Ahead of Auburn's first SEC clash of the season with Arkansas, here's what some of our staff has to say about the matchup between the Tigers and Razorbacks, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 24-21
"Auburn's opening SEC matchup provides the Tigers with an opportunity to prove that its turnover-filled loss to Cal was not a sign of things to come. Quarterback Hank Brown's first SEC start will be against a struggling defense — giving up an average of 289.7 total yards and 228.0 passing yards per game.
"I expect Brown to be able to exploit the Razorback defense just enough for Auburn to get its first Power Four win since it last beat Arkansas last November."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 21-17
"Both Auburn and Arkansas enter Saturday’s matchup with lackluster defenses and 2-1 records. I’m expecting to see a back-and-forth battle on Saturday, with the team who can get the ball rolling on the ground ultimately pulling ahead for a victory.
Arkansas has ground-game threats in quarterback Taylen Green and running back Ja-Quinden Jackson, and the Auburn defense will need to limit their movement on the ground to stay in the game. If the Razorbacks get their ground game going, Green will have more opportunities in the air, and the Tigers’ secondary will have to work to limit completions. On the offensive end, expect Auburn to rely on Jarquez Hunter and on him to have a big game.
Ultimately, I think Auburn will succeed more than Arkansas in stopping the run and forcing opponent mistakes and that home-field advantage will work in the Tigers favor, giving them a win in their first SEC game of the season.”
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 35-24
"Conference play is officially here for both of these squads, and up until this point neither one has anything to necessarily boast about. Both teams recorded week two losses. Arkansas is coming off an underwhelming performance against UAB and Auburn moves on from a win in which they didn’t solidify until late.
However, the Razorbacks look like a much improved offense from the one a year ago with Bobby Petrino at the helm. With big bodies and playmakers on that side of the ball, paired with athletic signal-caller Taylen Green, the Razorbacks bring in an offense that averages 46 points per game and 587 yards - a lot of it coming in their week one win. An underlying problem for the Tigers has been their defensive struggles, specifically in the secondary. Pair that with Hank Brown seeing an uptick in competition, and it could be troublesome for the Tigers.
But, with the game being in Jordan-Hare Stadium behind a raucous crowd of 88,000 and getting a few key players back in the lineup, I think the Tigers pull away late to get their first SEC win."
William Halliday, Sports Writer: Arkansas 13-24
"Hank Brown's first start last week against New Mexico was promising, but I'm not sure it's enough to convince me that he can put together a similar production against a conference opponent just yet.
New Mexico has one of the worst rated defenses in the country, and Hank only put up 200 yards passing on them. This is going to be Hank's first big game as a starter and he's going to have some growing pains out there. I don't see him putting up many points and see him having a similar offensive production to the California game, minus a few interceptions thrown."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: Auburn 27-23
“The Tigers and Razorbacks will face off in Jordan-Hare this Saturday both coming off a week 3 win. Both teams have a one score loss to a Power Four opponent as their only blemish so far this season, but this game is bigger than any other so far as it opens conference play for both teams.
Auburn historically has played well against the Razorbacks, and I think this game will continue that trend. I expect Auburn to struggle a little offensively to start out with but gain some momentum early in the second half with the help of some good defensive stands. The offense should be more well-rounded as Hank Brown settles into his starting job at quarterback. If Brown can minimize turnovers as well as he has done so far then they will have a good chance of success. On the defensive side The Tigers will have stick to their defensive strength in stopping Razorback’s running back duo in Ja’Quinden Jackson and Taylen Green. I think after a back and forth game early the Tigers will pull ahead in the second half to secure their first win in SEC play."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Auburn 34-28
"Arkansas is coming off a rollercoaster start to the 2024 season with a blowout win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a painful loss at Oklahoma State, and a tough win at home over UAB. I think there was an emotional hangover from Stillwater that played a factor versus UAB last week, but I expect the Razorbacks to be amped up and reenergized to face Auburn, a team that blew the doors off of them in Fayetville a year ago.
This will be Hank Brown’s first SEC game ever, as he will be trying to build off a successful first career start against New Mexico. He will need help from star counterparts like Jarquez Hunter and Keandre Lambert-Smith in order to get him acclimated to the elevated level of play. The Auburn defense also will need to stop the outstanding Razorback rushing attack.
I expect this game to come down to the final minutes inside of a deafening Jordan-Hare Stadium. I think both teams will move the ball well and produce many explosive plays throughout the duration of the game, with Auburn ultimately taking the victory via a clutch fourth quarter score. "
Tyler Raley, Sports Writer: Arkansas 38-27
“Although Auburn’s record is 2-1 going to into week four, SEC play brings about a different set of circumstances for every team around the league. Hank Brown is getting his second start under center and has a lot on his plate with the potent defense that Arkansas possesses. Linebackers Xavian Sorey Jr., Stephen Dix Jr. and Brad Spence have combined for 49 tackles and three sacks on their own, while the defense as a whole ranks No. 3 in the conference in rush defense.
The Tigers have been strong at times, but with the struggles that have appeared on defense in the first three weeks of the season, I expect Arkansas to score fairly easily. The Razorbacks rank No. 3 in total offense, which will be what propels them to a big road win.”
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