Alabama’s homecoming game is set for this Saturday against Arkansas. Head coach Nick Saban has never lost to the Razorbacks while at Alabama.
Arkansas (2-3) vs. Alabama (6-0)
When: 6:15 p.m. (CT)
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium
TV: ESPN
Radio: 102.9 FM
Line: Alabama by 31
Homecoming events
Pep rally and bonfire – Friday at 7 p.m. on the quad
Homecoming parade – Saturday at 1 p.m. from downtown Tuscaloosa to campus
For more information, visit homecoming.sa.ua.edu.
Autographs (Saturday)
Prince Wimbley & George Teague at the Hibbett Sports Tent – 2 p.m.
AJ McCarron at the Quicken Loans Tent from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Antonio Langham at the Family Friendly Tailgate | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m
Need To Know
Gates will open two hours prior to kickoff. Alabama will be following its clear bag policy. Each fan is allowed one large clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear bag – plus a small “clutch” purse, no larger than 4½” by 6½”. The larger clear bag must be a standard 12″ by 6″ by 12″ made of clear PVC vinyl. The one-gallon Ziploc bag is readily available, inexpensive and easy to search. The small “clutch” allows privacy for small personal items and also is easily searched.
The Elephant Stomp is scheduled for 5:15 p.m.
Alabama is honoring the 25th anniversary of its 1992 National Championship team before the game. Several former players and head coach Gene Stallings will be there.
TideSports Twitter Takeover – Former Alabama gymnastics coach and six-time national champion Sarah Patterson will be tweeting from the TideSports account during the game.
Players To Watch
Alabama
Bo Scarbrough
Jr./RB
6-2/235
Key Stat: Averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Buzz: Last week Scarbrough tied his season-high in carries against Texas A&M with 15. The junior’s longest run is just 19 yards, a bit of a disappointment considering the damage he was able to do last season for the Crimson Tide. Through six games, Scarbrough has rushed the ball 65 times, which is right on pace to finish near the 125 carries he had a year ago. Look for the big back to break loose tonight.
Isaiah Buggs
Jr./DL
6-5/293
Key Stat: Had 10 tackles last week against Texas A&M.
Buzz: Buggs was a force last week against the Aggies, playing his most complete game of the season. With so many stars on defense, Buggs’ contributions often get overlooked, but his career-high in tackles didn’t go unnoticed. Alabama’s defensive line should be able to get into the backfield against the Razorbacks, who rank 99th in the county in sacks allowed.
Jerry Jeudy
Fr./WR
6-1/187
Key Stat: Has eight receptions for 131 yards.
Buzz: It took some time, but Jalen Hurts is starting to find Jeudy more often. The freshman has at least two catches in the Crimson Tide’s last three games, and seven of his eight catches on the season have come in conference games. Jeudy is averaging 16.4 yards per catch, which makes him a big play threat opposite of star receiver Calvin Ridley. Arkansas ranks 71st in the country in pass defense.
Arkansas
Chase Hayden
Fr./RB
5-10/191
Key Stat: Averages 5.5 yards per carry.
Buzz: The Razorbacks use a platoon of running backs out of the backfield, but so far Hayden has been the most effective. On 50 carries the freshman has gained 274 yards and four touchdowns. It’s no secret, the running game is important for every team who has to block the Crimson Tide defensive line. Hayden and his fellow running backs Devwah Whaley and David Williams will all be important for Arkansas if they want to take the pressure off the passing game.
Jonathan Nance
Jr./WR
6-0/182
Key Stat: Has five touchdowns on the season.
Buzz: Last week Nance caught eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina, and he will aim for the same production this week. The junior will be the primary target around the end zone for Arkansas. He leads the Razorbacks in receptions and receiving touchdowns and is tied for the lead in the SEC with five scores. He’s found the end zone in four-straight games.
De’Jon Harris
So./LB
6-0/242
Key Stat: Had 11 solo tackles last week against South Carolina.
Buzz: The Sophomore linebacker had just 18 unassisted tackles as a freshman, but he already has 26 this season in a bigger role. Harris is coming off of the best game of his career, and will need another good effort if he wants to slow down the rushing attack of Alabama. Arkansas’ defense ranked 59th against the run.
Parking
Gameday Shuttle
Visit uagameday.com for any additional gameday information.
