challenge. Alabama does a lot of different things with the same personnel, so there’s a lot of communication out there. A lot of really positive things and things we can still improve on.”
Brandon Allen finished 21-of-40 for 245 yards with a touchdown and the interception. Jonathan Williams led Arkansas with 83 yards, including a three yard scoring run in the second quarter.
“We were so close and there a lot of things we could have done better to win that game and it’s disappointing leaving those things on the field," Allen said.
Alabama's Blake Simes threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns, including the eventual game winner with 12:36 left in the fourth quarter, on 11-of-21 passing. The Crimson Tide were held to just 66 yards rushing on 32 attempts, only 2.1 per rush.