PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Jarrett Stidham was up and down in the loss to LSU, throwing an interception on his first pass attempt that led to an early LSU touchdown, passing for a touchdown and 21-10 lead in the third quarter, and following that with a second interception. It was only the third time in his collegiate career he has thrown more than one pick in a game. He should have a chance to work out some kinks against an Arkansas pass defense that ranks 12th out of 14 SEC teams.
–RB Ja’Tarvious Whitlow has taken over the team rushing lead after gaining 104 yards in the loss to LSU. The redshirt freshman is averaging 5.8 yards per carry for 254 yards in the three games. Arkansas has held opponents to just 87 yards a game, so this could be a pretty good test.
–LB Deshaun Davis has emerged as the leader of the defense. He leads the team in total tackles with 24 with 14 of them a team-best solo efforts. He also has one of Auburn’s 10 sacks.
–SS Daniel Thomas is one of four players in the SEC with multiple interceptions. He has two of Auburn’s four. He also has been credited with another pass breakup and 12 tackles.
SERIES HISTORY: Auburn leads the series with Arkansas 15-11-1. The Tigers won 52-20 last year and have outscored the Hogs 108-23 the last two seasons combined.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Our plan was to slowly work those guys back in to see how much confidence they have and how effective they can be. So that was really the plan last week, and we’ll continue to go through that.” — Coach Gus Malzahn, on working injured WRs Will Hastings and Eric Stove back onto the field.
