Game sketch: Alabama 24, Arkansas 21

Below is a rundown of No. 11 Alabama’s 24-21 win over Arkansas on Saturday:

Why Alabama won

The Crimson Tide hurt the Razorbacks through the air and with their running game. Alabama finished with 238 passing yards and 177 on the ground. Jalen Milroe’s completion percentage was not great, but a healthy number of the passes he did complete went for big gains. He also made key plays in the game’s final minutes to move the chains. Defensively, the Crimson Tide brought Arkansas’ offense to a halt in the middle of the game and created enough separation.

Why Arkansas lost

The Razorbacks struggled offensively for a majority of the game. After rushing for a combined 78 yards against Texas A&M and Ole Miss, Arkansas totaled 100 on the ground against Alabama and averaged 4.2 yards per play. The Razorbacks gained 10 yards in the second quarter and had a string of five consecutive three-and-outs between the second and third quarters. Arkansas had coverage busts in the secondary that led to Milroe touchdown passes of 79 and 29 yards.

Play of the game

Facing third-and-14 from the Alabama 21, Jalen Milroe dropped back and completed a pass to Kobe Prentice for a 79-yard touchdown with 58 seconds left in the first quarter. The score opened up the game for the Crimson Tide, who had 25 yards of offense on their first 10 plays from scrimmage. It was the first score in what became a run of 24 consecutive points for Alabama.

Offensive player of the game

Jalen Milroe completed 10 of 21 passes for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns. He connected on 5 passes of 15-plus yards that netted 193 yards. Milroe, too, essentially iced the game in the closing minutes with a 4-yard run on third-and-3.

Defensive player of the game

Landon Jackson had a career day against the Crimson Tide. The 6-7 defensive end finished with 11 tackles, 7 solo, and 3.5 sacks. The 11 stops were a game high. Jackson had three sacks all last season and did not have one in SEC play this year before Saturday.

Pittman on Sanders

Arkansas running back Raheim Sanders did not play at Alabama. 

Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman said the back went to get additional rehab on the knee that has been injured since the season opener against Western Carolina.

“I have no idea when he’ll be back,” Pittman told reporters.

Sanders has played in 3 games this season, rushing for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns on 34 carries.

By the numbers

200 — Wins for Nick Saban as head coach at Alabama.

53.9 — Razorbacks punter Max Fletcher’s average on seven punts. He had a long of 70 in the game.

25 — Receiving yards for Arkansas tight end Var’keyes Gumms, who entered the weekend with 1 reception for 2 yards on the season.

16 — Consecutive losses for the Razorbacks against Alabama.

10 — Consecutive made field goals for Arkansas kicker Cam Little. He made kicks of 55 and 49 yards against the Crimson Tide.

7.3 — Razorbacks running back AJ Green’s yard-per-carry average on 6 touches.

6 — Arkansas three-and-outs in 12 offensive series.

5 — Consecutive losses for the Razorbacks. It is Arkansas’ longest skid under Pittman.

3 — Consecutive games in which the Razorbacks have finished with less than 300 yards of total offense.

2 — Third-quarter pass breakups by Arkansas safety Jayden Johnson. He did not have one this season prior to Saturday.

0 — Total turnovers in the game.