Razorbacks vs. Auburn Gameday Predictions
Passing Offense:
Last week the Hog’s offense struggled mightily, only putting up 10 points in the loss to Texas A&M. Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson threw for 373 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Auburn’s quarterback Kyle Frazier leads the 118th-ranked passing offense in the nation, only producing three passing touchdowns on the year. Cobi Hamilton has been putting on a clinic the past two weeks recording nearly 500 receiving yards. Arkansas seems to have an advantage throwing the football.
Advantage: Arkansas
Rushing Offense:
Junior running back Knile Davis looked sharper in his runs last week, despite coughing the ball up a couple of times. Freshman Jonathan Williams also looked good in his limited appearances in the game. Auburn is led by Tre Mason who has only recorded 275 yards and one touchdown on the year. On paper, Auburn has produced more on the ground this year than Arkansas. Frazier is also a dual-threat quarterback who can break down defenses with his running ability. Arkansas has struggled with scrambling quarterbacks thus far, which could give Auburn a big advantage.
Advantage: Auburn
Passing Defense:
Arkansas got shredded once again last week, allowing 453 passing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterbacks seem to be having career days each week against a very young, thin secondary. Auburn held LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger to 169 passing yards in their last game, which they lost 12-10. Auburn has the clear advantage in this category.
Advantage: Auburn
Rushing Defense:
Arkansas gave up 218 rushing yards last week, which included 104 yards to the multi-threat quarterback Johnny Manziel. Kiehl Frazier is also a threat to run, which has caused problems for the Hogs all year. Auburn allowed 182 rushing yards to a potent LSU backfield, which in all reality is pretty good considering the talent of LSU. Arkansas is struggling with the balance they need in the running game, and they hope it might change this week.
Advantage: Auburn
Special Teams:
Arkansas has continued to struggle in the special teams department. Dylan Breeding has been very consistent punting the ball, but Zach Hocker has missed some kicks he normally makes and the return game has been almost non-existent. Auburn hasn’t been flashy on special teams thus far, with their primary return man Onterio McCalebb not breaking out for a huge play thus far. Both teams seem to be similar in this category.
Advantage: Even
Coaching:
Both programs and coaching staffs seem to be struggling this season. Auburn gave LSU a scare in their last game, but the more talented team prevailed. John. L Smith is just trying to ride this ship out for the 10 months he is signed on, and Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has come under scrutiny for underperforming as well. Both coaches are searching for answers, and maybe this game will spring one’s season in a positive direction.
Advantage: Auburn
Overall:
Arkansas and Auburn have both struggled in their own sense this year. Arkansas is plagued by defensive woes, and Auburn has struggled offensively at times this year. Both teams have been in a funk and been under harsh scrutiny this year. I have a hard time figuring out if either team has a clear overall advantage in this game.
Advantage: Auburn
