AL.com is sharing stories this week with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, which covers the Arkansas Razorbacks thoroughly. Here is today's column by Democrat-Gazette sports editor Wally Hall:





By WALLY HALL

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Long before Alabama's Trent Richardson took a screen pass 61 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, Alabama had all it needed to beat the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Touchdowns on a trick play, an interception and a punt return were more than enough to hold off the Hogs in a game that wasn't as close as the 38-14 final score.

Alabama simply dominated. They were the best Saturday and maybe every Saturday for weeks to come.

The Crimson Tide were better than the Hogs on offense, defense and special teams.

They controlled the line of scrimmage and the Razorbacks from start to finish.

Yes, the Razorbacks played hard and never gave up, but without a semblance of a running game they were as predictable as Saturday's weather forecast.

It was almost as if the Crimson Tide were eavesdropping in the huddle; oh yeah, the Hogs didn't huddle much and Bama, which practices against the no huddle every day, was ready for anything and everything.

Bobby Petrino was so desperate for some yards on the ground he called a reverse to Joe Adams from his 20. Without so much as a blink, Alabama smothered the play for a loss of 7 yards.

At the half, the Hogs had minus-6 yards rushing and 89 yards total. Bama had 96 yards rushing and 114 through the air.

That's balance, which obviously you can't have if you don't have a running game.

A little of the blame falls on Ronnie Wingo, who had a 26-yard touchdown run called back because an offensive lineman held, and some on the offensive line. Credit Alabama's D the most.

It didn't help the Hogs that starting defensive end Jake Bequette was out with a hamstring injury and that in the first series. they lost the other starting defensive end

Tank Wright (and we won't even bring up running back Knile Davis), but that didn't cost them the game.

What hurt the Hogs most was Alabama.

This Crimson Tide defense looked better than the one two years ago when Alabama won here 35-7.

That year, Alabama went undefeated and won the BCS national championship. Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy that year, too.

Richardson should be a strong candidate for that honor before this season is over. He's harder to tackle than an out-of- control freight train on a mile-long downhill run. It is easier to get a hand on a full-speed bowling ball than Richardson. He's quick and fast enough to drive your car before you know your keys are gone.

He gives all new meaning to Roll Tide Roll.

He and Eddie Lacy are why Alabama has balance on offense.

And the Crimson Tide defense is the backbone of this team.

The past 10 times the No. 1 SEC offense met the No. 1 defense, the offense won eight times.

On Saturday, there was not a threat of that becoming nine times.

Tyler Wilson probably needs industrial strength Tylenol today he was pounded so hard, and too often, by a Bama defender.

Tide defenders locked down receivers like it was midnight at the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

It was Bobby Petrino's worst loss since his first season when the Hogs fell to Texas 52-10 and Alabama 49-14 a week earlier.

This was not play-calling or preparation though.

It was a lack of execution and much of that was because the Crimson Tide were so dominating. They dictated the outcome of the majority of the plays.

Saturday, Arkansas played a team that very well could play for another BCS national championship at the end of this season.

Alabama looked that good from start to finish.