It’s difficult to write these predictions without sounding like a fan.  It’s also impossible to run a “fan site” without being a fan, so I guess most folks expect a little Razorback slant when they visit BlogHawgs.com.  That said, we try to be as objective as possible here.  Which is very difficult in a week where objectivity is hard to find.

This is going to be a whale of a game.  What we as fans need to realize is that this is just one game in the 12 game season.  The ripple effect could be amazing, but a loss does not ruin the 2010 campaign.  Probably the smartest thing Bobby Petrino and the athletic department did this season is guarantee an open week after this game.  Win or lose, the Razorbacks are going to need time to recover physically and emotionally.

But when it comes down to football, this is just a game.  Two titans of the SEC West will battle it out for the inside track to Atlanta.  The winner could still lose one game during the course of the conference slate and still have the tie-breaker over the other.  The winner will automatically be one of the teams to beat in order to win the national title.  The loser will have to fight back and run the table to have any chance at the SEC West title or a BCS bowl berth.  When we strip away all that, though, it is still just a game.

Great football teams always have great line play.  You can talk all you want about the importance of an experienced quarterback or skilled defensive backs, but a lot of mediocre teams have those two elements.  But you cannot find a great team that doesn’t have great line play.  Both Arkansas and Alabama bring that to the table this season.

Ryan Mallett has not seen the turf very often this year thanks to his unit up front.  A mix of young and old, the Hogs have guys that “play nasty,” accord to coach Klenakis.  As good as they have been protecting The Franchise, though, they have been rather average opening up running lanes.  As Coach Petrino noted this week, the running game takes 11 guys.  But the linemen need to lead the way.  If the Hogs are to prevail on Saturday, this unit needs to lead the rushing attack to a strong start and sustained progress in the fourth quarter.

Greg McElroy has enjoyed similar protection this year.  His uniform rarely gets dirty.  The running attack at Alabama reminds Razorbacks fans of the success we enjoyed from 2006-2007 with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.  Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson are clearly the best tandem runners the league has seen since those Hogs.  As talented as they are, though, they would not be much without a fantastic offensive line.  Bama, though, has not faced a pass rush like that of Arkansas this year.  If Alabama hopes to win this game, they’re going to need to prove they can handle a SEC defensive front.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Razorbacks have been beasts.  In three games they have dominated the line of scrimmage.  The most impressive thing I’ve seen from them is the pass rush.  Willy Robinson (like most DCs in the country) is a lot better coach when his unit can get quarterback pressure with four down linemen.  That leaves 7 guys to cover at most 5 receivers.  I’ll take those odds any day.

Through three games, the Crimson Tide defensive front has looked ferocious.  And that ferocity is growing now that Marcel Darreus is back in the fold.  While the Tide have only worked out a couple of sacks this year, it’s important to note a couple of things:  1) They have played read-option quarterbacks against San Jose St. and Penn St, and 2) Duke uses a quick-strike offensive attack that puts a premium on getting the ball out of the quarterback’s hands in less than 3 seconds.  It’s hard to get to a quarterback that is constantly on the move or firing the rock as soon as you shake your blocker.

So, if the two lines play to a virtual stalemate –something I expect – how to you predict a winner?  Do you go with the heady, better-passer-than-you-think Greg McElroy and his band of backs?  Or do you take the all-the-talent-in-the-world-and-then-some Ryan Mallett and his #1 receiving corps?  Or is there another factor?

I’ll take Option #3.  The Hogs will win on Saturday.  Yessir, the Hogs are going to take down the #1 team in the country (#2 in the BlogHawgs Select 17 – the only real poll that matters).  The Hogs are going to win this game because of three things:

1. Intense focus and preparation with the knowledge they have a week off to heal before whuppin’ the Aggies in Dallas.
2. An atmosphere that will be so electric even the Bama fans and team will be rocked back.
3. The Arkansas special teams

For the first time since I was in junior high, the Razorbacks have solid special teams play.  They have been almost perfect in all phases through three games, including at critical junctures in Athens last weekend.  Success breeds confidence, and that is especially true in the kicking and return game.  Dylan Breeding is quickly becoming a weapon.  Zach Hocker – who coincidentally was brought in to take Breeding’s job – has been a remarkable find as a place kicker.  Alex Tejada has emerged as a serious kickoff specialist.  And Joe Adams gives Arkansas a true punt return threat.  Dennis Johnson is sorely missed returning kickoffs, but Adams and Mardrecus Humphrey have impressed coaches enough to warrant legitimate excitement among the fan base.

Like most folks out there, I’ve lost a little perspective this week.  This is the biggest game in Fayetteville of my adult life.  This makes the 2006 game against Tennessee seem like this year’s season opener against Tennessee Tech. 

And it’s this big because the Hogs are legitimately good.  This is not a scenario where you think “If X, Y, and Z go right, the Hogs have a chance to win.”  This is a game where you can say with confidence, “If the Hogs play like they’re supposed to play, we’ll beat Alabama.”  I think the Hogs will play like they’re supposed to play.  Arkansas 34, Alabama 27