PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Tua Tagovailoa has directed 35 drives this season, 24 of which have ended in touchdowns and two more in field goals. In those 35 drives, the Tide has converted 17 of 21 third-down chances. Tagovailoa has completed 18 of 21 passes on third down for 392 yards and seven touchdowns. He has also carried the ball five times on third down for 38 yards and five first downs.
–QB Jalen Hurts played last week against Louisiana, appearing in his fifth game, and easing concerns he would take advantage of new redshirt rules to transfer this season, like Clemson’s Kelly Bryant. Tua Tagovailoa, who beat out the two-year starter Hurts in camp, said they have a strong relationship.
“Our communication with how we see things now, I think, has grown a lot,” Tagovailoa said.
“When I go in on 7-on-7, he’s kind of watching in the back. When he goes in, I watch in the back. Sometimes we question each other like why did you do this, why did you do that? The communication with us has been really good. I think we’ve been improving a lot as an offense, within not only our running game but also our passing game while we’re communicating to each other as well. It benefits both of us.”
–WR Henry Ruggs III, part of a talented, young receiving corps, set career highs last week against Louisiana with five catches for 116 yards.
–DL Raekwon Davis, considered to be a high NFL Draft pick in 2019, has made 17 tackles this season, including 1.5 for loss. He also has a team-high five tackles for loss.
SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads Arkansas 18-8 and has won 11 in a row.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “These are definitely the games you don’t want to overlook because it is a setup and it’s very easy for average people to have an average mindset. So you just have to make sure that you don’t settle.” — Alabama LB Christian Miller, on playing Arkansas this week.
