Auburn Football vs. Arkansas: Matchup and Prediction
Auburn Offense
That red zone stat is huge for the Auburn offense as they’ve struggled at times to punch it in the end zone against teams.
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They’ve scored touchdowns on just 15-of-32 (47 percent) trips to the red zone this season. This is not a game where we can settle for field goals. Arkansas’ offense is going to score, we have to match them with touchdowns.
The obvious advantage in this game is Auburn’s rushing attack. That’s why it’s essential that Kerryon Johnson is healthy and effective for this game.
I believe Kamryn Pettway will be able to pound it up the middle for four or five yards a pop when he needs to, but if Kerryon Johnson is healthy he’s able to stretch the field and open up the middle even more.
I don’t think the Arkansas defense can stop us from running the football if both of those guys are healthy. In fact, I think John Franklin III needs to play a lot in this game. He gives us the ability to open up the running game even more.
Like every other game though, things will certainly be a lot easier if Sean White comes out and completes a few passes. He’s done a great job of that lately, which is why we’ve been so effective running the football.
Our receivers are good enough to get open against their secondary. For that reason I like Tony Stevens to have a huge game on Saturday.
But, if Auburn is going to win this game they’ll have to run the ball effectively. If they can eat up some yards on the ground and keep that Arkansas offense off the field, I think we win pretty easy at home.