🏈 Looking ahead to Arkansas
- Thread starter TerryP
- Start date
M
Michael Casagrande |
Alabama leads Arkansas in nearly every statistical measure.
Consecutive wins over Kent State and Kentucky have smiled upon Alabama's stat sheet.
Just take the passing defense for example. After allowing 421 yards at Ole Miss, the Tide was No. 98 nationally. Two weeks later, it's up to 27th.
With that said, competition is set to improve. The October gauntlet begins at No. 16 Arkansas at 6 p.m. CT Saturday in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks (4-1) have been trouble for the Tide in each of the past two seasons.
So this week's look at the national statistics will examine the differences between the two SEC West teams. In terms of the major categories, Alabama tops Arkansas in all but one. The Hogs have 0.2 fewer penalty yards per game.
Overall, Alabama's comfortably in the top half of every major statistical measure. Its No. 52 passing offense is the lowest of the bunch. The top Alabama ranking comes in rush defense, No. 3 while the Razorbacks as 73rd.
The biggest issue (on paper) for Arkansas is its ability to get off the field on third downs. It ranks 115th of 128 allowing first downs on 47.8 percent of opponents' third downs. Texas A&M went 8-for-12 (66.7 percent) in Arkansas' lone loss of the season.
ADVERTISING
Without further delay, here is the full set of major statistical measures with Alabama, Arkansas and the national leader.
Rushing offense
1. Army 374.7
25. Alabama 231.6
48. Arkansas 197.0
Passing offense
1. Texas Tech 547.8
52. Alabama 252.8
55. Arkansas 246.4
Total offense
1. Texas Tech 664.3
30. Alabama 484.4
52. Arkansas 443.4
Scoring offense
1. Texas Tech 59.5
13. Alabama 44.0
43. Arkansas 36.0
Rushing defense
1. Houston 42.0
3. Alabama 68.4
73. Arkansas 163.4
Passing defense
1. Boston College 124.0
27. Alabama 188.0
46. Arkansas 211.0
Total defense
1. Boston College 202.0
8. Alabama 256.4
52. Arkansas 374.4
Scoring defense
1. Ohio State 9.3
9. Alabama 13.0
47. Arkansas 23.2
Turnover margin
1. Washington + 2.2/game
31. Alabama + 0.6/game
31. Arkansas + 0.6/game
Penalty yards
1. Navy 22.8
26. Arkansas 45.4
27. Alabama 45.6
3rd down offense
1. Ohio State 57.1%
23. Alabama 48.7%
55. Arkansas 41.7%
3rd down defense
1. Michigan 15.4 %
14. Alabama 27.9 %
115. Arkansas 47.8 %
Sacks by
1. Ohio 4.2/game
12. Alabama 3.4/game
33. Arkansas 2.6/game
Red zone conversions
1. Eight teams at 100 percent
10. Alabama 95.7%
76. Arkansas 81.5%
Alabama 100 percent -- 18-for-18 (tied with 14 others)
Individuals
Jalen Hurts
-- 76th in passing yards with 197.8 per game.
-- 47th in completion percentage with 62.2
-- 61st in QB rating at 139.4
Calvin Ridley
-- 48th in receiving yards with 79.6 per game
-- 18th in receptions with 31
-- 27th in receptions of 30-plus yards with 4
Ryan Anderson
-- 49th in sacks per game with 0.7 per game
-- 62nd in tackles for loss with 1.1 per game
JK Scott
-- 10th in punting average with 45.4
Continue reading...
Consecutive wins over Kent State and Kentucky have smiled upon Alabama's stat sheet.
Just take the passing defense for example. After allowing 421 yards at Ole Miss, the Tide was No. 98 nationally. Two weeks later, it's up to 27th.
With that said, competition is set to improve. The October gauntlet begins at No. 16 Arkansas at 6 p.m. CT Saturday in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks (4-1) have been trouble for the Tide in each of the past two seasons.
So this week's look at the national statistics will examine the differences between the two SEC West teams. In terms of the major categories, Alabama tops Arkansas in all but one. The Hogs have 0.2 fewer penalty yards per game.
Overall, Alabama's comfortably in the top half of every major statistical measure. Its No. 52 passing offense is the lowest of the bunch. The top Alabama ranking comes in rush defense, No. 3 while the Razorbacks as 73rd.
