The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 52-3 on Saturday to finish the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record.
The Crimson Tide go undefeated in the first-ever SEC-only schedule.
While the final score would indicate Alabama domination, it didn’t start so easily. Late in the first quarter, the game was tied at 3-3, as the Crimson Tide’s offense struggled to move the football.
However, senior wide receiver DeVonta Smith took a punt 84 yards to the house, and Alabama never looked back.
First career punt return TD for DeVonta Smith đź‘€
What can’t this guy do?! pic.twitter.com/W0cAYEtJBA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 12, 2020
While Smith didn’t have his best statistical performance in the win over Arkansas, his punt return essentially ended things in favor of the Crimson Tide.
As a receiver, Smith caught just three passes for 22 yards.
Despite such a decisive victory, Alabama’s passing game was slowed a bit by an underrated Arkansas’ defense.
Quarterback Mac Jones was efficient, completing 24 of 29 passes for 203 yards; however, he did not throw a touchdown pass for only the second time this season.
The Crimson Tide’s ground game was strong, though, rushing for 216 yards and six touchdowns.
Alabama’s defense was the star on Saturday, keeping the Razorbacks out of the end zone and holding them to just 188 total yards.
The Crimson Tide play SEC East champion Florida in the SEC championship game next week.