22 Jan 11 Alabama-Arkansas: Can the Tide Repeat as Winners This Year?

For Alabama to be successful, there must be an Alabama player in Mallett's face every playRonald Martinez/Getty ImagesLast year when Alabama faced Arkansas, Ryan Mallett was just getting his feet under him as the Hogs' signal caller, and Greg McElroy was likewise a first-year QB for the Tide.It was supposed to be an air show but in the end Mallett never took off and ended the game with just one touchdown to go along with one interception and only 165 yards passing.McElroy on the other hand looked more like the golden-armed future NFL quarterback, throwing for 291 Philadelphia Eagles jersey
yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.That was then, and this year Alabama comes in with a lot of question marks due to their inexperienced secondary. Alabama fans know better than to expect the same outcome this year.The Hogs have worked to improve a shaky defense themselves, and this year Mallett is finally looking like the NFL prospect many projected him to be.This is the pivotal game in the SEC this week, as it will show not only these two teams, but also the rest of the college football world where each is in terms of stacking up against the rest of the SEC schedule ahead.Last year the game was played at Tuscaloosa; this year it's in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Home field does hold a distinct advantage in the SEC.While the Tide will enter this game searching for answers as to the capability of its young secondary to stop a future NFL quarterback, the Hogs enter the game wondering how their defense will stop the two-headed monster of Alabama's offense.Last year they sold out to stop the run, thinking a rookie quarterback would have less of a chance beating them than the running game, which was just as strong last year as this year.They were wrong. With McElroy now a known commodity, will they try that approach again and try to keep Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and Eddie Lacy from controlling the ball, the Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
clock, and the game?Keys for Arkansas are getting a turnover or two and stopping Alabama, forcing at least four punts. If they are not capable of doing that, it could be a long day with Mallett on the sideline.Keys for Alabama are finally waking up the dormant pass rush that has only resulted in two sacks so far this season, and having the defensive secondary get at least one pick and at least four pass breakups.So far this year Alabama's defense has bent but not broken. They have allowed only one touchdown, but the offenses they've played were less than what Arkansas will throw at them.Though Nick Saban does not like to win shootouts, that's what this one will become if Alabama can't pressure Mallett.