Alabama Survives Scare Against Arkansas

Crimson Tide hold on for an ugly win on homecoming to remain in first place in the SEC

No. 11 Alabama survived a second-half Arkansas rally to escape with a 24-21 victory Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

Jalen Milroe passed for two touchdowns and rushed for a third as the Crimson Tide (6-2, 3-2 SEC) held on for their fourth straight win.

Arkansas (4-3, 2-2) outscored Alabama 15-3 in the second half, but the Tide's defense came up with a big stop in the final minutes to seal the victory.

Alabama's defense was dominant in the first half, holding Arkansas to just 47 yards of offense. The Tide also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Brian Branch.

Alabama took a 14-0 lead into the locker room after Milroe threw touchdown passes to Jermaine Burton and Ja'Corey Brooks.

Arkansas came out firing in the second half, scoring on its first possession on a 2-yard run by Rocket Sanders.

The Razorbacks added a field goal to cut the lead to 14-10, but Alabama answered back with a 3-yard touchdown run by Milroe.

Arkansas scored again on a 1-yard run by AJ Green to make it 21-17, but Alabama's defense came up with a big stop on the next possession.

The Tide then drove down the field and Will Reichard kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 24-17.

Arkansas had a chance to tie the game in the final minutes, but KJ Jefferson was sacked by Chris Braswell on fourth down.

The win keeps Alabama in first place in the SEC West, while Arkansas falls to 2-2 in conference play.