Auburn vs Arkansas: 3 Keys to Victory

Nov 29, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) fumbles the ball between LSU Tigers defensive end Jermauria Rasco (59) and cornerback Dwayne Thomas (13) in the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

3. No Turnovers: On the offensive side of the football, ball security is vital. As we mentioned, last season the Razorbacks had a good plan in place to beat Auburn. However, they turned the ball over three times, which (in addition to a botched onside kick attempt) gave the Tigers a short field on the majority of Auburn’s scoring drives.

This year, for Arkansas to have a chance, the quarterback must take care of the football. In 2013, Brandon Allen was forced to leave the game early in the first quarter with an injury. Backup QB AJ Derby threw an interception and fumbled on the next two Razorback drives. Also, Alex Collins fumbled very late in the game, and while the outcome was decided at that point, it proved to be a yearlong habit for the young running back.

Simply put, if Arkansas doesn’t turn the ball over, they’ve got a shot to keep the game close. If they also control the tempo and create some turnovers of their own, the Razorbacks have a chance to win.