Auburn's defense held Arkansas to 17 points led by linebacker Xavier Atkins who had yet another stellar performance in the 33-24 win in Fayetteville.
Atkins finished the game with 13 total tackles (nine solo), two sacks, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Atkins was flying all over the field, making plays whether it was in the run game, in coverage or spying Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green.
The former four-star and LSU transfer, Atkins, was an offseason portal addition that has made himself a household name not only in the SEC but nationally. He is one of the leaders on Auburn's defense and is a big part of why Auburn has yet to allow over 25 points this season. Auburn is one of six FBS teams to accomplish this feat.
The Auburn defense as a whole forced four total turnovers, including a pick-six by Rashawn Pleasant, who returned it for a touchdown, completely altering the momentum of the game. The Auburn defense was stifling in the second half, allowing 105 total yards and only three points in the second half.
The Razorbacks came into the game leading the SEC in yards per game at 513.7 and were fifth in points per game at 37.1. The Tigers held them to a season low of 331 yards and only 17 points.
Atkins' first big play of the game came on a third-down sack in the first quarter, where he spied Green and used his speed to bring him down. His next two huge plays came on the same drive late in the 3rd quarter, where he sacked Green and then tackled him for a loss of yards, which forced a field goal.
His next big play could not have come at a better time, when Auburn was up three in the fourth quarter and Arkansas completed a couple of big passes down the field. After one of the catches, Atkins punched the ball out while making the tackle, allowing Auburn to recover the fumble. Punching out the ball has become a massive trend in football over the last year or so, and Atkins accomplished it perfectly.
Atkins, who is only a sophomore, has 61 total tackles (45 solo), seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception on the year. He leads the Tigers in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles. Atkins is top-five in the SEC for tackles and sacks, even though he is a middle linebacker, which is outstanding. His performance thus far should easily recommend him for the Butkus award, which is awarded to the best linebacker in the nation, given how he has played so far this year.
Atkins is proving to be one of the most dangerous linebackers in the country and seems to only be getting better and better each week as he continues to fly around the field making game-changing plays.
Atkins and Auburn will host Kentucky next Saturday in Jordan-Hare at 6:30 p.m. CDT on SEC Network.
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