The biggest issue (on paper) for Arkansas is its ability to get off the field on third downs. It ranks 115th of 128 allowing first downs on 47.8 percent of opponents' third downs. Texas A&M went 8-for-12 (66.7 percent) in Arkansas' lone loss of the season.
ADVERTISING
Without further delay, here is the full set of major statistical measures with Alabama, Arkansas and the national leader.
Rushing offense
1. Army 374.7
25. Alabama 231.6
48. Arkansas 197.0
Passing offense
1. Texas Tech 547.8
52. Alabama 252.8
55. Arkansas 246.4
Total offense
1. Texas Tech 664.3
30. Alabama 484.4
52. Arkansas 443.4
Scoring offense
1. Texas Tech 59.5
13. Alabama 44.0
43. Arkansas 36.0
Rushing defense
1. Houston 42.0
3. Alabama 68.4
73. Arkansas 163.4
Passing defense
1. Boston College 124.0
27. Alabama 188.0
46. Arkansas 211.0
Total defense
1. Boston College 202.0
8. Alabama 256.4
52. Arkansas 374.4
Scoring defense
1. Ohio State 9.3
9. Alabama 13.0
47. Arkansas 23.2
Turnover margin
1. Washington + 2.2/game
31. Alabama + 0.6/game
31. Arkansas + 0.6/game
Penalty yards
1. Navy 22.8
26. Arkansas 45.4
27. Alabama 45.6
3rd down offense
1. Ohio State 57.1%
23. Alabama 48.7%
55. Arkansas 41.7%
3rd down defense
1. Michigan 15.4 %
14. Alabama 27.9 %
115. Arkansas 47.8 %
Sacks by
1. Ohio 4.2/game
12. Alabama 3.4/game
33. Arkansas 2.6/game
Red zone conversions
1. Eight teams at 100 percent
10. Alabama 95.7%
76. Arkansas 81.5%
Alabama 100 percent -- 18-for-18 (tied with 14 others)
Individuals
Jalen Hurts
-- 76th in passing yards with 197.8 per game.
-- 47th in completion percentage with 62.2
-- 61st in QB rating at 139.4
Calvin Ridley
-- 48th in receiving yards with 79.6 per game
-- 18th in receptions with 31
-- 27th in receptions of 30-plus yards with 4
Ryan Anderson
-- 49th in sacks per game with 0.7 per game
-- 62nd in tackles for loss with 1.1 per game
JK Scott
-- 10th in punting average with 45.4
Continue reading...
18Champs
Member
Arky can't get off the field with their 3rd down defense. Opponents are 32 of 67 for 47.8% on 3rd down, ranking 115th in the nation. Meanwhile, BAMA defense is ranked 14th, allowing opponents to convert 22 of 79 for 27.8%.
Offensively, BAMA converts on 3rd down 48.7% or 37 of 76, good for 23rd in the nation. Arky offensively, 41.7% or 25 for 60 for 55th in the nation
Alabama17Tide
Member
Practice Notes, October 3.
Ben Jones, Tidesports.com
Ben Jones, Tidesports.com
- Team was just in helmets today. No shoulderpads or tights.
- ArDarius Stewart and Damien Harris both participated as expected. Looked like Stewart might have had a brace on one of his knees, but he was on the far side of the field so it was tough to see for sure. Beyond that, Nick Saban said earlier there weren't any serious injuries for this week.
- Couldn't see the whole offensive line working together, but did see Ross Pierschbacher working at LG with Cam Robinson again. Probably a good bet for now that the competition remaining is between Shank and Lester Cotton at RG. We'll have a story later tonight on the performance of the left side of the line against Kentucky.
- One of the interns ran around shouting "Most physical team in the country!" Not sure if he was referring to Arkansas' physicality or giving the Alabama players a goal. Either one would probably apply this week.
Well, I'm confused. At halftime of the Kentuck game, Tom Luginbill plainly reported that Saban said he wanted to come out and run the football more in the second half. He no more shared those pearls of wisdom with his audience when Hurts begins his second half passing assault. Right now Arkansas scares me a lot less that what offensive identity we decide on in Fayetteville.
planomateo
Member
You're saying they give up alot of yards to P5 schools. I'm bummed I won't be at this game, kids have a school event on Saturday preventing us from going to the game.
