Arkansas and Auburn kicked off their SEC season on a sweltering and humid Saturday at Auburn’s home field.
In the first quarter, Arkansas began their drive at their own 25-yard line but faced an early delay of game penalty, moving them back to 1st and 15 from the 20-yard line. Quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson’s first pass was incomplete, and after a run attempt, it was 3rd and 10. Jackson managed to escape the pocket and gain a first down. However, a near-interception followed on the next play. A series of plays later, a significant 16-yard run by Taylen Green put Arkansas in a better position. The Razorbacks reached the Auburn 17 but couldn’t convert, resulting in a missed 41-yard field goal attempt.
Auburn’s first possession started at their own 24-yard line. Hank Brown connected a pass to Cam Coleman, advancing to the 36-yard line. Jarquez Hunter gained more ground, but after several plays, Auburn had to punt due to an intercepted pass by Doneiko Slaughter on a tipped throw, leaving both teams scoreless after their initial drives.
The second quarter began with Arkansas at 3rd and goal from the Auburn 1-yard line, where Jackson successfully rushed for a touchdown, putting Arkansas ahead 7-0. Auburn’s next possessions struggled. Brown completed a few passes, but they ultimately had to punt.
After Arkansas managed a couple of first downs, they ended up going three-and-out, providing Auburn another chance to capitalize. However, Auburn’s offense continued to falter, culminating in another interception thrown by Brown, which marked the fourth turnover for the Tigers in the first half, with the score remaining 7-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Payton Thorne replaced Brown at quarterback. Auburn found some rhythm through a few plays, including a notable 54-yard pass to Lambert-Smith, leading to an eventual touchdown that leveled the game at 7-7. Arkansas quickly responded, with Green connecting a deep pass to Isaiah Sategna for another touchdown, regaining the lead at 14-7.
As the game continued, Auburn’s struggles with turnovers persisted, leading to a key interception by TJ Metcalf at the Auburn 45-yard line. The Razorbacks took advantage of the opportunities and extended their lead with a successful field goal in the fourth quarter.
With just over twelve minutes remaining, Arkansas held a 17-7 advantage over Auburn, leaving the Tigers looking to rebound as they approached the final stages of the game.