re: Power Rankings Game of the Week #2 - Arkansas at Auburn

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add a text copy to the image?

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Here is some Auburn writeup I copied




Auburn


Season Recap

Back on December 28, 2008. Auburn made the program identity shifting decision to name an Arthur Gustavo Malzahn as offensive coordinator. Auburn fans never could have realized that hte cost of chasing a new offensive identity was to watch a perennial top 25 defense drop out of the top 50 from 2009-2015.

As the memories of Tuberville's defenses are fading in the collective conscience of college football, the hire of Kevin "Steele Curtain" has pushed the defense to stake claim to the old traditions. Auburn's 2016 defense is #11 in scoring defense and #8/#9 in efficiency by S&P+/FEI respectively. With all the excitement around the SEC, the news that Auburn's defense is back has gone unnoticed, holding 5 out of 6 opponenets to their lowest scoring outputs all year. With an elite defense to rely on Gus Malzahn can finally utilize SEC Passer Rating/Completion % leader & resident artist Sean White to full effect to be a fearsome opponent.


Critical Match-ups

Carl Lawson vs Arkansas OTs

After years of the hype express leaving the station with Carl Lawson on board, the DE has finally begun to earn his ticket after knocking off some rust. In the SEC, Lawson is #2 in sacks (6.0) and #1 in QB Hurries (11) according to CFBstats(?) In the most recent 3 game stretch, Lawson has 5 sacks with 4 against SEC competition. Trying to stop Lawson will be Arkansas' OL, who is allowing a league worst 17 sacks. Austin Allen better buy some extra rib padding if he wants to avoid an early grave.


Players to Watch
Sean White - Sean White is placing himself squarely as the best QB in the SEC. After 6 games against multiple top 15 defenses, Sean White is leading the SEC in key categories such as Passer Rating, Completion Percentage and Yards/Attempt. With his dominant performances, it is easy to see why Auburn started the week favored by 9 against Arkansas. Hopefully Kerryon has recovered from the leg injury suffered in the MSU game, if not, Pettway has proven that he's more than up to the task for the Auburn offense.


Why Auburn Will Win

Auburn is ranked in the top 10 in (I guess offense/defense) efficiency by S&P+, F+/- and FEI ranking compared to Arkansas being outside the top 40 in each. Time of possession will be in this game. With Auburn marching out of the SEC's highest rating passer, #2 rushing attack and top 10 defense, it is hard to see an Arkansas team who struggled to win by 1 over the fearsome LaTech keeping step on the road. Auburn at home will win by double digits against the Hogs.


Prediction

Auburn Perspective- Despite some clever game planning by Bret Bielema, Auburn just outclasses Arkansas to win by double digits