Still having a hard time wrapping my head around Arkansas's lack of physicality at the LOS.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Hawgsports.com
HawgSports.com - Bret Bielema & Coordinators Monday Notebook | Alabama Week
BRET BIELEMA
-Bielema opened saying he gave the guys credit on Sunday for coming off the A&M game and erasing it starting last Sunday. He really liked Tuesday's practice and said they were a little slower to start Wednesday but kicked it in eventually.
-Bielema said when a team presses and making a game mean more than it needs to be, you usually end up shooting yourself in the foot. He pointed to their struggles against Ohio State at Wisconsin.
-He pointed to Hayden Johnson being arrested for 'public intox and some other stuff.' He said Johnson took ownership in it and had a lot of remorse. He'll also go through counseling. Bielema said he is pretty stringent about situations like this. He'll inform him of all of his punishments on Tuesday. Johnson won't start but will play Saturday.
-Bielema also expressed remorse over Frank Ragnow losing his father John due to a heart attack after Saturday's game. Bielema said Warren Stephens provided a plane they got on that night at took Ragnow home. Ragnow will be back with the team later this week, he said, but it didn't sound like he would hold him to that given the circumstances. Bielema said he informed Austin Allen and Dan Skipper but most players didn't find out until Sunday afternoon. Bielema said he and his wife got back around 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
-It sounds like they'll keep Jake Raulerson at guard and rep Zach Rogers at center this week.
-From a defensive point of view, it's a different formula. Bielema said they don't look as 'pro-style' as they used to as they are 'in the spread market' now. Regarding Jalen Hurts, the true freshman Alabama quarterback, Bielema said the way he throws the football stands out even though he is a great runner. He called him an 'exciting player,' and called Lane Kiffin a 'creative' play-caller who will use him to the best of his ability.
-Regarding Alabama's run defense, Bielema said Alabama has only given up 'eight or nine' explosive runs throughout the season, which he called an 'unbelievable statistic.' He pointed to the unprecedented nature of their rotation on the defensive line.
-On committed players taking official visits elsewhere, he pointed to having a commitment from Ohio who took an official visit to Louisville and didn't tell them. He said a couple of weeks later he wanted to recommit to Wisconsin but they weren't having it. In recruiting, before a player commits they have a very detailed conversation about 'we're done if you commit, you're not going to go out on any other dates.' He has made exceptions with players who say they want to take a trip somewhere before committing.
-Bielema said if a team lets up for one second, that's when Alabama will seize the moment.
-De'Jon Harris has been impressive since he got there, and they played him at WILL last week. they think Dre Greenlaw will be a lot better with some rest here and there. He also said Devwah Whaley played well (and earned offensive MVP). Bielema said they have to convince Deon Stewart that he is really ready for the big stage. He said when La'Michael Pettway decides he wants to be great, he will be great.
-On Alabama's defense, Bielema pointed to whacking Texas A&M's defensive ends every way they could, ribs, shoulders, etc. He said with Alabama, they have a unique ability that you can't leave anyone alone, and they have a guy or two who are just better than everyone else.
DAN ENOS
-Enos opened by calling Alabama extremely talented and extremely well-coached. On Tim Williams he said 'he's like the guys at A&M. He can change a game very quickly.' He said what makes him especially hard is the other 10 guys around him.
-On last year's game, he said they did some things that were 'uncharacteristic.' He said some was them being very good and some was Arkansas. He said they have to execute at a high level and can't run plays that don't have a chance structurally.
-'Pound Hogs Pound' is where Dan Enos came up with his PHP philosophy. Then they added 'Protect Hogs Protect' to help them 'Pass Hogs Pass.' It's about having balance to be able to have success, and the first part of that is to be able to run the football.
-He said they're very personnel driven on defense in terms of matching their opponents' various personnel groupings. He said they try to take what a team does best and take it away from them to make them do what they don't want to do.
-Regarding Jeremy Sprinkle, Enos said he is having a great year and every player is going to be big this week.
-On the loss of Frank Ragnow's father John and Ragnow missing practice this week, they'll probably look at both Zach Rogers and Jake Raulerson this week at guard as the No. 1 priority is that Ragnow is with his mom and his family right now.
-Enos' final year at Michigan State as defensive coordinator was Enos' redshirt freshman year. Michigan State went to the Rose Bowl there.
