No. 1 Crimson Tide presents chance for QB Ryan Mallett, No. 10 Arkansas to challenge in SEC

Mallett, No. 10 Arkansas get shot vs. No. 1 Tide

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — When Ryan Mallett left the winningest program in college football history and decided to head home, he could only hope for the opportunity he’s about to get.

Back in his home state of Arkansas, Mallett will lead the 10th-ranked Razorbacks (3-0) in the biggest game in their home stadium in more than three decades when No. 1 Alabama (3-0) rolls into town Saturday. It’s a chance for the Michigan transfer to launch his Heisman Trophy campaign in earnest and establish Arkansas as a true contender in the SEC for the first time since Bobby Petrino took over as coach.

The buzz is enormous for the first meeting of top 10 teams in Fayetteville since 1979, but Mallett insists he’s not wrapped up in what a victory could mean for his Heisman chances and beyond.