Auburn is getting ready to play their SEC West foe, the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Arkansas was being picked as everybody’s sleeper group within the SEC with excessive upside, and it was wanting that means till just a few issues did not go their means.
A missed subject aim value them the sport in opposition to Texas A&M then beginning quarterback KJ Jefferson went down in opposition to Alabama, inflicting the Hogs to lose their subsequent recreation to Mississippi State.
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It is a good soccer group coming to the Plains this weekend which ought to make for a enjoyable ball recreation in Jordan-Hare.
Let’s take a look at 5 methods Auburn may wrestle in opposition to Arkansas.
Arkansas has a terrific run recreation
The Razorbacks are averaging 240 yards on the bottom behind star operating again Raheim Sanders. He has had a spectacular yr and has an opportunity to surpass 1,000 yards on the bottom in opposition to Auburn. Razorback quarterback Jefferson may also run the ball, which is without doubt one of the causes this assault works so properly. Auburn has struggled in opposition to the run at occasions this season. If that pattern continues in opposition to the Hogs, that is going to be a tough recreation for Auburn to win.
The Hogs get after opposing quarterbacks
Arkansas has 21 sacks on the yr to date, which means they’re averaging three sacks per recreation. The Hogs are led by Drew Sanders, who has six and a half sacks on the yr to date. Arkansas has eight gamers with a sack, which means they will assault from many various locations. Auburn’s offensive line made a step in the appropriate course final recreation in opposition to Ole Miss however continues to be removed from the place it must be. If the offensive line can not block these cross rushers to maintain them out of Robby Ashford’s face, this shall be a painful recreation for Auburn followers to observe.
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The offensive line must create area
The one place Arkansas has been weak is by way of the run. Auburn ought to have the ability to benefit from this, assuming the offensive line can create holes for Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. Whereas the Razorbacks have struggled to cease the run, they have not confronted an offensive line this unhealthy in SEC play but, so the Auburn huge males up entrance have to get an enormous push. If the offensive line cannot get a push, this shall be an extended day on the Plains.
KJ Jefferson can sling it
Whereas Jefferson has been banged up this season, he’s wholesome now and able to play in an enormous matchup on the street in opposition to Auburn. Jefferson was thought-about the most effective quarterbacks within the SEC preseason, however the hype has gone away as he has handled a number of completely different accidents. Jefferson has glorious contact on his ball and might throw it loopy far. He may also use his legs to flee stress. Whereas it has been a tricky begin to the season for Jefferson, if he’s on, he can harm you. If Jefferson has an enormous recreation in opposition to Auburn, it is going to be powerful for the Tigers to remain in it.
The Hogs have a balanced passing assault
Arkansas has 5 guys with ten or extra receptions on the yr. They’ve eight gamers who’ve caught a landing. A superb passing assault is a balanced one, and the Razorbacks positive do have one. The main receiver for the Razorbacks is junior Jadon Haselwood, who has 31 grabs on the yr. If DJ James and the remainder of the Tiger secondary aren’t capable of shut down this passing assault, the Hogs may run up the scoreboard on Auburn.
Click on right here to see what Vegas thinks of Auburn vs. Arkansas.
Click on right here to see the place Auburn stands within the ESPN FPI rankings.