Coming off the back of what felt like a home game victory at Vanderbilt, Auburn (5-4, 2-4 SEC) looks to continue its winning ways on the road at Arkansas (3-6, 1-5 SEC).
The Tigers will face a tall test in the form of K.J. Jefferson. The dual-threat quarterback stands at 6-foot-6, 247 pounds, making the quarterback a tough challenge for the Tigers defense.
Even if that was not enough to begin with for the Tigers, Jefferson is coming off a game with 255 yards through the air, along with 92 yards on the ground to with three total touchdowns in a 39-36 overtime victory.
"From last year, I remember him being so big and being able to push the ball downfield," Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett said. "He's been good for Arkansas so far, so I can't wait to go up against him and see what he has for this year."
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has a goal in mind this weekend. The first year coach only needs one more win to make Auburn bowl eligible for the first time in two years.
"I have been pretty open about the fact that going to a bowl game in Year 1 is desired, needed and wanted," he said. "I want the extra practices. I want the seniors to be honored. I want our program and fans to still have the same energy moving into Year 2. All of that is a part of us getting to a bowl. We've been able to do that at each stop that we've taken over. I want to do it here, and I think our kids want to do it here.”
Auburn will look to rewrite its performance from a year ago when the Razorbacks won 41-27 inside Jordon-Hare Stadium. Despite the loss, the Tigers have fared well in the matchup, winning the previous six games before last year.
Jarquez Hunter looks to continue a run of dominance after a standout game against Vanderbilt. The junior running back’s 121 rushing yards in first quarter were the most by an Auburn back since 2012.
Another key piece to the Tigers will be the defense. Auburn has collected a turnover in 18 straight games, the longest streak since 2007-08. In addition to the impressive turnover streak, redzone defense has been as area that the team has excelled in, as the squad currently boasts the No. 1 redzone defense in the SEC.
The game is set for a 3:00 p.m. CT kickoff this Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Broadcasting will be provided on the SEC Network and by the Auburn Sports Network.
