TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Javier Arenas figures it’s time for No. 2 Alabama to stop living in the past.
The Crimson Tide cornerback isn’t talking about the rich football tradition of titles and wins that the fans hold so dear, but the more recent one of letdowns and breakdowns.
That’s just so 2007. Yes, Saturday’s opponent, Arkansas State, is an upset-minded Sun Belt Conference team just like Louisiana-Monroe was about this time last year. As far as Arenas is concerned, this ‘Bama team just isn’t nearly so susceptible to overlooking teams and treating such games with a yawn.
“We’re past that point, you know?” he said. “That letting up point and playing down to the competition. We’re past that point.”
Alabama (8-0) has moved on from that painful 21-14 loss to Louisiana-Monroe last season and the issues of discipline and effort that contributed to it. Now, a slip-up would bump the Tide from it’s lofty status as one of the top contenders in the national championship race.
Arkansas State (4-3) has gotten ‘Bama’s attention with an opening upset at Texas A&M and a subsequent 83-10 drubbing of Texas Southern.
“Any time you get a team that scores 83 points, it’s definitely some offense going on and players making plays, regardless of who they’re playing against,” Tide safety Rashad Johnson said. “There’s definitely a thought in the back of your mind that these guys can put up points. It’s going to be a good task for us.”
The Red Wolves also bring an option attack directed by quarterback Corey Leonard, who is averaging 260 yards of total offense. Leonard and running backs Derek Lawson and Reggie Arnold all rank among the Sun Belt’s top nine rushers. More…
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THE SEC STREAK IS FINALLY HERE! - Join us this week as Hognoxious and Benny Perrin chime in on the upcoming traditional “measuring stick” match-up with the Razorbacks. Bobby Smittle (Hognoxious, host of The Pig Idea) takes us behind enemy lines to give his insight into Arkansas, along with a very obnoxious “Pig Suey”. We’re happy to have good ole Benny Perrin on the show again. The Former DB (1978-1981) & owner of BB Perrin’s Sports Bar & Grill speaks on his time a the Capstone and the importance of this Razorback/Tide match-up.
Enjoy, ROLL TIDE!
Ben
