STAFF PREDICTIONS! Razorbacks vs. Tigers

GRAHAM: The Razorback offense picks up right where they left off last weekend. Hogs run wild with KJ, Rocket, and Trelon Smith. On defense, the Hogs struggle a bit early but find some ways to put pressure on Bo Nix. An interception for the Hogs turns the tide before half time and the offense pounds the rock in the second half.

Hogs 32 – Tigers 20

ZACH: Coming off a tough couple of weeks of football, optimism still seems high for most of the fan base leading into the weekend. I’m not a huge fan of 11 AM games, but I don’t think it’s going to bother the Razorbacks too much.

Auburn has a good program and they will be ready to play, but I feel like the Razorbacks have a solid upper hand this weekend.

If our defense can’t stop Tank Bigsby or Bo Nix it could be another long day.

I am concerned about the defensive struggles of late and some injuries too.

I suspect a close game with KJ being just too much for the Tiger defense.

I’ll take the Razorbacks in this one 38-28.

BEN: “I have a feeling this game is going to get drunk. No idea why. Bo Nix has a way of summoning devil magic while running from defenders. KJ Jefferson loves running over defenders. This is a fun QB matchup. Even if both aren’t your top of the line, pro-style QBs.

Arkansas desperately needs to win on Saturday. For revenge, to get the season back on track, and for the fans. Give me the Hogs at home.

Arkansas 27, Auburn 20

DAN: After last season’s debacle that ended with the refs gifting Auburn a win on a silver platter, the Razorbacks are out for revenge. The defense is stronger, the offense is more potent, and the Hogs are in Fayetteville for the first time since September 18th.

Auburn won’t go down easily, though. They hung with Georgia last weekend, and showed that they can play tough on the road. I expect the Tigers to try to establish the run game early, with their two-headed monster of Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter.

All of that won’t matter, though. A sold-out Arkansas crowd will give the home team more energy, they’ll play stronger, and Arkansas walks away back on track with a win heading to Little Rock next weekend.

Arkansas wins, 31-17.

PETE: Instead of going on a tirade or a rant about this game, I’m going to keep it short and simple this time. The Hogs should win this game, as they are the better team. I’m going to actually take it a step further, the Razorbacks WILL win this game.

Sam Pittman has Arkansas in a position to compete for an SEC West title (best case scenario) at this point in the season. If the Hogs continue to play up to their potential, they are most likely in a position to play in a prestigious bowl game. Worst-case scenario? Unfortunately, we all know what the worst case scenario is. Arkansas doesn’t win another SEC game, and they slip to 5-7 or 6-6.

In my opinion, with the exception of Alabama of course, this is going to be second hardest game remaining on the Razorbacks’ schedule. Win this one, which you should, and you are in prime position to continue this miracle season, wherever it may lead.

My quick analysis on Auburn’s offense? Bo Nix, Auburn’s quarterback, looks like he could win the Heisman some weeks while looking like the worst signal-caller in the SEC the next. Scratch that. His ups-and-downs aren’t week-to-week, they are play-by-play. Get pressure on the guy, and he is bound to make mistakes.

Another factor to consider is this…I know Auburn marched into Death Valley and took a game against LSU. That is something to be proud of no matter how down the Bayou Bengals are on any given year. Now to my point…It has been three weeks since the Hogs have been back in Fayetteville, so these fans are eager to provide an incredible atmosphere. The energy in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is going to be better than it was for Auburn’s matchup with LSU in Baton Rouge. KJ Jefferson might rush for 150 yards. Take the spread, and I would take the over.

Arkansas 34, Auburn 28

JACOB: Look, I’ve picked Arkansas the last two weeks without much success. But, I still haven’t learned my lesson yet!

Arkansas will try to start fast scoring on their first three possessions. I feel like we will see more pressure brought this week to Bo Nix causing him to be flustered and running for his life. Outside of the LSU game a few weeks ago he has hardly been impressive.

Auburn will find some gaps in the Razorback defense running the football but there will hardly be any long runs, chunk plays at times but nothing that will blow the top off of the Razorback defense.

Can Arkansas play a solid four quarters of offensive football for the second straight week? If they can it’s possible to see them cruise to their fifth win of the season. This one won’t be close after halftime.

Hogs 41, Tigers 21