Arkansas and Auburn both remain winless in conference play, but one will finally break that streak Saturday. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze is feeling the pressure, while Arkansas interim coach Bobby Petrino searches for his first win since returning to lead the program.
Previewing Auburn
Auburn’s defense has been the most consistent strength of this year’s Tigers team. In seven games, they’ve allowed more than 24 points only twice. The Tigers held both Texas A&M and Georgia to fewer than 21 points, while generating steady pressure up front with 21 sacks, tied for fourth in the SEC. Linebacker Xavier Atkins and defensive end Keyron Crawford lead the charge with five sacks each. The Hogs will need to keep quarterback Taylen Green upright to have their best shot in this matchup.
Quarterback Jackson Arnold has completed 63.6% of his passes for 1,190 yards and five touchdowns with only one interception. He’s also the team’s second-leading rusher with 261 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Jeremiah Cobb leads the Tigers with 564 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. With rainy conditions expected in Fayetteville, Auburn’s rushing attack could play a major role.
Previewing Arkansas
After another one-possession loss, the Hogs will need to put all aspects of their game together to end a five-game losing streak. Offensively, Arkansas has been explosive. The Razorbacks played a clean game against Texas A&M with no turnovers and scored 42 points on a top-five opponent.
Green ranks third in the SEC in passing yards with 1,910, completing 62.4% of his passes with 17 touchdowns. He’s also added 589 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. Running back Mike Washington Jr. has caught fire in recent weeks, rushing for a combined 278 yards against Tennessee and Texas A&M. He now ranks second in the conference in rushing yards. Wide receiver O’Mega Blake has been Green’s top target, posting 582 yards, third most in the SEC. The Hogs have averaged 513.7 yards per game, the best in the league.
Defensively, however, Arkansas continues to struggle. The Razorbacks allow the most total yards, rushing yards, and points per game in the SEC. For the Hogs to finally capture their first SEC win, the defense must find a way to get stops and get the Auburn offense off the field.
Hogs to Watch
Quarterback Taylen Green and running back Mike Washington Jr. have been two of the SEC’s most dynamic offensive players this season. For the Hogs to pull off the win, the duo will need to lead the way again, especially with the potential for a rainy, ground-heavy battle.
Broadcast Information
Time: 11:45 a.m. CST
Date: Oct. 25
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: SEC Network