-"The spirit of a team comes from its quarterback," Enos said.
-Enos said he hasn't heard if Keon Hatcher will be back with them as they haven't met to have the medical report, but he hopes to because Hatcher is a physical receiver and Alabama's defensive backs are really physical also.
-On Alabama stuffing Arkansas' run game last year, Enos said it makes it difficult because their scheme is good and they have very good players. If someone had a playbook to run to score 30 points against them it would be out by now.
ROBB SMITH
-Smith called Alabama very balanced in what they do. He pointed to the run game element with the quarterback this year, and they have to be aware of where Calvin Ridley is at all times. Alabama is 60 percent three-wide sets and 40 percent two-tight ends. They also will line up receivers in the backfield and tight ends at receiver.
-On Bama tight end O.J. Howard, Smith said he is really athletic and creates a personnel mismatch with linebackers and safeties.
-On the evolution to Alabama's offense, he said they are certainly different this year than they have been in the pass, mainly due to Jalen Hurts as a dual-threat quarterback.
-They'll have to find ways to get three linebackers on the field during their two-tight sets. They have worked to get Dwayne Eugene more reps at MIKE linebacker as they try to transition him there as well as playing De'Jon Harris at WILL.
-Smith said he has only heard Santos Ramirez is progressing well, but again, they haven't met as a staff to discuss injuries yet.
-He said they've had ups and downs tackling and was disappointed in some missed tackles on Saturday. That will be a big emphasis this week because they cannot afford to miss tackles against the Crimson Tide because their athletes will take plays to the house.
-Smith said "I'm sure we'll have a wrinkle or tweak this week to try to slow down the quarterback run game."
-He called Jared Collins a 'consistent performer' and would like to get everyone else up to his level of performance.
-Sosa is starting to come of age and become a consistent performer as well, Smith said.
HawgSports.com - Bret Bielema & Coordinators Monday Notebook | Alabama Week
BRET BIELEMA
-Bielema opened saying he gave the guys credit on Sunday for coming off the A&M game and erasing it starting last Sunday. He really liked Tuesday's practice and said they were a little slower to start Wednesday but kicked it in eventually.
-Bielema said when a team presses and making a game mean more than it needs to be, you usually end up shooting yourself in the foot. He pointed to their struggles against Ohio State at Wisconsin.
-He pointed to Hayden Johnson being arrested for 'public intox and some other stuff.' He said Johnson took ownership in it and had a lot of remorse. He'll also go through counseling. Bielema said he is pretty stringent about situations like this. He'll inform him of all of his punishments on Tuesday. Johnson won't start but will play Saturday.
-Bielema also expressed remorse over Frank Ragnow losing his father John due to a heart attack after Saturday's game. Bielema said Warren Stephens provided a plane they got on that night at took Ragnow home. Ragnow will be back with the team later this week, he said, but it didn't sound like he would hold him to that given the circumstances. Bielema said he informed Austin Allen and Dan Skipper but most players didn't find out until Sunday afternoon. Bielema said he and his wife got back around 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
-It sounds like they'll keep Jake Raulerson at guard and rep Zach Rogers at center this week.
-From a defensive point of view, it's a different formula. Bielema said they don't look as 'pro-style' as they used to as they are 'in the spread market' now. Regarding Jalen Hurts, the true freshman Alabama quarterback, Bielema said the way he throws the football stands out even though he is a great runner. He called him an 'exciting player,' and called Lane Kiffin a 'creative' play-caller who will use him to the best of his ability.
-Regarding Alabama's run defense, Bielema said Alabama has only given up 'eight or nine' explosive runs throughout the season, which he called an 'unbelievable statistic.' He pointed to the unprecedented nature of their rotation on the defensive line.
-On committed players taking official visits elsewhere, he pointed to having a commitment from Ohio who took an official visit to Louisville and didn't tell them. He said a couple of weeks later he wanted to recommit to Wisconsin but they weren't having it. In recruiting, before a player commits they have a very detailed conversation about 'we're done if you commit, you're not going to go out on any other dates.' He has made exceptions with players who say they want to take a trip somewhere before committing.
-Bielema said if a team lets up for one second, that's when Alabama will seize the moment.
