Turnovers have been the story of the first half as No. 1 Alabama holds the halftime edge on No. 16 Arkansas, 35-17. While Arkansas was unable to capitalize on an Alabama turnover early in the game, the Crimson Tide have turned two first-half turnovers into 14 points.
Arkansas was unable to take advantage of an early Alabama mistake. Joshua Jacobs lost a fumble at the goal line on the game’s opening possession, but Arkansas could only manage to reach the 23-yard line before having to punt the football back to the Crimson Tide. Alabama made sure not to make that mistake again with a short three-play, 73-yard touchdown drive. Jalen Hurts finished the drive with a five-yard run immediately after a 57-yard run by Damien Harris.
Arkansas fumbled away the ensuing kickoff, and Alabama took advantage of the Razorback turnover with a second Hurts touchdown run a few plays later. Arkansas answered with a touchdown drive of their own on the next possession, with Jeremy Sprinkle catching a 24-yard pass for a score from Austin Allen. Arkansas’ next offensive possession would also end with a touchdown, but this one was for Alabama instead. Tim Williams returned a Razorback fumble 23 yards for a score.
Alabama padded their lead with a 56-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Harris, putting the Tide up 28-7. After Arkansas had a touchdown called off due to a penalty, the Razorbacks had to settle for a field goal, which was no good because Alabama came right back with another touchdown after Bret Bielema exploded on the sideline and drew an unsportsmanlike penalty to push a kickoff back 15 yards. Bo Scarbrough took off for a 21-yard score for the 35-10 lead.
Arkansas did manage to score one more touchdown before the end of the first half with Allen tossing to Keon Hatcher in the end zone.