This week's matchup against Auburn is an important turning point for Arkansas's season. After the last two weeks, the Hogs have shown fans how much potential they have and how bad they could be, how they can lose a game out of nowhere, and how they can overcome adversity to pull out a win. Now, they'll show fans how they play against SEC competition on the road.
ESPN's Football Power Rankings suggest that Saturday's game will be evenly matched, with Arkansas and Auburn coming into the game ranked No. 29 and No. 26, respectively. The Tigers also have a 59 percent chance to win. However, when you dive into the efficiency ratings, it tells a different story.
Arkansas is superior in every category except one. Overall, the Razorbacks have the 34th-best overall ratings, with the No. 19 offensive and No. 62 defensive rating. The Tigers are No. 57 overall, No. 65 offensive, and No. 72 defensive ratings. Special teams is where Auburn shines, claiming the third-best ratings, while the Razorbacks rank No. 106.
Saturday is arguably head coach Sam Pittman's most important game of the season. If the Hogs lose, it puts them in danger of starting the season 2-4 with Texas A&M and Tennessee on the horizon. Arkansas must show some promise against Auburn for Pittman to stay the head hog. Luckily, the Razorbacks have an edge in two of the three facets of the game. For Pittman's sake, ESPN better be right.