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BAMA ON3 SHOW: Breaking down Alabama ahead of Arkansas

47377776_10156854436900775_2208546246019252224_nby:Clint Lamb•09/28/22•

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Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

The Bama On3 Show is back for Episode 111, which includes Clint Lamb and Jimmy Stein breaking down all the latest happenings surrounding the Alabama football program. Today’s list of topics includes:

  • How Alabama rotates its offensive line, and why it’s impressive
  • Why JoJo Earle’s return is so important
  • Quick thoughts on how Alabama can beat Arkansas
  • And more!

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No. 2 – RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs has been one of Alabama’s top playmakers this season. The Georgia Tech transfer hasn’t really been used as a true, traditional running back, but that’s actually what could make him such a dangerous weapon against Arkansas come Saturday. You’ll see him lined up in a variety of roles, including at receiver.

The Razorbacks have two really good linebackers in Bumper Pool and Alabama transfer Drew Sanders. Through the first four games, the duo has combined for 67 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, six QB hurries, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. One of their biggest weaknesses, however, has come in coverage.

Sanders and Pool have each been targeted 17 times this season, according to PFF. That’s tied for second-most on the team behind safety Jayden Johnson (20). The two linebackers have alowed 27 of those 34 combined targets to be completed (79.4%) for 338 yards. That’s an average of 12.5 yards per completion.

In comparison, Henry To’oTo’o, Jaylen Moody and Deontae Lawson have been targeted 21 times collectively. They’ve allowed 14 of those to be completed (66.7%) for only 120 yards, which is an 8.6-yard average. Are you starting to understand how a player like Gibbs can exploit these guys? If not, check this out.

Arkansas played Cincinnati in Week 1. In addition to some of the damage on the ground from power-back Corey Kiner, the Bearcats saw backup Charles McClelland, a 5-11, 200-pound versatile chess piece, total 86 total yards (44 rushing, 42 receiving) on only nine total touches.

Against South Carolina in Week 2, the Razorbacks allowed running backs MarShawn Lloyd and JuJu McDowell to combine for 98 receiving yards on eight catches. Lloyd alone accounted for six of those receptions and 72 of those yards while totaling close to 100 yards (23 rushing) on the day.

Even Montana State running back Jacardia Wright had some success. He hauled in four catches for 37 yards (9.3-yard average) against Arkansas in Week 3. Do any of these guys have the same receiving ability as Gibbs or even Jase McClellan? No, they do not.

The last time Alabama was on the road, Gibbs led the offense in targets (9), receptions (9) and receiving yards (74) while being the only player to score through the air. Could we see more of that against the Razorbacks? I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.

For more players to watch versus Arkansas, click here.

Other recent Crimson Tide stories

Alabama football: Five players to watch vs. Arkansas

WATCH: Alabama continues preparations for Arkansas

Snap count observations from Bama’s win over Vandy (Offense)

Snap count observations from Bama’s win over Vander (Defense)

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