QUARTERBACKS Film from this game will not be used at a quarterback clinic, but Casey Dick did lead his team to victory. Dick threw two interceptions that led directly to Auburn points. Dick does get credit for actually making a tackle, however, a skill that had previously eluded him. Dick also ran for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass, finishing 17 for 32 for 222 yards. Auburn’s quarterback tandem was far worse. Kodi Burns and Chris Todd both threw bad interceptions and finished a combined 10 for 28 for 137 yards and 3 interceptions. ADVANTAGE Arkansas only real offense, and the Razorbacks used their little workhorse as often as possible. Smith’s
RUNNING BACKS Thirty-five carries for 5-7 Michael Smith ? It’s clear that Smith is Arkansas’ biggest run of the season came on his 30 th carry of the game, a 63-yard touchdown that gave Arkansas a 25-20 lead. Smith carried 21 times in the first half, and finished with 176 yards. Auburn had 56 rushing yards and averaged 1. 7 yards per rush. ADVANTAGE Arkansas passes, with freshmen Greg Childs (3 catches for 61 yards ) and Joe Adams (4 for 60 ) leading the
RECEIVERS Arkansas truly spread the ball around. Four receivers caught at least three way. No Tigers receiver caught more than two passes, with Tommy Trott leading the way with 31 yards. ADVANTAGE Arkansas despite 33 pass attempts. Dick was also rarely pressured, despite Auburn’s previously vaunted defense.
OFFENSIVE LINE The Razorbacks got good push much of the game and allowed no sacks Also, at least early in the game, the Razorbacks’ front five was opening nice holes for Michael Smith. Auburn’s line did little to help its beleaguered quarterbacks, who took three sacks. ADVANTAGE Arkansas
DEFENSIVE LINE Arkansas end Adrian Davis was the best defensive player on the field, finishing with three sacks and a key interception. Tackle Malcolm Sheppard’s pressure and Davis’ subsequent interception led to a fourthquarter field goal for Arkansas. The Razorbacks’ front got into the Auburn backfield often and disrupted the offense, which was disrupted enough without Arkansas’ pressure. ADVANTAGE Arkansas
LINEBACKERS Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes led all players with nine tackles and had an interception and 31-yard return to set up an Auburn field goal. The Tigers’ linebackers were the most active on the field, and factored into most tackles. Arkansas middle linebacker Wendel Davis’ interception at the Arkansas 15 kept points off the board. ADVANTAGE Auburn
DEFENSIVE BACKS Auburn cornerback Neiko Thorpe’s interception and 59-yard return set up Wes Byrum’s 45-yard field goal, and safety Chris Evans had eight tackles, but too many Razorbacks receivers got open too often. Arkansas free safety Elton Ford led the team with six tackles, and cornerback Ramon Broadway played his best game of the season. The Razorbacks’ secondary locked down receivers most of the game. Of course, the job was made easier with Auburn’s quarterbacking struggles. ADVANTAGE Arkansas
SPECIAL TEAMS Auburn won this helmet in early and explosive fashion. After Shay Haddock’s 27-yard field goal, Tristan Davis returned the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Arkansas returner Dennis Johnson’s fumble of the second-half kickoff led directly to an Auburn touchdown. Wes Byrum kicked two field goals for the Tigers. ADVANTAGE Auburn
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