The No. 11 Auburn Tigers cruised to a 51-10 win over Arkansas earlier today. Here are a few quick takeaways in the immediate aftermath of the win:
It was a successful business trip to Fayetteville. In a crisp, workman-like win, the Auburn defense let it be known that it meant business on Arkansas’ first drive of the game. On consecutive plays, Auburn stoned the Arkansas ground game and then got a strip-sack and fumble recovery. The Auburn offense quickly followed suit and before Arkansas fans knew it, the Tigers were up 17-0. Had Jeremiah Dinson held on to a sure pick six early in the game, it would have been a three touchdown game at that point. Coming off the Florida loss and then a bye week, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn could not have scripted a game — one his team was expected to win — much better.
Derrick Brown must be catnip to NFL scouts. The Auburn defensive lineman continues to show why he is headed toward being the first defensive tackle taken in next year’s NFL draft. Brown made a couple plays in the first half which displayed elite athleticism. At 320+ pounds, he chased down an Arkansas ball carrier horizontally across more than half the field for a tackle for a loss. He also showed off his short area quickness when he made a play on an inside screen that could have gone for a much bigger gain.
Both quarterbacks looked much more confident and in control. Bo Nix regained his accuracy seen early in the season. He looked confident and comfortable in the pocket. Credit to the Auburn offensive line for giving him plenty of time to set his feet and scan the field to deliver throws. Joey Gatewood (see below) got into the act himself with a fourth-quarter touchdown toss.
Records are made to be broken but so are streaks. With his first three extra points, Auburn kicker Anders Carlson put his program into the record books with 304 consecutive PATs made. The previous record was 302 held by FSU from 2012-2016. A few minutes later, Carlson missed a PAT which now allows Auburn to start a new streak.
Nitpicks. In the middle of Auburn’s scoring barrage, Nix lost a fumble which resulted in a change of possession. Ball security is probably not something Malzahn wants to worry about with his team’s upcoming gauntlet. We would also add in play-calling when Gatewood gets into the game. If Malzahn is serious about inserting Gatewood into the game when it is still somewhat in question, he may have to open up the playbook more. When Gatewood took snaps in the first quarter, the defense gave his arm no respect, limiting his ability to move the offense. Malzahn is the master of getting certain tendencies on tape only to go against those with future opponents. However, Gatewood’s entry into the game as strictly a running quarterback seems to disrupt the rhythm of the offense.
Next week’s game is a 2:30 CST kickoff at LSU. The game will be televised on CBS.
