See-saws are dangerous. They can result in pain and injuries.
Both Alabama and Arkansas discovered that much on Saturday as the Crimson Tide opened a massive lead, lost their starting quarterback, saw the lead evaporate, then rebuild to an expected level in the end. A 49-26 win was the final result.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, left the game with 10:34 left in the second quarter and never returned. Jalen Milroe helped Alabama to two straight scores upon entering and built the lead to 28-0.
Arkansas responded. A touchdown pass to Ketron Jackson. A touchdown run from AJ Green. An onside-kick recovery. A field goal. A muffed Alabama snap on a punt. A Rocket Sanders touchdown.
Suddenly, 28-0 became 28-23.
Milroe had seen enough. After Alabama was limited to negative yardage of total offense in the third quarter, the redshirt freshman replacement of Young scrambled 77 yards on third down to set up Alabama’s next touchdown. After Arkansas punted on the ensuing drive, Jahmyr Gibbs took the ball, on the first play of the series, 73 yards for another score.
The air was sapped from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. And while the Razorbacks put together a solid drive midway through the fourth quarter to trim the lead, No. 2 Alabama had done enough already.
Arkansas’ loss to the Crimson Tide is its 15th straight. The Hogs haven’t beaten Alabama since 2006. They travel to Starkville in Week 6 to play Mississippi State, a team they haven’t lost to since Sam Pittman has been coach.