Auburn

Season Recap

Arkansas is ranked for the 5th consecutive week. The longest such streak since the Hogs left the polls in early 2012. Sad, but true (not surprising). So far this season Arkansas' defense has gone up against nationas #4, #8, #9, #17 and #29 ranked offenses (whose stats are boosted by playing Arkansas). Arkansas is 3-2 in those games and now gets read to face the nations #28 offense. It's a bit of a break considering the offenses that have historically given the Hog defense fits are those with mobile QB's who are a legit threat to run (or snowboard)

Critical Match-ups

The SEC's 2nd best QB Austin Allen and the super talented Arkansas WR's against Auburn's secondary. Most people may think the critical match up is in the trenches with Arkansas OL against Auburn DL (it is), that is not the case (nope, still is). Auburn gives up nearly 200 yards per game through the air (#30) If Allen and the WRs can find their stride, they're hard to stop. Enos has shown the ability to sperad the field recently and let the kid fling it. Look for Allen to continue to have a big day with his wide array of choices at WR/TE

Players to Watch
Austin Allen and Rawleigh Williams. Austin leads the SEC in passing yards, (not completion percentage) and passing touchdowns. He is also a threat to tuck it and run to pick up the first down (-49 yards on the year). He is as tough as nails and laughs in the face of adversity (like losing by 20 to Bama/TAMU). Allen leads the 3rd ranked offense in the league into a stadium where Arkansas has had moderate success recently. Williams leads the SEC in rushing yards due to an extra game after lighting up Ole Miss for 180 yards a week ago. Williams is just 215 yards shy of hitting the 1000 yard mark.

Why Arkansas Will Win

Arkansas is road tested with a great win @TCU, the team that beat Kansas by 1 point. The key to winning on the road in the SEC is to have a calm and solid QB + a go to RB who will get yards in key situations. Arkansas arguably has both of those and they also have a very underrated defensive line, who we believe can stop the run despite evidence to the contrary. Arkansas is 5th in the league in sacks and will try to pressure White most of the night. Arkansas will rotate 10 guys in and out in the front 4 to keep fresh bodies in. There is no talent drop off with any of them, they all are average to above average, so look for White to be hassled all evening. Arkansas is also 3rd in the league in interceptions. This could be problematic for Auburn if White, who is not interception prone, has to scramble and make tough decisions. Arkansas has returned 3 of those picks for TDs this season. Arkansas is also 3rd in the league in forced fumbles. Arkansas has recovered 7 fumbles this season, All of those are keys to winning on the road.

Paraphrase Version We don't have actual good reasons to think Arkansas so will win, we just are homer and pro Arkansas

Akrnass Perspective Auburn cannot get it going early on the offensive side of the ball and has a turnover that leads to an Arkansas TD. Auburn scores late, but Arkansas wins 31-21 and moves to 6-2

Committee Says

Auburn Tigers 29

Arkansas 30

Prediction

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