FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Auburn Tigers celebrated a triumphant victory over Arkansas with a 33-24 score, driven by standout performances from Rayshawn Pleasant and Alex McPherson on a rainy Saturday at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Pleasant’s two fourth-quarter interceptions were pivotal, the first of which he returned for a touchdown to turn the tide in favor of the Tigers.
Head coach Hugh Freeze praised his team’s effort, highlighting their character and resilience as they claimed their first SEC victory of the season. “What they did today on the road in this league continues to speak volumes for their character,” he remarked.
McPherson was a key player in the game, achieving a career-high with six field goals, while the Auburn defense was relentless, forcing four turnovers in the final quarter and stifling Arkansas’s offense. The Tigers outscored their opponents 17-0 in that decisive final period. Freeze commended the defensive unit’s consistency throughout the season, acknowledging their significant impact on the game.
The Tigers found themselves trailing 21-10 at halftime, but a shift occurred when quarterback Ashton Daniels made his debut. His poise and maturity were evident as he completed 6 of 8 passes for 77 yards and added 35 rushing yards. “He gave us a little spark and I was really happy to see that,” Freeze said of Daniels.
The game shifted momentum early in the second half when Pleasant returned the kickoff 49 yards, and Jeremiah Cobb, who amassed a career-high 153 rushing yards, continued the drive with a 20-yard carry. Auburn narrowed the deficit to 21-13 with McPherson’s field goal. The Tigers continued to grind, forcing a quick Arkansas drive to end and benefiting from Justin Jones’ blocked punt, giving them favorable field position.
As the game progressed, Auburn’s offense struggled to find the end zone, but McPherson’s accuracy kept them within striking distance. In a pivotal moment, Pleasant made an interception and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown, which put Auburn ahead 27-24 with just over nine minutes remaining in the game.
Xavier Atkins distinguished himself defensively, contributing 13 tackles and forcing a fumble that led to another McPherson field goal, ensuring a 30-24 lead for Auburn. When Arkansas attempted a comeback, Pleasant thwarted their efforts with his second interception, which set up McPherson’s final field goal of the game.
Auburn’s ability to rebound from a halftime deficit and dominate the fourth quarter showcased their determination and skill. The team will now look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against Kentucky, which is set for Saturday evening at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Coach Freeze expressed eagerness for that game, aiming to bring excitement back to their home crowd.
Overall, this victory not only marks a significant achievement for Auburn’s season but also highlights the growth and resilience of the team as they navigate through tough SEC competitions.