Sep 203 min read

Auburn Looks for Defensive Improvement Against Razorbacks

Auburn | Eugene Asante, LB — © Jake Crandall/USA TODAY NETWORK

The Auburn Tigers (2-1) open up South Eastern Conference play against the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-1) at 3:30 p.m. EST on Sept. 21 in Auburn, Ala. on ESPN. There is a whisp of optimism hanging around the Tigers after a quarterback change in Week 3. Redshirt freshman Hank Brown started in place of senior Payton Thorne. Brown passed for 275 yards and threw a touchdown to four different receivers. The offense showed some flash, but the defense showed some holes as the New Mexico Lobos (0-3) put up 448 yards of total offense. The Tigers hope to a show little less bend against the Razorbacks.

Arkansas is coming off a victory over the UAB Blazers (1-2). The Blazers made it close, but the Razorbacks came out on top 37-27. The Hogs bring a nation-leading 15 rushing touchdowns into Jordan-Hare to face a defense that is giving up 128 yards rushing a game.

What's at Stake?

Tiger fans were focused on the offensive side of the ball in Week 3. The Auburn Family was excited for Brown to take the reins and hoped for more rush attempts from senior running back Jarquez Hunter. Brown flashed in his starting debut, and Hunter finished with 20 carries. It was the other side of the ball that drew the fans' ire as they watched New Mexico move the ball up and down the field. Auburn hopes to show vast improvement on defense against the Razorbacks rush attack.

Arkansas is finding itself on offense. Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green is a dangerous run threat, and if he can continue to develop into a consistent passer under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's tutelage, the Razorback quarterback will be a problem for the SEC. The Razorbacks will look to take advantage of an Auburn defense struggling to stop the run.

Players to Watch: Auburn Tigers

Auburn's defensive issues aren't due to a lack of talent. Players like Eugene Asante, Keldric Faulk and Jalen McLeod lead the Tigers' front seven. If Auburn hopes to slow down the Razorback rushing attack it will start with the play up front. Auburn is currently giving up 390 yards a game to opposing offenses.

The Tigers hope to correct that trend with leaders like Asante, Faulk and McLeoud.

Auburn | Keldric Faulk, DL — © Jake Crandall/ Advertiser/USA TODAY NETWORK

Players to Watch: Arkansas Razorbacks

Green, a junior, has passed for 806 yards and 3 touchdowns and added 245 yards and four scores on the ground. Senior running back Ja'Quinden Jackson has rushed for 398 yards at more than 8 yards per carry, and 6 touchdowns. The dynamic duo should cause problems for the Auburn front.

What to Watch

The Tigers will hope that the offensive momentum that started against New Mexico will continue with Brown getting the majority of the first-team reps in practice all week. Brown will get his chance to sling the rock around, but expect Auburn to try to remain balanced with a healthy dose of Hunter. The defense left a lot to be desired in Week 3. Look for the defense to come out on fire in an attempt to slow the Razorbacks.

Arkansas will try to establish the run early. Look for Green to use his legs often, and early as the Tigers have shown susceptibility to mobile quarterbacks. Expect Petrino to lean heavily on the run game as he attempts to keep the potential of Auburn's offense on the sideline.