[Tuck4Bama]

It's not every week that a team runs into a Heisman Trophy candidate, but that's exactly what will happen to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday.

Or more to the point Arkansas' Darren McFadden will run into the Crimson Tide.

Slowing down the Razorbacks' 6-3, 215-pound All-American and 2006 Heisman runner-up is a key concern for Bama, according to head coach Nick Saban.

McFadden's talent is unquestioned, but there are many talented runners in the SEC. Few players in the nation, however, are as versatile as the junior from Little Rock.

Saban said when McFadden lines up at quarterback, the Razorbacks morph into a different team.

" Obviously, it would be better if he couldn't pass it and we didn't have to worry about it, " Saban said Monday. " The way you have to play, especially when he is at quarterback, they are basically out of a Spread offense but running a lot of wishbone principles.

" We need run support on both sides. That's not always easy to do without loading the box. When you load the box, that obviously gives them some opportunity to throw the ball. He does it off hard play-action... It really complements what they do. It makes it much more difficult. They make big plays doing it. "

The challenge of defending McFadden and Arkansas' var ious for mations has Saban's juices flowing. Alabama's first-year coach has coordinated his own defenses as a head coach in the past and though Kevin Steele heads his defense for the Tide, Saban's hand is still in the mix.

Saban’s Tide up for a Heismansized challenge against Hogs

[Stoney]

This game will earn Alabama some respect if they can dominate and shut McFadden down. Perhaps then the media will look at us in a different light. LSU is going to get the praise... Alabama is going to get the win. Roll Tide Roll!!!

[TrashMan]

Best way to shut him down is jump out to an early lead. Take them out of the running game, making them to have to pass to catch up.

[Stoney]

Tuirnovers I hope Saban has been working on stripping the ball. Perhaps some of that Karate will come into play CHOP-CHOP and the ball goes free!

[JRL]

Bama better not focus on McFabulous too much - Felix Jones ain't half bad.

[Stoney]

Alabama is focused on dominating the offensive line on both sides of the ball. Alabama will run on Arkansas and stop McFadden or who ever has the ball.