For once, DeVonta Smith wasn’t the go-to guy for Alabama.
Arkansas did its best to shut down the big-play receiver, dropping back eight players in a zone defense in an attempt to limit the Crimson Tide’s vertical passing game.
If the goal was solely to keep the ball out of Smith’s hands, the Razorbacks would have succeeded. However, Arkansas was also hoping to find a way to slow down Alabama’s red-hot offense. Despite a somewhat slow start from the Tide, that didn’t happen during Saturday’s 52-3 beatdown.
“They played us like we thought,” Saban said. “I thought Mac did a really good job of taking what they gave us. They dropped eight guys a whole bunch… Both corners rolled up three-deep, you know, tried to keep everything in front. We thought that they’d play us that way. They played that way most of the year, and they’re pretty effective doing it.”
Arkansas might have prevented Mac Jones’ deadly deep ball. Although, the Hogs were instead sliced and diced by the Alabama quarterback on a series of checkdowns and short passes.
Jones got off to a rocky start leading the offense to a field goal on its first possession before failing to find Brian Robinson Jr. on a fourth-and-four during Alabama’s second drive. From there, he adjusted to Arkansas’ defensive setup, completing 20 of his next 22 passes while marching the Tide down the field for five straight touchdown drives.
Jones ended his day with a modest 208 yards and no touchdowns on 24 of 29 passing. While the performance won’t necessarily help his Heisman Trophy campaign, it did draw praise from his head coach following the game.
“I thought Mac did a really good job of taking what the defense gave,” Saban said. “He hit the check-downs a lot. You’ve got to catch it and run with it sometimes when you play against a team like that.”
Smith finished with just 22 yards on three receptions. With the star receiver covered, Jones went to tight end Miller Forristall, who reeled in a career-high six receptions for 52 yards. Jones was also able to find receivers John Metchie III and Slade Bolden on a few short and intermediate routes. Metchie finished with a game-high 72 yards on five receptions, while Bolden had 43 yards on four catches.
“I think that’s what you have to have,” Saban said. “Johnathan Metchie has to be a force out there. Jahleel Billingsley has to be a force. Slade has to be able to make plays. We can’t be one-dimensional in the passing game. We’ve never really been that way here.
“Smitty has just had a phenomenal year. But I think we have a lot of confidence in a lot of other players that are very capable, and we have to read it out and take what the defense gives and when those guys get opportunities, they have to make plays. And they’ve done that for the most part.”
Alabama’s defense got Moody after Harris went down
Alabama was without its leading tackler for the majority of the game as starting Will linebacker Christian Harris injured his shoulder while making a tackle on the first play from scrimmage.
However, the next man up wasn’t too shabby either. Junior linebacker Jaylen Moody shined in his most extended action of the season, tying for the team lead with seven stops, including .5 for a loss. Moody also forced and recovered a fumble.
"I'm so proud of him," Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis said. "That's the way we need guys to step up. I think he did a very great job of that, and like Coach says, 'Next man up.' You can't worry about that. You've got to keep rolling."
Saban also spoke highly of Moody, stating the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder “did a pretty good job.” Heading into Saturday’s game, the former two-star recruit had just seven tackles through nine games.
“We had been talking to Jaylen, just letting him know that when his opportunity comes that he should be ready,” Robinson said. “He had great energy, and he was ready for his opportunity. He stepped up and helped fill that role. We’re proud of him, and he’ll just have to continue to improve in that role.”
Following the game, Nick Saban said Harris would have an MRI on his shoulder which would determine how long he will be out. No. 1 Alabama will play No. 6 Florida next Saturday for the SEC Championship Game.
Alabama overcame conditions
The grass inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium has seen better days. Alabama running back Najee Harris slipped on multiple occasions while Arkansas’ De’Vion Warren fell flat on his behind while running across the field during a pre-snap motion.
“The field was a little slippery today,” Robinson said. “We had to kind of get our feet up under us to feel a little comfortable with making our cuts. I think the field was a little wet today. It was a little cold and just an uncomfortable situation, but obviously, we did what we had to do.”
Rainy and cold conditions made for some sloppy moments while an 11 a.m. kickoff may have contributed to a slow start. However, Alabama was able to persevere, rolling to an easy victory while outgaining Arkansas 443-188.
“I think the biggest challenge for us today was just to prove to ourselves what type of team we are, regardless of who we are playing against and the circumstances we’re playing through,” Robinson said. “Regardless of the circumstance, we needed to prove to ourselves what kind of team we have, what type of competitive spirit our players have. For us to come out and compete hard today, that shows a lot about our competitive spirit as a team.”
Chris Owens filled in fine at right tackle
Alabama doesn’t release information or names regarding its COVID-19 contact tracing. However, that was likely the reason starting right tackle Evan Neal did not travel with the team this weekend.
With Neal out, Chris Owens filled in at right tackle against Arkansas. While the redshirt senior had yet to start a game this season, he did make four starts at center last year. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder had no problem making the move to tackle as he helped the Tide pile up 216 yards on the ground while not allowing a sack on the afternoon.
"He did everything we asked him to do this week," Robinson said. "He prepared hard with Evan Neal being out this week. He stepped up and did everything he needed to do to keep our offensive line as dominant as it was today."
