Inefficiency, Turnovers Doom Auburn in Loss to Arkansas

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After Auburn (2-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) quarterbacks threw 4 interceptions, the Tigers fell to the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1, 1-0 SEC) 24-14 on Sept. 21 in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. It was a disgusting display of football as the two teams combined for 7 turnovers. The Tigers contributed 4 interceptions between two quarterbacks and a fumble that resulted in a touchback for the Razorbacks.

Game Summary

Early in the week, Auburn redshirt freshman quarterback Hank Brown predicted a dominating victory for the Tigers. That was not the case, and Brown was benched to start the second half. Brown threw 3 interceptions in the first half, including a tipped pass on the Tigers' opening drive. Auburn fans wondered how short Brown's leash would be after he took over for Payton Thorne after he threw 4 interceptions against Cal in Week 2. Turns out, the leash was short. Thorne replaced Brown to start the second half.

Thorne threw 2 touchdowns to KeAndre Lambert Smith, but also had a ball come off of receiver Cam Coleman's hands for an interception. The Tigers only ran senior running back Jarquez Hunter 12 times, and the offense failed to find any consistency regardless of who was at quarterback.

Arkansas came into the game leading the nation in rushing touchdowns (15) and senior running back Ja'Quinden Jackson added two more against the Tigers. Junior quarterback Taylen Green rushed for 80 yards and Jackson added another 75 as the Tigers gave up 183 yards rushing. Auburn's defense played well but buckled late after spending so much time on the field, as the Razorbacks dominated the Tigers in time of possession 36:36 to 23:24.

Play of the Game

It is any of the interceptions from the Tigers. Arkansas had its fair share of mistakes and miscues that ruined drives, but any time Auburn seemed to find footing the Tigers turned the ball over. Brown's first interception came after he tried to fit a ball into a tight window and the ball was tipped and intercepted. His next two were ugly stare-downs.

Thorne came in and led a scoring drive, throwing a 10-yard touchdown to Smith. He would later have a ball bounce off of Coleman's hands that was intercepted. Auburn couldn't find a rhythm for the majority of the game, but the few drives that had promise were ruined by turnovers.

Looking Ahead: Auburn

There are so many questions for the Tigers. Zero rhythm or consistency on offense. Multiple quarterbacks played, what's next for that position? Why is there no commitment to the running game? There is some pessimism around the fan base that the Arkansas game might have been the best opportunity for the Tigers to get an SEC win. Next up is a visit from the No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners (3-0). If Auburn can't find itself on offense, it could get ugly in favor of the visiting team.

Looking Ahead: Arkansas

Arkansas has its own issues to clean up. But the defense showed grit and the rush attack remained potent. The Razorbacks host No. 25 Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) next. If Green can find consistency in the passing game, and Arkansas can continue to run the ball effectively they will be a tough out the rest of the season.