Campus Clash
Auburn Tigers at (17) Arkansas Razorbacks
Auburn: They have nothing to hang their heads about. Them falling to Georgia is expected because that’s just how good they’ve been this year. It’s been an interesting year to say the least with this program. I can say they’re just a team that’s there in the middle of everything. They aren’t playing bad nor are they playing well either. This is year one under new head coach Bryan Harsin and the Auburn Tigers have done just enough to keep themselves in football games this year. Offensively, they have a great mix of balance with the run and pass. This offense depends on one guy to get the job done for them and that’s running back, Tank Bigsby. When he’s getting his touches, the Auburn offense is tough to stop. Now, I know Bo Nix has received his share of criticism over the years because of the inconsistent play. You just never know what to expect from him. The only way this program will be taken seriously as a contender is when they get that better play from the most important position which is quarterback. On Saturday, they will look to bounce back against those battle tested Razorbacks from Arkansas.
Arkansas: After the win against Texas A&M in week four, I was beginning to look at them in a different light. Sam Pittman has truly changed the dynamic of the football team. When they upset Texas, I heard the talk and after watching them dismantle A&M, this is what I took away: They’re a team that will stick to their gameplan. If they want to run the football, they’ll do it, if they want to throw it, they’ll do it with ease. But defensively, they will make you a one-dimensional football team. After the big win against the Aggies, they traveled to Athens, Georgia to face those annoying Bulldogs and let’s just say this was a long day at the office. I remember when I broke that game down a few weekends ago, the game plan for them was to create innovation to try and move the ball against the stingy Georgia defense but it didn’t work. They were shut out that week. On Saturday, they were featured in a huge game against the Ole Miss Rebels and what a game this was! After a shutout, the Razorbacks came ready to play. In a losing effort, KJ Jefferson had the game of his life accounting for six touchdowns. They went from scoring nothing one week to 51 the next! What I like about this defense is how they play collectively as a unit. They’re back home on Saturday.
Auburn X-Factor: Smoke Monday– He’s the heart and soul of this Auburn defense. I leave amazed each time I watch this kid play. Smoke is that one guy that’s always hovering around the line of scrimmage. Whether he’s playing in the box or in coverage, he makes the most effective play possible. I always mention that one guy every defense has who’s that enforcer. Without question, that’s Smoke Monday.
Arkansas X-Factor: Tyson Morris– He’s a redshirt senior and a reliable target for Jefferson. This is one of the many weapons KJ will target. Tyson can line up wide on the perimeter and in the slot. He’s that sneaky piece of the offense that can get behind that coverage to move the chains. When his number has been called, Tyson has answered. Those are the type of guys you want to play for.
Final Thoughts: Both these teams have a few things in common. The first is how they were both embarrassed at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs (there’s nothing to hang your heads about). Next, both teams take tremendous care of the football. Auburn will be a much better defense than the one Arkansas saw against Ole Miss so don’t expect KJ to have as many touchdowns as he did in week six. Auburn will clamp down and do all they can to make him take the game over with his arm. Also, Auburn must establish Bigsby early on. That will help Nix. If Arkansas sees the Tigers in one-on-one coverage with Burks, take full advantage. He could be a handful against an Auburn team that’s not too sharp against the pass.
Prediction: Arkansas 27, Auburn 17
