Five reasons Auburn could struggle against the Arkansas Razorbacks

These things could cause trouble for Auburn against Arkansas.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Nov 10, 2023 4:00 PM EST

In this story:

Auburn Tigers

Arkansas Razorbacks

Auburn is set to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in what will be one of the biggest games of the season for the Tigers.

The Tigers are 5-4, so a win over the Hogs would get Auburn bowl-eligible in Hugh Freeze's first season on the Plains.

This game won't be a cakewalk for the Tigers as Arkansas is coming off a big win over the Florida Gators in the Swamp.

Let's take a look at five reasons Auburn could struggle against Arkansas.

KJ Jefferson has a big game

Oct 21, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive end Deonte Anderson (91) hits the arm of Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) during the second half by at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports — © Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

KJ Jefferson has been playing SEC football for a long time, and when he plays a good game, he can beat anybody. Jefferson can throw the football at a high level and runs the ball well. If the Tigers want to get this big win over Arkansas, they need to slow Jefferson through the air and on the ground. If Jefferson has a big game, it could be a tough one for Auburn to win on the road.

Payton Thorne's road struggles continue

Payton Thorne vs Vanderbilt 1920 — Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Payton Thorne has struggled on the road this season, but he did play better last week in Nashville against Vandy, aside from one ugly mistake. Now, the hope is that even though the crowd at Vanderbilt was nearly all Auburn fans, this game helped him settle into playing on the road. If Thorne plays a good football game, the Tigers will beat Arkansas. If he doesn't, this game will be difficult to win.

Rocket Sanders has a big game

Oct 1, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) rushes in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports — Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Rocket Sanders hasn't had the year many expected, but he is hitting his stride at the right time for the Hogs. He has missed games with injuries this season but is healthy now. If he runs all over the Auburn defense, it will open up things in the Arkansas passing attack and make Jefferson's legs more valuable. The Tigers need to stop Sanders, or they could drop this game.

Auburn doesn't get any pressure on KJ Jefferson

Lack of pressure has become a common theme for the Auburn defense this season, but they need to continue finding ways to get pressure on the quarterback. KJ Jefferson has been sacked a ton this season, so this is a way for Auburn to get create momentum in this game if they can sack Jefferson a few times. If Jefferson is able to sit in the pocket all game with no pressure, he will pick the Tiger defense apart.

The crowd is energized

Oct 21, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks mascot performs during a timeout in the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports — © Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Some might say its basketball season in Fayetteville, but perhaps the big win over the Florida Gators will have the crowd pumped up when the Auburn Tigers come to town. Auburn has struggled in hostile road environments, so Tiger fans need to hope Hog fans have moved on to hoops.