The No. 1-ranked Alabama football team enters its home game against Arkansas this week with some questions. Here are four.
1. Can Mac Jones handle the No. 1 role?
With Heisman Trophy candidate Tua Tagovailoa out with an ankle injury, the Crimson Tide turns to Mac Jones as the starter. He was thrust into action last week and, after a few series, got more comfortable. Just how different will the offense look with Jones as the starter?
2. Punting issues resolved?
Entering the Tennessee game Alabama was averaging 34.5 yards per punt. Alabama turned to walk-on Ty Perine and he didn’t disappoint, booting a 51-yard kick, a 42-yarder (46.5 average), and he even made a hard-hitting tackle. With a performance like that, Alabama could see better results going forward.
3. More sacks for Alabama’s defense?
Against Texas A&M the Crimson Tide had five sacks and against Tennessee it had three. In the previous five games Alabama had 10. Led by Terrell Lewis, who leads the SEC with six, Alabama has picked up the pressure. Arkansas has allowed 13 sacks this season.
4. Another 100-yard day for Najee?
Alabama running back Najee Harris has kicked into high gear the last two weeks. He ran for 114 yards against Texas A&M and 105 against Tennessee. Arkansas ranks 100th in the nation in run defense, allowing 192 yards per game.
