The college football season has met its halfway mark and two SEC West rivals are going helmet to helmet this Saturday as the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4) welcome the Auburn Tigers (4-2) to Fayetteville. The Tigers might have some momentum with their two game winning streak, but the Hogs have had a bye week to get prepared to tangle with the Tigers at home. Auburn’s overall record is stronger than Arkansas’ but the numbers prove that this match up could turn into upset alert for the Tigers.
Auburn comes off a 30-27 road win at Kentucky where red shirt freshman quarterback Sean White got his first road win and completed 17 of 27 passes for 255 yards without a turnover last week against the Wildcats. White still has not produced a passing touchdown this season, but running back Peyton Barber has rushed for 650 yards with eight touchdowns this season. The offense is averaging a total of 354 yards and almost 26 points per game. Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn credits the recent win to the boost in positive attitude for the team.
However, Arkansas might have more confidence with their offense. Senior quarterback Brandon Allen has recorded 1536 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Allen has the help of running back Alex Collins who is fourth in the SEC with 682 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Wide receiver Drew Morgan adds to the offensive punch with 428 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The offense is averaging almost 80 yards more than Auburn, with 433 yards and 24 points per game. Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema sees his team getting better every day.
It is said defense wins games, and this Saturday that might prove to be so. Arkansas gets the edge at #45 in the FBS giving up 365 yards on defense and 23 points per game. Auburn’s new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp hasn’t provided the spark the Tigers needed as they are #93 in the FBS giving up 426 yards and 26 points per game.