The Tigers had yet another Jordan-Hare disappointment as they fell to the Arkansas Razorbacks 24-14.
In the first half, Auburn started rough on offense, committing four turnovers. Quarterback Hank Brown threw three interceptions and running back Damari Alston had a lost fumble on his way to the end zone that almost ended up with the Tigers’ first score.
The Hogs were slow and steady on offense, as they chewed up a lot of clock to prevent the Tigers from having time to score. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson put Arkansas up on the board with a rushing touchdown on their second offensive drive.
The Tigers defense stood strong most of that period, however, as safety Sylvester Smith pulled off an interception late in the 2nd quarter to prevent Arkansas from scoring and gave Auburn's offense another chance to put points on the board. Buck Jalen McLeod and linebacker Dorian Mausi tallied up a sack.
The Hogs defense prevented the Tigers from scoring any points in the first half. Safeties TJ Metcalf, Jayden Johnson, and defensive back Doneiko Slaughter each had an interception. Linebacker Stephen Dix Jr. was able to recover a fumble in Auburn's end zone that prevented the Tigers from scoring a touchdown near the end of the second quarter.
In the second half, Brown was benched for Payton Thorne after his turnovers. Thorne was able to put the Tigers up on the board with two touchdown passes to receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith. However, he had an interception from a bobbled pass to Cam Coleman.
The Tigers defense could only do so much as they couldn’t hold the Hogs from responding back. Cornerback Kayin Lee was able to get an interception early in the third quarter to give the team energy to make plays.
The Hogs were very opportunistic on offense, as they were able to score touchdowns right after the Tigers’ touchdown drives. Quarterback Taylen Green threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to receiver Isaiah Satenga late in the third quarter, while Jackson scored again in the 4th.
Head coach Hugh Freeze was very frustrated after the game. He knew that this performance by his team was not going to be successful in the long run.
“It was devastating, truthfully…,” said Freeze. “There are signs we can do good things, but we cannot play as inconsistently as we are. That’s getting frustrating and old, as I’m sure it is to most people.”
Overall, the Tigers struggled too much offensively in the first half for them to come back and win the game. On the other side, the Razorbacks were able to respond back to the Tigers’ scores and prevented them from winning by pulling off five turnovers.
The Tigers will face the Oklahoma Sooners next Saturday, Sept. 28. at either 2:30 or 3:15 p.m CT. The game will be broadcasted on either ABC, ESPN, or SEC Network. Fans are encouraged to wear navy for the game.
