For two of the SEC West’s biggest disappointments, it’s desperation time as Arkansas (2-4, 1-2 in the SEC) and Auburn (4-2, 1-2) square off in D.W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
How to watch Auburn vs. Arkansas on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Tigers and the Razorbacks are hanging on to their seasons for dear life.
Desperation may seem like a strong word for the Tigers, but there’s only one true gimme remaining on Auburn’s schedule:
| 31-Oct | Ole Miss | 16 | 22% | L | -13.4 | 22.8 - 36.3 | 4.41 |
| 7-Nov | at Texas A&M | 28 | 18% | L | -15.7 | 22.4 - 38.1 | 4.59 |
| 14-Nov | Georgia | 30 | 31% | L | -8.6 | 24.1 - 32.7 | 4.90 |
| 21-Nov | Idaho | 122 | 85% | W | 18.3 | 41.8 - 23.5 | 5.76 |
| 28-Nov | Alabama | 3 | 11% | L | -21.2 | 15.3 - 36.5 | 5.87 |
Lose this week, and bowl eligibility is officially a struggle.
The straights are much more dire in Fayetteville, where they’re struggling just to get back to .500.
| 31-Oct | Tennessee-Martin | N/A | 99% | W | 40.9 | 51.9 - 10.9 | 3.80 |
| 7-Nov | at Ole Miss | 16 | 30% | L | -9.0 | 27.2 - 36.2 | 4.10 |
| 14-Nov | at LSU | 10 | 27% | L | -10.8 | 27.5 - 38.3 | 4.37 |
| 21-Nov | Mississippi State | 37 | 60% | W | 4.3 | 34.4 - 30.0 | 4.97 |
| 27-Nov | Missouri | 75 | 79% | W | 13.9 | 32.6 - 18.8 | 5.75 |
Bret Bielema’s team definitely has one more win on that slate, but if it can’t get by Auburn then a losing season seems like a certainty.
And of course, there’s always the delightfully simmering feud between Arkansas’ gregarious head coach and Auburn, which goes back to Bielema’s philosophical differences with Gus Malzahn’s hurry up/no-huddle offense. Although that style hasn’t worked out too well for Auburn this season either -- the Tigers rank 87th nationally in adjusted pace.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Saturday, noon ET, SEC Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN Link
Spread: Arkansas is favored by 4 points.
Make friends: Hog fans can chat about the game over at Arkansas Fight, while Auburn fans can gather at College and Magnolia.
Three big things to know
1. Ground game
Auburn's offense has been moving more in the right direction since Sean White took over at quarterback three games ago, but sophomore running back Peyton Barber has really been what's made Auburn tick this season -- he's averaged 119 yards and scored all eight of his touchdowns in Auburn's four wins this season. But now he takes on an Arkansas defense that has allowed just 107 yards per game on the ground.
On the other hand, Auburn is allowing nearly 200 rushing yards, which may be an issue against Arkansas’ Alex Collins.
The Hogs’ senior quarterback is third in the SEC in passer efficiency at the season’s halfway point, despite working with a pretty limited group of wide receivers due to injuries. Pass defense has been a big issue for Auburn to date, and the Tigers allowed 359 yards to Kentucky a week ago.
3. Derp on derp action?
White has been an improvement on Jeremy Johnson, but is yet to throw his first touchdown pass of the season. Arkansas ranks dead last in the SEC in passing yards allowed and pass-defense efficiency and 102nd nationally in pass defense S&P+. If White can't find a way to get into the end zone here, it might take him a few more games.
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