TUSCALOOSA (Ala.) — Bryce Young rushed for more yards than any Alabama quarterback in a single game.
This was crucial for the second-ranked Crimson Tide — and every timely, deep ball to Jameson Williams.
Young passed for 559 yards and five touchdowns, a school record. With a victory of 42 to 35 over No. 21 Arkansas.
The Tide (10-1-7-1, No. 2 CFP won its 15th consecutive match against the Razorbacks (7-4 and 3-4) largely due to the Young-toWilliams deep link that continues to be an offensive rescue plan.
Alabama has set up a date to meet with No. After a visit by Auburn, Alabama set up a date with No. 1 Georgia on Dec. 4.
Nick Saban, Tide coach, stated that “we left a lot on the board where they could have put it away.” We gave up some big plays defensively but they were only 10 of 19 on the third and fourth down, so we missed the chance to get off of the field when we had the opportunity.
This one was not settled until Arkansas’s side kick went out-of-bounds with 1:02 remaining.
With Raheim Sanders’ 17-yard touchdown catch by K.J., the Razorbacks were alive and well. Jefferson took almost five minutes to reach the goal.
Young completed 31 out of 40 passes to stay in the Heisman Trophy conversation. He hit Williams for a perfect strike for an 79-yarder in double cover and flipped the ball to Christian Leary for another touchdown, when he seemed set to run.
It was second in passing yards, after Mississippi State’s K.J. Costello, who threw 623 yards against LSU in the last season’s SEC championship.
Williams caught eight passes totaling 190 yards, with touchdowns of 79 and 32 yards.
Young stated, “When you have such a dynamic player like that, you can just throw the ball in the air and let him run underneath it.”
John Metchie also gained 173 yard on 10 catches that ended in touchdowns. Alabama’s Brian Robinson ran for 122 yards on 27 carries.
Young’s 40-yarder to Williams on third and 10 was the clincher. The replay was reviewed to determine if Williams actually had possession.
This left Jefferson and Arkansas with two points in the final 5 minutes 39, but they couldn’t deliver one.
Jefferson completed 22 out of 30 passes, gaining 326 yards and three touchdowns. Treylon Burks was a major contributor to the damage, with eight catches gaining 179 yards and two scores.
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman stated that they felt like they had a chance to win the game. “We didn’t get enough, or got a stop. “We certainly didn’t play a perfect match.”
Alabama won double-digits for the 14th consecutive year, matching Florida State’s FBS record from 1987-2000.
Young broke the school record of 484 yards passing against Auburn set in 1969 by Scott Hunter. Young did this with just 11 minutes remaining.
THE TAKEAWAY
Arkansas has made great strides since being dominated by Alabama in five previous meetings, scoring an average 34.4 points per game. Although Jefferson played a great game, Young & Co. had no answer.
Pittman stated that “We matched what Alabama is known for” “I just told the players that we are done with getting our teeth kicked in. We proved it at least this week, I think.”
Alabama looks more vulnerable than the national champion team last year. Although the Tide gained 671 yards, they allowed 468. Alabama also lost a fourth-quarter touchdown at the goal line and gave up a sack in order to get out of the late field goal range.
POLL IMPLICATION
Alabama would appear to be likely to remain at No. 2. in the AP poll. After a one week return, the Razorbacks are a good bet to drop out of the Top 25.
FIELD GOAL FAKE
With a fake field goal, the Razorbacks pulled within 34-28 in the fourth quarter. After two false start penalties, Holder Reid Bauer’s jump pass from Blake Kern to Blake Kern was good for a 32 yard touchdown.
Saban stated, “We were trying cover the guy and ran into the official.” “They had ran a fake field goal last week against LSU so we actually worked against it. We called the defense we wanted and decided to play against it.”
ANDERSON’S GAME
Will Anderson Jr., Alabama’s linebacker, had 11 tackles and a sack. He also had two quarterback hurries. Anderson was the national leader in tackles for loss and sacks.
NEXT
Arkansas: Arkansas closes regular season Friday against Missouri
Alabama: Auburn, the in-state rival for the Iron Bowl.
