FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Alabama hits the road for only the second time this year to take on Arkansas in the SEC opener for both teams on Saturday. Arkansas (2-0), who should be fresh after last week's bye, opened the season with crushing home wins over Boise State and South Florida . Alabama (3-1) has wins over Middle Tennessee State, North Texas, and Southern Miss, but suffered a tough 37-27 loss in Norman to No. 3 Oklahoma.

The Razorbacks hope to be inhospitable hosts at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, where the Crimson Tide hasn't won a game since 1994. 'Bama does lead the series 7-5, but Arkansas has taken three out of the last five games. If you like defense, you won't want to miss this crucial early season contest.

Keys to the game: Alabama

Quarterback play will be incredibly important for the Tide on Saturday. If starter Tyler Watts can't play and Brodie Croyle has to step in, Expect Arkansas to blitz on every play and from everywhere.

	Dennis Franchione and 'Bama look to go 1-0 in the SEC.

The loss of Watts would be huge. He's the go-to guy for Alabama. Watts has rushed for 188 yards and thrown for 588 yards with two TDs and two interceptions on 45-71 passes. The inexperienced Croyle is only 7-22 for 59 yards and has thrown three picks. If Croyle is forced into action, the Tide will have to get a running game going to make things easier. But Croyle will have to do a better job against the blitz. That will be big for him.

That won't be easy either for the Crimson Tide. 'Bama lost running back Ahmaad Galloway for the year when he tore both the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament in his left knee last week against Southern Miss. Galloway was the heart of this football team. His importance to the team goes beyond his 58 carries for 281 yards and four touchdowns.

When you're in the huddle, and things are getting tough in Fayetteville, and it's at night, somebody will have to come through in a big way for Alabama -- especially if Watts can't go.

The guy that was impressive to me last week was Shaud Williams. His 135 yards on 21 carries were a good sign -- he's got to come through. The transfer from Texas Tech should be a good replacement for Galloway.

Considering the injuries and having to play in noisy Razorback Stadium, it's Alabama's defense that will have to keep them in the game -- and the defense does have that ability. Their front four of Kendal Moorehead, Kenny King, Jarret Johnson and Antwan Odom is very, very good. Alabama is second in the SEC in total defense and 6th nationally, allowing only 238 total yards per game. The Tide also ranks 5th nationally in run defense, giving up just 61.2 yards per game. To win, the Alabama defense must get after Arkansas and stop the run, especially Matt Jones and the Arkansas option.

Keys to the game: Arkansas

	Matt Jones directs Arkansas' option attack.

The question everybody has about Arkansas is about the quality of their competition. You have to remember that South Florida beat Pittsburgh last year. Boise State is one of the better teams in the WAC. But Alabama is truly battle tested, having already played Oklahoma, so Arkansas will definitely be tackling a tougher opponent.

On offense, the Razorbacks will need to find a way to neutralize the speed of Alabama. Arkansas should be able to do this with the option. Quarterback Matt Jones is a good option quarterback and has rushed for 143 yards on only 17 carries in the first two games. And Jones has funny speed. What I mean by that is he's a big, tall drink of water that doesn't look like he's running as fast as he is. But he does run fast fast enough to average 7.8 yards per carry.

Arkansas also needs to take advantage of the many talented backs and receivers. Of course, we all know about Cedric Cobbs (24-151), but Fred Talley (17-85) and De'Arrius Howard (19-105) can also get it done.

It would help Arkansas slow down Alabama, if they could also get the ball out to its receivers. George Wilson has good size and has caught too TDs. Richard Smith is a big-play receiver who also has two TD catches.

Arkansas, like Alabama, has also rely on a tough defense. The Hogs are the nation's No.1-ranked defense, allowing only 37.5 yards per game. The Razorbacks don't play a standard defense. They may line up three down linemen one play and six the next. They may blitz everybody or nobody. Plus, they do it with so many different looks. That's why it will be such a tough game for Alabama. It's a real difficult defense for a young quarterback to face.

If Tyler Watts plays, Arkansas will have to scheme to stop the run or pass. If they don't, Arkansas will blitz Brodie Croyle with everybody but the coach from the time the national anthem is over until the game's over.

Look for free safety Ken Hamlin to be very active. They'll bring him up in the run game and blitz him too. Jermaine Brooks DT and NT Raymond House are two big bodies that will make it tough for Alabama to run. Arkansas' defense has to say to Alabama "if you can throw the ball, you can beat us."

ESPN college football analyst Mike Gottfried will join play-by-play announcer Ron Franklin and sideline reporter Adrian Karsten on ESPN's coverage of Alabama vs. Arkansas on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET.