Auburn and Arkansas renew their fierce rivalry to kick off the 2014 season. Auburn plays host as these teams face off for the earliest scheduled meeting in the history of this series.
Auburn is looking to claim back-to-back victories over Arkansas, while the Razorbacks are hoping to pull off a big upset over the #6 Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
2013 Records:
Auburn Tigers: 12-2 (7-1 SEC)
Arkansas Razorbacks: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)
Last Meeting: 2013, Auburn won 35-17
Key Stat: Auburn leads Arkansas in the all-time series 12-10-1. Each team is 5-5 over the previous 10 meetings, with the road team winning the last two matchups.
Auburn Outlook: The Tigers come into the 2014 season looking to get off to a quick start in the SEC.
They'll have to do so without star running back Tre Mason, who left early for the NFL. Starting quarterback Nick Marshall will return to helm the offense this season, but he isn't expected to start against Arkansas - Auburn HC Gus Malzahn is punishing Marshall for a marijuana citation, so that duty will fall to sophomore quarterback Jeremy Johnson.
Auburn will still send a strong offense to the field, despite being without Mason and starting without Marshall . Junior receiver Sammie Coates is set for a big season after producing an impressive 902 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season as a starter.
Arkansas Outlook: Despite struggling in 2013, the Razorbacks have some optimism heading into this season. Much of that has to do with running back Alex Collins.
After bursting onto the scene with a 1,000-yard season as a freshman, Collins will return to form a duo with junior Jonathan Williams (900 yards, four scores) - one that helped the Razorbacks finish 21st overall among FBS schools in rushing last season.
Junior quarterback Brandon Allen will look to improve upon an uninspiring 2013, where he threw just 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
What to watch for: The Tigers' offense will start without their top two rushers from last season. Tre Mason is obvious - he's now a member of the St. Louis Rams - but Nick Marshall won't start either thanks to Malzahn's disciplinary measures.
Auburn's weakened run game gives Arkansas a chance to slow down the offense and try to control the pace early on.
Look for the Razorbacks to get their own running game going early, as they attempt to ride the legs of Collins and Williams.
What they're saying:
Arkansas has separate game plans for Marshall/Johnson
Razorbacks offense seeking balance
'Not one thing' Auburn is concerned about with Johnson
Game Prediction:
Auburn - 38, Arkansas - 21
Expect Arkansas to hang with the Tigers early, but fade as the game goes on. Arkansas will be better this season, but they still can't match Auburn's depth or talent - that disparity is going to become more important as the game wears on, and we expect Auburn to pull away in the second half. Bret Bielema's Razorbacks are headed in the right direction, but it's too soon to expect them to hang with the SEC's best.
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