FAYETTEVILLE — Bret Bielema said quarterback Austin Allen would be a game-time decision on his radio show Thursday as Arkansas prepares for a trip to play No. 1 Alabama.
"We will see where he is on game day," Bielema said of Allen, who sustained an injured shoulder last week at South Carolina.
"It's one thing to be cleared, it's another thing to see how effective he can be. My guess is that he will give it a go. We'll see where he is in the first half."
Bielema said backups Cole Kelley and Ty Storey have split the practice time this week as Allen rehabbed the shoulder injury.
Bielema said the focus of practice since the 48-22 loss at South Carolina has been physical play.
"Nobody is a good loser," Bielema said. "Sunday was a difficult day. I went position-by-position and referenced physical play.
"To be physical doesn't take athletic ability or a great 40 time. That is the huge emphasis, offense or defense or special teams."
Bielema said he went over the roster to figure out how many of his players had received Alabama offers in recruiting.
"I do that from time to time," he said. "I think we had close to 10 or 15. I challenged those guys. Some of them are big players for us like (McTelvin) Sosa Agim, (De'Jon) Scoota Harris and Hjalte Froholdt. Brian Wallace is another one and he's had his best week of practice and should play in this game."
Bielema said wide receivers Brandon Martin and Gary Cross, both junior college transfers, have had good weeks and should figure in the rotation against Alabama.
Bielema said Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts makes it tough to blitz, but the Hogs will bring some against the team's leading rusher.
"A blitz with him can make it tough to fit," Bielema said. "But we are going to bring pressures and bring attitude and bring some fire."