Arkansas defenders ready to prove themselves against SEC competition

<br>FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Arkansas faces something it hasn't seen this year when it opens Southeastern Conference play against Alabama on Saturday _ a big, physical offensive line. <br><br>The

Friday, September 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Arkansas faces something it hasn't seen this year when it opens Southeastern Conference play against Alabama on Saturday _ a big, physical offensive line.

The Crimson Tide (3-1) averages 6-foot-4, 302.2 pounds on its starting line, an inch or two and 10 pounds more than what the Razorbacks (2-0) saw against South Florida or Boise State.

The Alabama offensive line also will be far more adept at blocking for runners, giving the Arkansas defense its first crack at stopping the rush this season.

``This is by far a completely different offensive line than what we've seen,'' Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said. ``The size, speed and agility and how physical this offensive line is amazing. Our guys realize that. It's hard to prepare for it when you don't see it every day.''

The Razorbacks rank No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense at 37.5 yards allowed and scoring defense at 8.5 points, but that came against passing teams. The defenders, most notably the linebackers, are ready to line up and chase the football.

``That's what we want because people aren't giving us any props (respect) for the first two games we played,'' inside linebacker Caleb Miller said. ``And bring us in a team that's going to run. Alabama does that.''

Alabama running back Shaud Williams, who takes over carries for Ahmaad Galloway after his season-ending knee injury last week, said the Tide expects to have hard time running against Arkansas. But he doesn't think his line can't overcome the Razorbacks.

``I think a lot of people didn't give us a chance going into Oklahoma, playing against their defense,'' said Williams, a Texas Tech transfer who rushed for 135 yards after Galloway went down last week. ``I think we did well against them. I don't see why there's any reason we can't go to Arkansas and do the same thing.''

Tide quarterback Tyler Watts left last week's win over Southern Mississippi with a sprained left foot and redshirt freshman Brodie Croyle finished the game.

Alabama coach Dennis Franchione doesn't talk about players' injuries, so it's not known if Watts or Croyle will start against the Razorbacks.

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt expects to see Watts.

``We're going to prepare like he's going to play,'' he said. ``He's just a tough guy. I can't see him not being on the field for this game. When I see number 14, I see one of the toughest guys on the field.''

Croyle ran for a touchdown, but only threw for 15 yards and one of his two interceptions was returned for a touchdown.

Arkansas linebacker Tony Bua said the defense has prepared for both quarterbacks.

``I just feel like they've got two good quarterbacks in that position and it doesn't matter who they put in,'' Bua said.

Just as the Arkansas defense hasn't faced much of a challenge, neither has its offense. The Razorbacks were able to get a lot of experience for younger players during blowout wins over Boise State and South Florida.

Meanwhile, the Alabama defense has given up an average of 0.76 yards per carry in its last three games, holding down top running backs such as Middle Tennessee's Dwone Hicks (42 yards), Oklahoma's Quentin Griffin (9) and Southern Mississippi's Derrick Nix (57).

The front line led by tackle Jarret Johnson, nose-tackle Kenny King and end Kindal Moorehead has been dominant. All three have named to the Outland Trophy watch list, the award that goes to the nation's top interior lineman.

``I think our defensive line has probably taken control,'' Franchione said. ``Anytime that you defend the running game as well as we have and then pressure the quarterback as well as we have, you've given your entire defense a chance to play well.''

Alabama has given up 62 yards on 86 carries in the past three weeks, a period that started by holding No. 2 Oklahoma to a school-worst minus-23 yards rushing.