Earlier this week I sat down with fellow ‘Fansided’ blogger Meredith Hornsby. For those of you not familiar, this beautiful young lady is an editor for “Bama Hammer“, one of (if not) the most respected sites for the University of Alabama athletics. We had a great time discussing the upcoming Alabama at Arkansas game, Western German philosophy, and how to get under the skin of any Auburn fan.
After some back-and-forth (mixed with her outgoing persona and split-second sense of humor) we decided that an exchange of questions and answers was in order. You can find the fabulous musings of Mrs. Meredith and myself here. Also, please follow our new friend on her “Twitter” account @DivineMrsMH. Yes, she’s a hottie with almost 14K-followers, so expect her to always come correct.
Q: Alabama is starting a freshman quarterback heading into the heart of the SEC season. Are there any concerns for you as the Crimson Tide is set to play its first big road game in front of a packed stadium?
MH: I wouldn’t really call this Alabama’s “first big road game”. Bama faced Ole Miss in Oxford on Week 3 and managed to do pretty well… While Jalen Hurts IS a true freshman, he has shown incredible poise throughout the season. Alabama’s players are used to playing in front of over 101,000 fans at BDS. I realize that’s a home crowd, but I don’t think 72,000 fans hog-grunting at them will rattle our boys too much. My biggest concern is actually our offensive line, and whether not they will hold up to give Hurts enough time to get set in the pocket.
“I’ll always say that Alabama will win another National Championship, because that’s just what we do at Bama.” – Meredith Hornsby
Q. What are your thoughts on Arkansas QB Austin Allen?
MH: I think he’s super cute. Oh – you mean his playing ability? Sorry. Allen is a tremendous player with a lot of talent. If I remember correctly, he’s leading the SEC in passing efficiency, right? I think it’s going to be important for the Alabama defense to wear down the Razorbacks’ receivers and to really put pressure on both Allen and the offensive line.
Q. Why will Alabama win the game?
MH: Because Bama is awesome. But seriously, I think Alabama will win because our defense is phenomenal. Reuben Foster and Jonathan Allen are both beasts. Marlon Humphrey is a shut-down corner. Eddie Jackson is strong and as it turns out, a threat as a punt returner. Tim Williams is the best pass-rusher on the team and hungry after only playing in the second half of the game last week. All of these players will help shut down the Razorbacks. Bama is also on a seven-game streak with at least one non-offensive touchdown, so be on the lookout for big plays on defense and special teams.
Q. Why will Arkansas win the game?
MH: They won’t. Sorry. Bammers gotta Gump, right? In all honesty, I think Arkansas has a good chance to dethrone the Tide. Allen is impressive at QB and the Arkansas defense is strong especially in the secondary. Alabama’s offense has done well just looking at the numbers, but there’s been a lot of bonehead play-calling (I still love you, Lane Kiffin) and way too many penalties.
Q. What happens the rest of the season to both of these teams?
MH: My Magic 8 Ball just told me to “Ask Again Later”, so I’m not entirely sure. I think both teams have a chance of making it to the SEC Championship. The SEC East is much weaker than the West, as usual. So whatever team goes to Atlanta in December is likely to win and maybe find themselves in a playoff position. I’ll always say that Alabama will win another National Championship, because that’s just what we do at Bama. But you never know. Good luck to all the Razorbackers this weekend. Let’s all hope for a clean game with no injuries on either side. (Roll Tide, though).
Q. Would you change the Alabama mascot from an elephant if you could?
MH: No, I love it. I love the story behind it, I love how the band forms one on the field, I love how sexy Big AL is, and I love their little footprints.
Q. Honest prediction on the game?
MH: Alabama – 34, Arkansas – 21
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Q. After Arkansas pulls off the upset, can we still be friends?
MH: Nope. #ByeFelicia. Kidding. Of course, I love football, but life does in fact go on. Plus you’re cute. Are you single? My great-aunt is looking.
Q. Cuter than Austin Allen?
MH: Don’t push your luck.