“Arkansas is really, probably the most improved team in the country, if you want to compare last year to this year,” coach Nick Saban said. “They’ve really played very, very well all season long. They have been dominating in terms of the way they have been able to run the football.”
The Arkansas ground game is led by running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. Collins, a sophomore, has rushed for 621 yards and six touchdowns while Williams, a junior, has rushed for 486 yards and eight touchdowns.
“I have heard a lot about Alex Collins,” Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen said. “He is a great back. You know, him and the other back [Williams] are a great duo. They are really going to be a challenge this week, but we are excited about the opportunity.”
Many Alabama players expect the game to be physical, just like every other time they have played Arkansas, no matter the record of both teams.
“Every game in the SEC is physical,” Alabama offensive lineman Austin Shepherd said. “That is just what this conference is about. That is what everyone strives to do, play physical. But they have improved so much, I think it is going to be a good game.”
