Alabama football made it closer than it needed to be. The Crimson Tide led Arkansas 24-6 at one point, before the Razorbacks came storming back in the second half.

UA still escaped with a 24-21 win. It might not have been the blowout fans were hoping for, but it moved the Tide to 6-1 on the season, 4-0 in SEC play.

Here’s our grades from Saturday’s contest.

Offense: C+

It’s certainly been worse, but Saturday wasn’t an “A” worthy showing from the Alabama offense. The passing grade came from the flurry of points stemming from Jalen Milroe deep throws that gave the Crimson Tide just enough of a cushion to win.

Alabama’s offensive line had huge problems throughout the game, allowing five sacks and only generating enough push in the run game occasionally. The Tide also had another bad snap, something that’s been a problem all season.

Still, the 24 points were enough. Milroe continued to look sharp throwing the deep ball, the run game showed a few flashes and UA didn’t turn the ball over.

Defense: C+

Again, Alabama looked good at times. The Crimson Tide’s defense has been its strength in 2023, and at least through the first half, that continued to be the case on Saturday.

Later in the game, Arkansas was able to move up the field at will. Alabama had real trouble tackling quarterback KJ Jefferson late, and if the Razorbacks had gotten the ball back, the Tide had a huge chance of losing the ball game.

But that’s hypothetical. In reality, the Crimson Tide did a solid job for much of the game and did enough to win.

Special teams: A

Entering the game, punter James Burnip was a game-time decision after sustaining a leg injury against Texas A&M. The injury proved to be a non-issue, as Burnip played and played well.

However, the special teams story of the day was years in the making. Kicker Will Reichard broke the SEC’s all-time scoring record in the win.

“I’m extremely happy for Will,” Nick Saban said after the game. “Honestly, I don’t really keep up with those types of things, but really happy for him. He has been probably as good a player at his position, even though he’s a specialist, as anybody that we’ve ever had here. And he’s even a better person.”

Coaching: C+

Something wasn’t clicking with Alabama’s players on Saturday. After the game, both Tyler Booker and Jalen Milroe noted that the team had lost its focus late in the contest.

“We lost intensity in the second half and that’s what it really boils down to,” Booker said.

That’s partly on the players. But after seven games, the coaching staff also has to draw its share of the blame for the near defeat.

Still, it wasn’t a defeat. Alabama executed its final drive perfectly to kill the clock and walk away still undefeated in-conference.

Overall: C

It’s a passing grade. Alabama won the game.

This one won’t make the GPA look impressive. But it’s enough to maintain academic eligibility.