TUSCALOOSA, ALA. (KFSM) – Despite a strong performance from the Arkansas defense, the Razorbacks can’t escape Tuscaloosa, Ala. with a win as they drop Satuday’s game 27-14 to the Crimson Tide.
The Hog’s defense was key early on against Alabama. On the Crimson Tide’s opening drive, they went 80 yards on 13 plays. But, Arkansas was able to hold Alabama to a 24 yard field goal. On their next drive, Alabama would eat up the remainder of the first quarter, and make it inside the Arkansas eight yard-line. The Razorback defense was yet again shelling out to hold Alabama to another field goal attempt. Tide kicker Adam Griffith will miss his second attempt from 25 yards out.
The Arkansas defense continued it’s stout first half performance with an interception from Josh Liddell at the Arkansas 31. But the Hog’s offense can’t capitalize on the turnover, and go three and out on the drive.
Another Arkansas interception in the second quarter, this one from Santos Ramirez on a tipped pass from Jake Coker. Ramirez returned the interception for 18 yards to the Alabama 43, and an unsportsmanlike penalty on Alabama put the Hogs at the 12 yard-line. Arkansas was able to capitalize this time around. Brandon Allen connected with a wide open Drew Morgan in the end zone to put Arkansas on the board for the first time.
The Crimson Tide would miss another field goal attempt. Griffith misses a 48-yard attempt to end the first half and the Razorbacks lead 7-3 at the break.
Alabama quarterback Jake Coker finally broke things open with a big play in the third quarter on an 81-yard pass to Calvin Ridley to give the Tide the lead back. They’ll follow that up in the fourth quarter with 17 more points.
Allen will find Dominique Reed for 54 yards and a touchdown with 1:37 left to play. But, the Hog’s late score isn’t enough to fend off Alabama.
The Tide’s defense was just too much for the Hog’s, and proved why they have one of the best run defenses in the SEC. Alex Collins was held to a mere 26 rushing yards on 12 attempts, and Rawleigh Williams came away with only 10 yards. The duo put up over 250 yards combined a week ago. Allen was 15-32 for 176 passing yards also with two touchdown passes and one interception.
Arkansas now drops nine straight to Alabama. The last time Arkansas had won in Tuscaloosa was 2003.
