Two desperate SEC programs are set to meet this weekend. Despite being ranked earlier in the season, Auburn has dropped four straight games. It’s even worse for Arkansas, losers in each of its previous five appearances.
Something’s gotta give on Saturday. Which of these two squads will earn their first SEC victory of the season? Below is my prediction and pick for College Football Week 9’s game between the Auburn Tigers and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Arkansas enters this contest as 2.5-point favorites (-112) over Auburn, with the over/under set at 55.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Razorbacks are favored at -142 on the moneyline.
Auburn vs. Arkansas prediction, preview
This is a true battle between polar opposites. Arkansas wields one of the nation’s better offenses, led by quarterback Taylen Green. However, the Hogs have coughed up an SEC-worst 32.7 points per game. In comparison, Auburn ranks sixth in the conference ( points allowed). Still, the Tigers have scored a total of 54 points over their last four outings.
It’s been a tumultuous campaign for the Razorbacks, who fired head coach Sam Pittman midseason. Still, this team is better than their 2-5 record. Arkansas nearly took down #3 Texas A&M last Saturday, losing 45-42. In addition, the Hogs nearly pulled off a road upset of Tennessee, losing 34-31 in Week 7. Moral victories don’t mean much, but this is not a program to take lightly. Green is one of college football’s most underrated signal callers. Through seven games, he’s gained 1,910 passing yards, ran for 589 more, and compiled 22 total touchdowns.
In fairness to Auburn, this defense will be sure to put up a fight. After all, the Tigers have kept teams such as Texas A&M, Georgia and Baylor in check. War Eagle ranks inside the SEC’s top four schools in sacks (21.0) and tackles for loss (53.0).
It seems almost impossible to drop five games when you have the nation’s 17th-highest scoring offense. That’s the reality for the Hogs, who have been human turnstiles on the other end of the field. Arkansas has surrendered 480.3 yards per game, the second-worst mark among all Power 4 schools. Opponents are gaining a whopping 8.3 yards per pass and 5.0 yards per rush vs. the Razorbacks.
If Auburn’s offense is going to get back on track, it has to happen this week. Quarterback Jackson Arnold has been a mixed bag (at best) this season. The former Oklahoma passer has thrown for 1,190 yards and five touchdowns while coughing up one interception. In addition, he’s scrambled for seven rushing touchdowns. Arnold is joined by talented running back Jeremiah Cobb. The junior has compiled 564 rushing yards on 89 attempts, good enough for an efficient 6.3 yards per carry.
Auburn vs. Arkansas pick, best bet
Even though both teams enter with losing records, this is a fascinating matchup. Arkansas, under interim head coach Bobby Petrino, has developed into an offensive juggernaut. Auburn, while stout defensively, will need to put points on the board. Right now, I have more faith in Green and company than I do Arnold and the Tigers. I’ll take the Hogs to cover in front of an anxious Fayetteville crowd.
