Matt Vigoda, Sports Editor at the Arkansas Traveler, answered a few questions from The Plainsman ahead of Auburn's Top 25 showdown with Arkansas this Saturday.
MV: I don't think last year's matchup matters. Bret Bielema has been talking about playing with a "1-0 mentality" for every game and that's not something that will change this week. Last year's game will be remembered, but this season both teams are still competing and that's all that matters.
2. Arkansas limped a bit out of the gate with close wins over Louisiana Tech and TCU, but the Razorbacks look like they've started to improve, even in that loss to Alabama. What's been the key to that?
MV: Consistency. That's something they didn't have all last season until the final few games. Losses against Alabama and Texas A&M are nothing to be ashamed of. The play of the offense has kept Arkansas in almost every game this season.
3. How has Austin Allen looked after replacing his brother at quarterback?
MV: He looks just like Brandon did his senior season, only this is Austin's first season as a starter. He's an incredibly smart player who fits Offensive Coordinator Dan Enos' playbook perfectly. Allen has been great thus far.
4. What matchups with Auburn scare Arkansas the most?
MV: The entire Auburn offense vs the entire Arkansas defense. What has not been a consistency for the Hogs is their defense. With a significant amount of injuries, it's understandable. But leaving receivers wide open and having linebackers miss assignments is not something a Hog fan would want to see.
5. Auburn ranks third in the SEC in rushing, even after a bye week, and Sean White is leading the conference in passing efficiency. How will the Arkansas defense prepare for a balanced attack like the one Auburn's been putting out lately?
MV: A balanced attack is Arkansas' worst enemy on defense. It'll be tough to stop White if the Hogs can't put pressure on him. Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith has struggled mightily this season and he doesn't have much time to turn it around. Putting pressure on the quarterback is key.
6. What does each team need to do to pull out a win?
MV: As I mentioned in the previous question, putting pressure on the quarterback is key for BOTH teams in this game. White and Allen are very efficient quarterbacks and giving them time to work is bad news for the defense. The team with the most sacks will win this game.
7. Score prediction?
MV: Arkansas 35-31.
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