The only surprise from Alabama's 52-3 win against Arkansas? That the game was once tied, 3-3, and remained tied until the Crimson Tide surged ahead in the final minutes of the first quarter.
Such are the standards for Alabama, which has spent the last month as the unquestioned No. 1 team in the Amway Coaches Poll and the College Football Playoff rankings. While Notre Dame, Clemson and Ohio State have staked out seats in the semifinals, the Tide's performance since November has made the team to beat for the national championship.
Arkansas is undoubtedly improved under first-year coach Sam Pittman, who inherited a disaster area from former coach Chad Morris but has quickly turned the Razorbacks into a middle-of-the-pack contender in the SEC.