FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Alabama did it once. That was probably enough for Nick Saban’s tastes.
The second-ranked Crimson Tide lost starting quarterback Bryce Young to a shoulder injury in the second quarter Saturday but won 49-26 at No. 20 Arkansas. For a period, though, the reigning Southeastern Conference champions appeared to be in trouble without the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
Saban, who has never lost to Arkansas in his 16 years as Alabama’s coach, is optimistic Young would be fine for next weekend’s game against Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1) — the only team to beat the Tide in the regular season last year.
“Bryce has a little AC sprain in his shoulder. We’ll have to take it day to day,” Saban said. “I think he’s OK. He doesn’t have a serious injury.”
After opening a 28-0 lead in the second quarter behind two touchdown drives led by Young and another two from his replacement, redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe, the Alabama offense began to sputter. Arkansas capitalized.