AUBURN—Auburn dropped its second game of the season in an all-around poor performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium, losing 24-14.
Under Hugh Freeze's tutelage, the Tigers dropped to under .500 and are now 4-8 against power conference opponents.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the game:
Turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers
There’s no bigger storyline to this game for Auburn than its turnover situation. Auburn was plagued by turnovers yet again in its second loss of the year.
The Tigers committed five turnovers — four interceptions and a fumble. The fumble came after Damari Alston broke loose for what looked to be an Auburn touchdown but fumbled it in the endzone.
At the conclusion of the first half, Auburn was -8 in turnover margin. That’s good for the second worst in FBS.
QB situation
After throwing three interceptions in the first half, Hank Brown was benched for previous starter Payton Thorne to start the second half.
The Tigers’ offense got somewhat of a spark with Thorne at the helm as their only scores of the day came under his guidance. Thorne started just 2-8 passing but began to pick things up, connecting with KeAndre-Lambert Smith for two scores. He finished with 213 yards through the air and an interception that went right through the likes of Cam Colemans’ hands.
Auburn’s quarterback controversy remains puzzling after the first four weeks of the season.
Third down defense
After giving up 133 yards on its first two drives, the Auburn defense held firm throughout the remainder of the game. That was until it came to third down — third down and long.
Auburn gave the Razorbacks two third-and-long conversions after sloppy penalties — one resulting in a touchdown later in the drive. Arkansas converted on nine third downs with Taylen Green's legs proving to be detrimental to Auburn in those situations. Green accounted for three of the Razorbacks first six third down conversions in the first half.
The Razorbacks converted on five third downs of 10 yards or more.
Arkansas’ two final scores came on third down.
Where was the run?
Auburn ran for over 250 yards a week ago, and with quarterback play, the Tigers completely abandoned the run game. They ran for only 146 yards on 26 attempts.
Behind a solidified offensive line, Jarquez Hunter rushed for 47 yards on his first six attempts but finished the game with only 12 attempts and 67 yards.
Auburn looks to move on as Oklahoma makes its first ever trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium next week for its first ever SEC road game.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email logan.fowler@1819News.com.
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