The Traveler

Issue date: 9/19/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonathan Gibson Arkansas has knocked off the Crimson Tide in four of the last five contests at Reynolds Razorback Stadium, including a the last two. Alabama leads the all-time series 10-8.

It will be an early wakeup call Saturday morning for the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-0), as they gear up for their Southeastern Conference debut against the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0).

The 11:30 a.m. kickoff may be untimely for some fans, but most Hog players and coaches have no qualms.

"We'd get up and play as the sun came up if we needed to," defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said.

In fact, some even seem to relish it.

"I like the early kickoffs," senior nose tackle Ernest Mitchell said. "[The opponents] are usually just out of bed and still thinking about sleeping. As for our players waking up, I suppose it is different strokes for different folks. But I'm just going to take a cold shower and I'll be about ready."

Invaluable for Arkansas in preparing for Saturday has been an extra five days of practice they received after last weekend's game against Texas was delayed. For the UA offense, it allowed them to break down the many looks of the Alabama defense.

So far this season, the Tide has blitzed opponents heavily, applying pressure for as much of games as possible. This has aided them in becoming one of the nation's best teams against the run.

"They aren't going to line up in a base look very often," offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. "They bring the safeties down and have them help on the run a lot and do a lot of different movement. Really, it comes down to understanding what they are doing, why they are doing it and taking advantage."

A Razorback with possible big-play potential will be junior wide receiver and Alabama native London Crawford. Crawford, who suffered a minor injury in week one, has had two receptions in each of this season's games for a total of 40 yards.

Last season, Crawford came alive against the Tide and snagged three passes for 47 yards.

"London had a real good spring and a good fall," Petrino said. "It would be good to see him come out, make some plays, be explosive and make something happen for us."

Continued...

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