GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Auburn’s run production has been inconsistent and now goes up against one of the strengths of a struggling Arkansas team. The Tigers rushed for 429 yards against Alabama State after managing just 147 in their opening win over Washington, but then dipped to 130 in the loss to LSU when they ran the ball a season-low 38 times. The Hogs’ front seven has been strong against the run, limiting foes to just 87.3 yards per game.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Deshaun Davis will get more than a casual look in the NFL draft if he continues to play like he did in the loss to LSU. He had a game-high 13 tackles with four for losses, a sack and two quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. His play fired up the defense. “It makes us want to make a play,” DE Marlon Davidson said. “I want to make a play. Anybody wants to make a play when Deshaun makes a play because you’re going to know if he makes it.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–C Nick Brahms, a redshirt freshman, could get the start ahead of junior Kaleb Kim against the Razorbacks. Kim has started the first three games and Brahms is coming off a broken leg sustained in the spring, but Kim was called for two critical holding penalties in the loss to LSU and Brahms is healthy again.
–RB Ja’Tarious Whitlow is the first freshman to put together consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Michael Dyer in 2010 after rushing for 104 yards against LSU. He ran for 122 the week before against Alabama State.
–WR Ryan Davis has a streak of 17 consecutive games with multiple receptions going. He had 84 receptions last season.
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