No. 16 was a bit more difficult that just about everyone figured.
But it came.
No. 11 Alabama beat Arkansas for the 16th straight time on Saturday as the Crimson Tide had to hold off a Razorbacks charge in the second half, 24-21.
Arkansas pulled within that three-point margin with a touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion with 10:59 left. The two teams traded drives before Alabama ran out the final 5:19 with two third-down conversions on the drive.
The Razorbacks were the superior in the second half, outgaining Alabama 152 yards to 141 and outscoring the Tide 15-3. The difference, though, was a first half in which Alabama scored touchdowns on three straight possessions, countering Arkansas’ first two possessions that each ended in field goals.
After those two drives, Arkansas went three-and-out on every other series in the first half before finding a spark in the second.
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson went 14 of 24 passing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Sategna caught the first late in the third quarter and Rashod Dubinion, who received more playing time because of an injury to Rocket Sanders, caught the second to pull Arkansas within three points.
The Razorbacks are back home for Week 8 after four straight games away from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State will be in Fayetteville for another 11 a.m. kick.