Alabama capitalized on a disastrous start by Arkansas and out-rushed the Razorbacks 308-27 on its way to a 41-9 win Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (Ala.).
The Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0) scored on its first offensive play from scrimmage when Damien Harris raced 75 yards for a touchdown.
“The way we started defensively, just very disheartening. Just a routine stretch play to our left," Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said. "Have some people just get caught up in the moment, get a little overzealous in their pursuit. They cut it back, and it goes for a score.”
The Razorbacks (2-4, 0-3) then went three-and-out on their opening possession, and a missed snap on the punt would eventually set up Alabama for a field goal to make it 10-0 with just over three minutes off the clock.
Arkansas was forced to punt on its first seven first-half possessions. Down 24-0, the Hogs made it to the Alabama 3 yard line with 3 seconds remaining before half
Redshirt-freshman Cole Kelly got the start at quarterback for Arkansas in place of injured starter Austin Allen and completed 23 of 42 passing attempts for 200 yards, a late touchdown toss to Jordan Jones and one interception.
The Hogs' defense recorded five sacks on the night while allowing just two with a new-look offensive line that featured Johnny Gibson at left tackle, Zach Rogers at center, Frank Ragnow and right guard and Brian Wallace at right tackle.
Arkansas broke the scoreless streak with 4:16 left in the third quarter when Connor Limpert made a 30-yard field goal, making it a 24-3 Alabama lead.
The Tide made it 31-3 three minutes later when Jalen Hurts found Henry Ruggs from 20 yards out. Alabama pushed its lead to 41-3 with 8:55 remaining on a 21-yard field goal.
