Tide Tidbits - September 19, 2008

Petrino, Hogs await Saban, Tide
The game is not just two short-term NFL coaches matching up. It's the Razorbacks' offensive guru vs. the Crimson Tide's defensive mastermind. 'Bama safety Rashad Johnson looks forward to facing Petrino's offense for the first time. "It's going to be fun, but we've got an NFL coach who's coaching our defense who's going to have us ready," Johnson said. "It's going to be like two NFL-style teams going against each other in the SEC. It's going to be fun to see who can execute their style of NFL play."

Is Alabama for real? Arkansas hosts No. 9 Tide
For the fifth straight season, Alabama is 3-0 — and nobody needs to tell the Crimson Tide how little that means. Saban was hired to bring winning football back to Alabama — and fans want more than just September victories. Last year Alabama started 3-0 and finished 7-6. In 2006, a 3-0 start became a 6-7 season and the end of Mike Shula's coaching tenure.

UA offense a key to defending Arkansas passing game
The University of Alabama’s best defense against the Arkansas Razorbacks’ high-octane passing game might just be a good offense. The Crimson Tide will be facing the best passer in the Southeastern Conference on Saturday in Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick, who is averaging better than 320 yards per game in the air and 335 yards in total offense. Keeping Dick and the Razorbacks’ potent passing game on the sideline won’t just be a job for the Alabama defense.

Roll Tide!