Saturdays SEC showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Arkansas Razorbacks is an intriguing match-up. The Crimson Tide comes into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium a 9 1/2 point favorite, while the total sits at 47.

Alabama coach Nick Saban was hired to bring back a championship to the Crimson Tide and nothing less. There is a sense that this year may be their best chance in years. Alabama comes in to Arkansas with a 3-0 record and looks to continue their success. In week one the Crimson Tide routed an overrated Clemson team 34-10. Now they begin the SEC schedule against a tough Razorbacks team on the road.

The Razorbacks are 2-0 and in a similar situation as the Tide was in a year ago, adjusting to a new coach. Bobby Petrino took over in December after Houston Nutt left. Arkansas is trying to find a new identity after losing two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to the NFL. The Razorbacks are having to rely on young and inexperienced players.

Both Alabama and Arkansas are good teams in an excellent conference often over shadowed by teams like Florida, Georgia, LSU and Auburn. Alabama has a chance to take their game to the next level. Coach Saban will have his team fire up and ready to make a statement against the Razorbacks.

The teams' similarities end with the direction they are going. Alabama is more experienced, faster, stronger and more talented in all aspects of the game. Take the Tide and give the 9 1/2 points on the road.