Although there may not be a quarterback controversy in Tuscaloosa after Mac Jones’ 235 yards passing and three touchdowns, the redshirt sophomore shined in his first start for the injured Tua Tagovailoa. Four first-half turnovers by the Alabama defense contributed to the cause and allowed Jones to capitalize with 24 points off those turnovers. Junior running back Najee Harris punched in two touchdowns of his own and junior receiver Jerry Jeudy hauled in seven catches for 103 yards and two scores to spread the scoring around the Alabama offense.

Player of the Game: Terrell Lewis

Three of the four turnovers by Arkansas in the first half were interceptions, and all three started with redshirt junior outside linebacker Terrell Lewis’ presence in the backfield. Lewis was credited with six quarterback hurries on Saturday and made three tackles. After two years riddled with injuries, the junior had perhaps the most impactful game of his Alabama career and is rounding into good form at just the right time.

Play of the Game:

Arkansas was threatening to score its first points at the end of the first half, inside the Alabama 25-yard line. Quarterback Nick Starkel’s pass was picked off by senior corner Trevon Diggs — Alabama’s third interception of the half — but the play had just begun. Diggs sprinted down the Arkansas sideline untouched for 84 yards and the score to cap a dominant first half by Alabama. It was Diggs’ third interception of the season and the first pick-six of his career.

Key to the Game:

 The first half start by Alabama was a knockout punch that Arkansas could not recover from. Jones did his best A.J. McCarron impression and managed the first half to near-perfection, hitting his spots when needed and deferring to Harris when necessary. The four turnovers forced by the Alabama defense gave Arkansas no chance to get any type of momentum going. With the score 41-0 at halftime, the game was already decided.

Statistical leaders:

Passing:

Mac Jones: 18-for-22 passing for 235 yards and three touchdowns.

Rushing:

Najee Harris: 13 carries for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Receiving:

Jerry Jeudy: Seven receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.