Ahead of Auburn's trip to Arkansas, here's what some of our staff has to say about the game, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Jacob Waters, Sports Editor: Auburn 24-21
"This is a dangerous game for Auburn as Arkansas sits at 3-6 and still has hopes of qualifying for a bowl game. To make this even tougher, Auburn has to go on the road, so I really don't like where this game has fallen for the Tigers.
However, I think Auburn is starting to hit its stride as the Tigers are riding a two-game winning streak with both wins over SEC opponents. I said before the Mississippi State game that I believed the stretch of games against the Bulldogs, Vanderbilt, Arkansas and New Mexico State could serve as the time Auburn turns its season around, and I am going to stick to that statement even though I have concerns about how dangerous Arkansas is right now. I expect a low-scoring game that comes down to the final quarter, but the Tigers prevail thanks to the leg of running back Jarquez Hunter who has been on a tear lately."
Matthew Wallace, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 21-17
"I would feel much more confident in the pick if Arkansas had lost last week, but the Razorbacks took down Florida in overtime. Now, the Razorbacks have something to play for because they will qualify for a bowl game if they win out. Despite putting up 39 against the Gators last week, the Arkansas offense has struggled, ranking No. 106 nationally. Arkansas is the third straight offense Auburn has faced that ranks outside the top 100, and the first two games went well for the Tigers.
This game could come down to Payton Thorne's arm, as Arkansas's defense is the strength of the Razorbacks' team. Arkansas gives up just 129.4 rush yards per game, so it may be difficult for Auburn to establish the run, no matter how hot Jarquez Hunter has been lately. If the Tigers can run the ball successfully, they should have no problem winning. If they can't, however, it could be up to the Auburn defense to step up in a nail-biter."
Grace Heim, Sports Reporter: Auburn 31-27
"At the beginning of the season, I had Auburn losing in a close game to Arkansas, but I am since expecting the Tigers to win a close one over the Razorbacks. Arkansas has played a lot worse this season than expected but is coming off a big overtime win against Florida on the road while Auburn heads to Fayetteville, Arkansas with back-to-back SEC wins under its belt.
I think the outcome of this game is going to be determined by the Tigers’ offensive performance led by Payton Thorne. If Thorne has a solid game, the Tigers should claim their third straight conference win, but other than last week’s game against Vanderbilt, Thorne has struggled on the road. However, I expect Thorne to come into his groove against Arkansas. The Tiger defense should have no problem stopping the run and getting to the quarterback against the Razorbacks, and if they can limit Razorback quarterback KJ Jefferson’s performance, the Tigers should leave Fayetteville with a win.”
Caroline Roberts, Sports Writer: Auburn 27-14
"Since the start of the season, Arkansas has gone 1-5 in SEC play. The Razorbacks continue to struggle to protect their home, however, I believe Auburn will come out on top after a tough battle and close game. The Tigers are in the works of what seems to be a change in the second- and third-string quarterback.
The outcome of the game will be determined by both teams' offensive performances. Arkansas has recorded a number of low-scoring games, which will be lethal for their success against Auburn. As the Tigers head to Fayetteville, they will rely heavily on Payton Thorne's leadership and possibly receive a glimpse of what Holden Geriner is capable of. I believe that the game will be close but that Auburn will have no issue with coming out victorious. With the hard effort of the Tigers' strong defense, stalling Arkansas's offensive momentum will allow Auburn to return home with another SEC victory under its belt."
Luke McClure, Sports Writer: Arkansas 24-20
"Auburn comes into this weekend having won its last two SEC games, with a chance to gain bowl eligibility with a win at Arkansas this weekend. Arkansas is ranked last in the SEC West standings but is coming off its first SEC win versus Florida. While Arkansas has not been very good record-wise on the season, they have taken many teams down to the wire, with one-possession losses to good teams in LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama and Ole Miss. Auburn played a one-possession game against only Ole Miss out of those teams, after scoring a late fourth-quarter touchdown to make the score look closer than the game felt. That along with Arkansas being at home gives a reason as to why Arkansas is favored in this game despite having a poor team record.
This matchup will probably not be a high-scoring affair with both offenses ranking near the bottom of the SEC in points per game, at fourth- and fifth-worst. However, Arkansas is coming off its second-best offensive output of the season against Florida, with 39 points and 481 yards of offense. This comes a week after firing their offensive coordinator so Arkansas might have found their offensive stride, with a unit that was expected to be good coming into the year led by veteran quarterback KJ Jefferson. Jefferson was viewed as one of the premier quarterbacks coming into the season, and while he has not lived up to the hype, he is still averaging 232 yards per game, with 18 total touchdowns to eight interceptions.
While neither defense is elite, Auburn does have the edge allowing only 21.7 points per game, but they rank 83rd in the country in rushing defense letting up over 150 yards per game to ball carriers. This matchup will probably come down to who can win the turnover battle, in which I will trust the better quarterback, as I predict the Razorbacks to pick up a crucial SEC victory."
Tyler Cox, Sports Writer: Auburn 20-17
“Though Arkansas has struggled in SEC play, five out of its six conference games ended in tight one-score affairs. The Razorbacks are coming off a road win against Florida, trying to get bowl-eligible. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back wins against SEC opponents, starting to find their groove. I expect a close defensive battle, where Auburn has the slight edge offensively.
The determining factor in this game will boil down to whether Auburn can establish the run game. Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter had over 100 yards in his last two games, leading the Tigers to two straight victories. Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne has also been important in Auburn’s rush attack, so it will be crucial that he gets going offensively. If the Tigers control time of possession by running the ball effectively, limit Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson’s first reads and his rushing ability, they should come out with a victory.”
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