The Hogs will head to the plains this Saturday for their first SEC game of the season. Auburn is in a vulnerable state after it lost at home to California, resulting in redshirt freshman Hank Brown usurping Payton Thorne as the new starting quarterback.
Can Arkansas accomplish the upset as three-point underdogs, or will the Razorbacks crash and burn à la Oklahoma State? Here are the Razorbackers' staff predictions:
Staff Predictions: Arkansas vs. Auburn
Matthew
This week, Arkansas has a golden opportunity to pick up a win that head coach Sam Pittman can point to as a tangible sign of progress if it can take down Auburn on the road. The key matchup will be the Razorbacks’ defense against an Auburn offense that has changed quarterbacks ahead of this matchup.
Hank Brown was solid for the Tigers against New Mexico last week in his first career college start, as he threw for four TDs and no picks. However, is the redshirt freshman ready for life in the S.E.C.? In this matchup, I’ll take Arkansas because Taylen Green is a better QB right now than Brown, and in toss-up games, having the better QB is a huge edge. Until Auburn’s freshman QB can prove he can win in the toughest conference in America, I’ll be skeptical.
Arkansas 30 – Auburn 27
Sam
Like the Oklahoma State game, Arkansas' SEC opener seems like another litmus test for what the 2024 season will turn out to be. Both Arkansas and Auburn desperately need a win to start conference play. It wouldn't be a shock to see the Razorbacks lead for much of the contest, or even dominate a quarter or half, but Sam Pittman hasn't yet proved that he can consistently win big games on the road. Jordan-Hare voodoo will inevitably strike. Arkansas loses in heartbreaking fashion.
Auburn 31 – Arkansas 28
Austin
Saturday’s game is pivotal for Sam Pittman‘s career at Arkansas. If the Hogs lose this game against Auburn, Arkansas is in danger of starting the season 2–5 with Texas A&M and Tennessee around the corner. If that were to happen, Pittman‘s time as the head hog could quickly come to an end.
The Razorbacks have the talent to play competitively against the Tigers, even though it’s in Jordan-Hare Stadium. There’s a lot of incentive on the defensive side of the ball, too, with defensive coordinator Travis Williams returning to his alma mater. You can expect he'll bring the pressure, especially with redshirt freshman at the helm of Auburn's offense.
If Arkansas comes out and plays like it did in the first half against Oklahoma State, the Razorbacks win by two scores. The problem is, this offense hasn’t shown consistency against decent opponents. Arkansas loses a close another one-score game on the plains.
Auburn 31 – Arkansas 28