In this edition of HogTalk, Morning News sportswriters Vernon Tarver, Alex Abrams, and Chip Souza, Robbie Neiswanger discuss the Hogs’ rough treatment at the hands of Alabama and look ahead to the rescheduled game against Texas.

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12:00, 5.5 megabytes

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Well, after spending nearly two hours in a dentist’s chair this morning, I thought I’d do something a bit more enjoyable and post a few of my own Over-Unders for Saturday’s game between Arkansas and No. 9 Alabama.

In case you missed this two weeks ago when Arkansas hosted Louisiana-Monroe, I’ll throw out a statistic and then try to guess whether that number will be surpassed in the game. And as I mentioned the last time, this is in no way encouraging gambling. (After all, that’s illegal in this state.)

So let’s begin…

Number of missed field goals and extra points by Alabama and Arkansas kickers: 2 (I’ll take the under. I should probably take the over since Alabama’s Leigh Tiffin missed four kicks in his last trip to Fayetteville in 2006, and Arkansas’ Alex Tejada hooked three in his last game. But I have to imagine that both kickers will be able to block out their meltdowns and get their jobs done. OK, maybe one field goal goes wide left.)

Number of turnovers forced by Arkansas’ defense: 1 (I’ll take the over, though this is not a lock. The Razorbacks are one of only two teams in the nation without a turnover this season. Hello Rutgers. But Arkansas is due to recover a fumble or get an interception at some point this season, so it might as well come Saturday.)

Number of passing yards by Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick: 285 (I’ll take the under. Of course, Dick has passed for more than 300 yards in each of his first two games, a remarkable feat considering his career-high before this season was only 228 yards. But Alabama’s defense is better than the two he’s seen this season.)

Number of rushing yards for the Razorbacks: 42.7 (This is what Alabama, the nation’s top rushing defense, is averaging over its first three games of the season. That’s ridiculous. And considering what the Crimson Tide was able to do to Clemson’s highly touted backfield, I have to take the under.)

Number of points scored by Arkansas and Alabama: 46 (Based on recent history, I’ll take the over. Remember the Razorbacks won 24-23 in 2006, then lost 41-38 a year ago. Both teams should be able to score, and there is a chance that the halftime score could add up to more than 46.)

Number of houndstooth hats seen at the game: 2 (If this game were played in Tuscaloosa, it would be a lock to take the over. But since no Arkansas fans will wear Bear Bryant’s favorite headwear, I’m going to take the under. I’m sure at least one Alabama fan will wear a houndstooth hat, but will two?)

Well, here’s hoping I made the right picks.

See you Saturday at the game.

Podcast: Hog Talk #25

In this edition of HogTalk, Morning News sportswriters Vernon Tarver, Alex Abrams, Chip Souza, and Robbie Neiswanger discuss the postponement of the Texas game and this week’s matchup with Alabama.

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13:15, 6.1 megabytes

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I haven’t really done a good job of keeping you informed from the other side of the fence.

But with a little extra time on my hands this morning, here’s some samplings of what Alabama writers have been working on with the SEC opener on its way:

• First, Ian Rapoport of The Birmingham News explores the heavyweight battle between Jonathan Luigs and Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody. Here is Gentry Estes’ take on the matchup, too.

• What’s in a number? The Mobile Press-Register looks into the numbers game Alabama coach Nick Saban is playing with the Tide’s duplicate jerseys

• Earlier this week, the Tuscaloosa News explored the challenge Arkansas’ passing offense presents to the Crimson Tide.

• Alabama strong safety Justin Woodall turned down the chance to play pro baseball. And his patience on the football field is finally paying off, writes Gentry Estes.

• Arkansas isn’t the only team playing a lot of freshmen this season. So is Alabama. Ian Rapoport looked at the decisions Nick Saban made in putting freshmen on the field.