AUBURN – The Report Card for Auburn’s 41-27 loss to Arkansas inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Quarterbacks: D-
It was a weird day in more ways than one for Auburn, especially when Holden Geriner was announced as the starter on the video board and on the team’s official Instagram page. That did not last as the post was taken down and Robby Ashford got the start. His scrambling kept Auburn in the game during the second half, but he once again struggled through the air with some bad misses and an offense that just could not open things up in the second half.
Running Backs: C
Tank Bigsby is nearing the top 10 in rushing yards in program history at Auburn despite the offensive line woes, and today was more of the same for the junior running back. He led the team in receiving for most of the game and was second in rushing with 63 yards on 11 carries. Jarquez Hunter, even in limited touches, was solid as well with 18 yards on six carries and a garbage-time touchdown. The running game as a whole was the strength of the offense.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C
The receiving corps had very little to work with today as the offense could not string much in terms of down-the-field plays, but when they were called upon they made some plays. JaVarrius Johnson was solid again despite limited targets as he and Moore stepped up for Auburn’s only scoring drive of the second half. Camden Brown had two huge catches, including a touchdown, in garbage time.
Offensive Line: F
The revolving door at left guard continued again with Jeremiah Wright, Alec Jackson and Kameron Stutts swapping between series, leading to some inconsistency across the front and some OK pass protection. Auburn’s rushing stats were deceiving, with 87 yards of the 181 yards coming from Ashford scrambles. That, combined with some costly pre-snap and holding penalties stalled a few Auburn drives before they could begin.
Defensive Line: F
Sacks from Derick Hall and Colby Wooden were the only bright spots in a defensive front that got gashed repeatedly by this Arkansas running game. For the first time since 2014, Auburn has given up 200 rushing yards or more in three straight games and they could not stop this Arkansas rushing attack, whether it was KJ Jefferson or Raheim Sanders.
Linebackers: F
Auburn’s tackling woes continued and Wesley Steiner was center stage again, after leading the team in missed tackles so far this season. The linebackers are crucial in helping the front during run defense, but the group has failed to fill the gaps repeatedly.
Defensive Backs: F
With Arkansas’ running game being the highlight of the game for the Razorbacks, KJ Jefferson’s 234 yards through the air could be forgotten. The Hogs’ passing offense was effective against the Auburn defensive backfield, and a few missed tackles in the second level did not help the rushing defense.
Special Teams: F
Anders Carlson’s struggles continued and he was 2-4 including a bad miss in the first quarter and a blocked kick on Auburn’s first drive of the second half. He also sent a kickoff out of bounds that set Arkansas up with a shorter field, leading to three points for the Razorbacks. Oscar Chapman had nothing special on punting, including two very short ones, and Keionte Scott did not field a punt that bounced an extra 20 yards.
Coaching: F
Another bad second half, a puzzling decision to take the points at the end of the first half and a team that looks further than they are closer, this is Auburn’s worst loss to Arkansas since 2012. Auburn’s offense was unable to attack a Razorback defense that is one of the worst in the country, giving up 457.7 yards per game. Auburn had 393 yards, but only 13 points against the No. 115 scoring defense in college football.
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