Arkansas is starting its conference slate with Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Hogs are 1-7 in the last eight years (2-6 if you count the backward spike in 2020), and the last three games have gone to the visiting team, but will that be the case this time?
Razorbackers connected with FanSided's Auburn site, Fly War Eagle, and talked to its Site Expert, Andrew Hughes. He helped give some insight on what to expect from the Tigers this Saturday.
Q & A with Fly War Eagle Site Expert Andrew Hughes
Q: I was surprised to see Jarquez Hunter’s stats after Auburn’s first two games, but he reminded us why he’s one of the best backs in the SEC with his 152-yard performance against New Mexico. How important will it be for Hunter to have a good day on Saturday?
A: With Hank Brown facing an SEC defense for the first time, it’s of paramount importance for Jarquez Hunter to set up the pass with a strong running game. Hunter helped buoy the offense during the many Payton Thorne down-games and he doesn’t even need to be the heart and soul of the offense like that any longer with an effective pocket-passer under center. With that said, Hunter should still approach 100 yards against a shaky Arkansas defensive front. If he doesn’t, the offense will rely too much on Brown; unless Damari Alston can pick up the slack behind Hunter in the RB room.
Q: Hugh Freeze has had Sam Pittman’s number since walking into Razorbacks Stadium with Liberty and knocking off the Hogs. How have Tiger fans warmed up to him after suffering through Brian Harsin’s tenure?
A: Tiger fans are, for the most part, still behind Hugh Freeze because of his recruiting success. They expect on-field results to follow. After Bryan Harsin, fans are just happy to see their head coach actually working to improve his program.
Q: So, Peyton Thorne is out, and Hank Brown is in. What did you see from the redshirt freshman, and how well will he perform against an SEC defense?
A: Brown is not the speediest QB but he does well to be elusive in the pocket avoiding the pass rush. He’s got a huge arm that can devastate defense on any given play and having a talented WR corps has me confident he can do well against any SEC defense. If his OL can match up physically against the opponent, Brown is sure to air it out. Doing well depends on his WRs doing their part. That has held back QBs on the Plains for years.
Q: Arkansas has a dual-threat QB with deceptive speed in Taylen Green and a running back who averages 132 yards per game and 8.4 yards per carry. What can Auburn do to slow down Arkansas’s rushing attack?
A: Auburn can only slow down the defense by making tackles in the open field and limiting big plays. We know Taylen Green and Ja’Quinden Jackson are gonna find gaps and exploit them, but the Tigers’ LBs need to be the best players defensively and limit the damage. Hold Arkansas to enough field goals and Auburn’s offense should be able to compensate.
Q: Who are some Auburn players Razorback fans should know?
A: Razorback fans need to know the name KeAndre Lambert-Smith because he’s bound to have a big catch or two as AU’s leading receiver. Kendric Faulk, Jalen McLeod, Eugene Asante’s names will probably be announced plenty on the defensive side of the ball.
Q: One of the things that separates the SEC from the other Power Four conferences is talent in the trenches. How do you see that matchup shaking out between Arkansas and Auburn?
A: Auburn’s OL isn’t elite, but it should hold up against Arkansas. The Tigers’ DL is decent but the rebuilt Hogs OL could give them fits. Overall, the trench war is even on paper, but Auburn being at home is a major plus for the orange and blue.