5 questions for an Arkansas Beat Writer

Auburn (3-4, 1-3 SEC) hosts Arkansas (4-3, 1-3 SEC) Saturday (11 am CT SEC Community), with each groups getting back from an open week. Bryan Harsin is 9-1 in his profession as a head coach after bye weeks.

Auburn downed Arkansas final season 38-23 on the highway. The Tigers enter the sport this season on a three-game shedding streak and Harsin is Sep 11 in his second season on the Plains.

Any alternative for Harsin to return for a 3rd season can be simpler with a win towards Arkansas. An Auburn loss might ship an already offended fan base into overdrive.

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To preview this weekend’s pivotal showdown, AL.com caught up with Arkansas beat author Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette to reply 5 crucial questions in regards to the recreation. You may observe Holt on Twitter (@BobHoltADG) for extra Arkansas protection.

Listed here are our 5 questions:

1. These groups met below a lot completely different circumstances final season. What’s the largest distinction in Arkansas from final yr to now?

Holt: I’d say the largest distinction is Treylon Burks, the most effective receivers in Arkansas historical past, has moved on to the NFL and was a first-round draft choose by the Titans.

The Razorbacks introduced in some good receivers kind the switch portal — Jaden Haselwood from Oklahoma and Matt Landers (who started his profession at Georgia) from Toledo — they usually’ve performed strong, they usually have some younger guys who’re beginning to present up within the passing recreation like Ketron Jackson and Bryce Stephens.

However nobody can change Burks’ big-play capability.

2. What makes KJ Jefferson particular?

Jefferson is a real dual-threat who rushes the ball like a working again, but in addition has a robust arm and has been fairly correct. He additionally has the power to make almost unimaginable performs resembling at BYU when he gave the impression to be sacked, however broke three tackles and hit tight finish Trey Knox for a 36-yard achieve. He’s been sturdy whereas taking quite a lot of hits and has missed only one recreation (at Mississippi State this season) in two years because the starter.

3. How enjoyable is it to look at Raheim Sanders?

ANSWER: Sanders is quite a lot of enjoyable to look at, and he has an excellent nickname — “Rocket.” He’s taken to carrying a heavy load actually in turning into one of many high runners within the nation. He’s misplaced two fumbles, however in each video games (towards Missouri State and BYU) he got here again and had career-rushing days to assist Arkansas win. He’s additionally a harmful receiver.

4. How is Sam Pittman frequently?

Holt: Pittman is a fairly down-to-earth man and really personable, which is why he’s such an excellent recruiter. However he additionally could be robust when wanted. He made modifications to his workers every year that he felt had been obligatory.

Arkansas is de facto his dream job — he grew up a Razorbacks’ fan in close by Grove, Okla. — and he’s appreciative of getting been a profession offensive line coach who bought his shot to be an SEC head coach at age 58.

Pittman was a giant a part of Bret Bielema’s workers at Arkansas from 2013-15, and it’s no coincidence that when Pittman left for Georgia, issues took a downturn for the Razorbacks, and Bielema was fired after the 2017 season.

The very fact Pittman’s offensive linemen at Arkansas lobbied for him to get the pinnacle teaching job speaks volumes about his connection together with his gamers.

5. Gamers to look at on offense and protection for the Razorbacks?

Holt: The gamers to look at on offense embody QB KJ Jefferson, RB Rocket Sanders, and WR Jaden Haselwood. The fellows to look at on protection embody linebackers Drew Sanders (a switch from Alabama) and Bumper Pool (Arkansas’ profession chief in tackles) and cornerback Dwight McGlothern (a switch from LSU who has 3 interceptions).