Auburn vs. Arkansas 2013 final score: Tigers coast by Razorbacks, 35-17
Auburn’s remarkable turnaround continues with a win in Fayetteville.
Auburn got out to an early 14-3 lead and was more than content to keep running the ball all night long. In fact, the Tigers ran almost exclusively, attempting just 8 passes on the evening and 88 of Nick Marshall's 116 yards passing came on an 88-yard bomb to tight end Sammie Coates that put Auburn up 28-3 in the third quarter.
Arkansas' passing game continued to struggle mightily, as quarterback Brandon Allen completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes and averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt. The Razorbacks' two-headed rushing attack of Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams were able to find some running room, but their combined 167 rushing yards were not enough to make up for Arkansas' other offensive deficiencies.
It did however, appear briefly as if Arkansas might get back in it when they converted a fourth down on a swinging gate play to end the third quarter. That particular play was the subject of some controversy in the week leading up to this game.
Auburn linebacker Anthony Swain then appeared to fake an injury to slow down Arkansas' tempo, which was particularly noteworthy because Bret Bielema gave an impassioned speech about the demerits of up-tempo offenses at SEC media days. Even though this game was never really in doubt, this series gave this game the feel of a heated rivalry.
Box Score Hero: Tre Mason mauled the Razorbacks' defense, carrying the ball 29 times for 163 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Rankings Ramifications: Auburn came into the game ranked 11th. Barring any major upsets in Saturday night’s games, they should stay put, possibly moving up one spot over Miami, should the Hurricanes get blown out by FSU.
But Did They Cover? Auburn was a nine-point favorite entering Saturday’s game, so they easily covered.
For More On This Game: For more on Hogs football, visit Arkansas community Arkansas Expats. For more on War Eagle football, visit Auburn community College And Magnolia. Also, head over to SEC community Team Speed Kills.
Next Week’s Schedule: Auburn travels to Neyland Stadium next week to face Tennessee. Arkansas heads to Oxford for its annual machup with Ole Miss.
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