Who is Arkansas, anyway?

To say that Arkansas has a legitimate offense would be a huge understatement for Alabama's first SEC opponent.

The Hogs have really opened things up through the air since the arrival of Bobby Petrino last year. This season, the Hogs have the number one air attack with Ryan Mallett flinging the ball around the field.

Arkansas has plenty of targets this year despite the injuries to London Crawford and Lucas Miller. Sophomore receivers Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, and Greg Childs have all stepped up this year, not to mention returning leading receiver DJ Williams, the tight end.

With so many options, Mallett could have a field day in the pocket if the offensive line holds with three juniors. The OL must also get holes against Alabama's tough front seven to give Michael Smith room to run if he does enter the game enough. The expectations out of Fayetteville are that Ronnie Wingo and Knile Davis will get their share of carries against the Crimson Tide on Saturday.

On Defense, Arkansas is once again less than stellar. Sure, this team can put up the points, but the defense can give them up just as quickly. The early loss of Isaac Madison in the secondary has hurt, but the fact still remains he may not make much difference. Georgia went over the top time after time against the Hogs, so the return of Julio Jones and the arm of Greg McElroy spreading it out to over ten receivers so far this season may feast on Arkansas.

On Special Teams, Alabama is the key no matter how you look at it. The Hogs don't have a legit kickoff or punt return specialist, but the Bama coverage will dictate how many yards and points the Hogs have in the game from the specialist.

The coaches are both the "experts" in their own realm, Saban and defense and Petrino and offense. Saban got the best of him last season, and there is a good chance Saban will get him again and force Mallett to throw underneath in this game. Alabama will just find the open receiver in this game, and if they can do that well, the Crimson Tide will be fine.

Wright, Adams, Childs