-De'Jon Harris has been impressive since he got there, and they played him at WILL last week. they think Dre Greenlaw will be a lot better with some rest here and there. He also said Devwah Whaley played well (and earned offensive MVP). Bielema said they have to convince Deon Stewart that he is really ready for the big stage. He said when La'Michael Pettway decides he wants to be great, he will be great.
-On Alabama's defense, Bielema pointed to whacking Texas A&M's defensive ends every way they could, ribs, shoulders, etc. He said with Alabama, they have a unique ability that you can't leave anyone alone, and they have a guy or two who are just better than everyone else.
DAN ENOS
-Enos opened by calling Alabama extremely talented and extremely well-coached. On Tim Williams he said 'he's like the guys at A&M. He can change a game very quickly.' He said what makes him especially hard is the other 10 guys around him.
-On last year's game, he said they did some things that were 'uncharacteristic.' He said some was them being very good and some was Arkansas. He said they have to execute at a high level and can't run plays that don't have a chance structurally.
-'Pound Hogs Pound' is where Dan Enos came up with his PHP philosophy. Then they added 'Protect Hogs Protect' to help them 'Pass Hogs Pass.' It's about having balance to be able to have success, and the first part of that is to be able to run the football.
-He said they're very personnel driven on defense in terms of matching their opponents' various personnel groupings. He said they try to take what a team does best and take it away from them to make them do what they don't want to do.
-Regarding Jeremy Sprinkle, Enos said he is having a great year and every player is going to be big this week.
-On the loss of Frank Ragnow's father John and Ragnow missing practice this week, they'll probably look at both Zach Rogers and Jake Raulerson this week at guard as the No. 1 priority is that Ragnow is with his mom and his family right now.
-Enos' final year at Michigan State as defensive coordinator was Enos' redshirt freshman year. Michigan State went to the Rose Bowl there.
-"The spirit of a team comes from its quarterback," Enos said.
-Enos said he hasn't heard if Keon Hatcher will be back with them as they haven't met to have the medical report, but he hopes to because Hatcher is a physical receiver and Alabama's defensive backs are really physical also.
-On Alabama stuffing Arkansas' run game last year, Enos said it makes it difficult because their scheme is good and they have very good players. If someone had a playbook to run to score 30 points against them it would be out by now.
ROBB SMITH
-Smith called Alabama very balanced in what they do. He pointed to the run game element with the quarterback this year, and they have to be aware of where Calvin Ridley is at all times. Alabama is 60 percent three-wide sets and 40 percent two-tight ends. They also will line up receivers in the backfield and tight ends at receiver.
-On Bama tight end O.J. Howard, Smith said he is really athletic and creates a personnel mismatch with linebackers and safeties.
-On the evolution to Alabama's offense, he said they are certainly different this year than they have been in the pass, mainly due to Jalen Hurts as a dual-threat quarterback.
-They'll have to find ways to get three linebackers on the field during their two-tight sets. They have worked to get Dwayne Eugene more reps at MIKE linebacker as they try to transition him there as well as playing De'Jon Harris at WILL.
-Smith said he has only heard Santos Ramirez is progressing well, but again, they haven't met as a staff to discuss injuries yet.
-He said they've had ups and downs tackling and was disappointed in some missed tackles on Saturday. That will be a big emphasis this week because they cannot afford to miss tackles against the Crimson Tide because their athletes will take plays to the house.
-Smith said "I'm sure we'll have a wrinkle or tweak this week to try to slow down the quarterback run game."
-He called Jared Collins a 'consistent performer' and would like to get everyone else up to his level of performance.
-Sosa is starting to come of age and become a consistent performer as well, Smith said.
To be more specific, I think it says the razorbacks are giving up a lot of yards to power 5 spread teams.
I have a band competition to attend to down in Troy. My daughter marches and this is her last competition. Not happy about missing the game, but seeing how Arky struggles, I feel pretty good about this game.
planomateo
Member
Same here. Our last one is November 5th in San Antonio. More than likely streaming the Bama @ LSU game over my phone unless I can find a bar or something to watch it at while they're on break.
Ah yes, good memories of trying to listen to Bama games during band competitions. Been there , done that brothers. Smart phones will make that a lot easier now.
Band stuffs I did with my daughter, then with her two oldest. Glad her son didn't want to play in the band.
OK?!?!
A&M listed as having a bye before Bama ... but they're playing Tennessee. UT ain't shit...but you already knew that.
???
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