Congratulations to reader bruce rhodes for the closest prediction last week of 23-21. His quote: “It will be closer than you think.” Boy ain’t the truth, Bruce? Not exactly the entertaining blowout we were hoping to witness. But a win is still a win, as they say.
Bruce will be receiving a spiffy white RBN t-shirt soon that is perfect for wearing under the car while changing the oil. If you need a quick refresher on how we judge the winner of our little weekly contest, you can check the rules here. So here we go:
Walking on Sunshine: This game hinges on stopping Cam Newton — plain and simple. If the Hogs can’t contain him, and it turns into a wild, ‘playground’ affair, then it’s not going to be much fun to watch. I think the Razorback defense is up to the task. Arkansas 27, Auburn 23.
HogBaller: The Hogs have many questions going into this game. Can the offense cut out the mistakes and finally put together a complete game? Can the defense contain Newton and limit Dyer? Can the special teams continue to contribute and play solid? Make no mistake, this is a huge game with the winner being in a great position to challenge for the Western Division title. And it’s not going to be easy. But the Hogs play one of their best games and it finally all comes together for this team. Arkansas 31, Auburn 27.
HogBlogger: The ‘Gus Bus’ puts the Hogs’ defense back on its heels and the offense stuggles on the road. Auburn 38, Arkansas 31.
TipsterHog: I had this one as a ‘W’ before the season. But it looks like it’s going to take another loss this season before the Razorback offense figures out that they can’t just ‘turn it on’ when they want and still beat a quality team. Auburn 28, Arkansas 20.
Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick. And feel free to add your own take like “Auburn fans finally get mad enough to flip off Petrino” or “Damn…War Eagle flies away. Hogs roll.”
Man… not really feeling good about this prediction score wise… I can see it being a blow out for either side but I'm going to call it 33-30… now for the winner.
I was feeling better about this earlier this year but we just haven't produced the point offensively. So, I'm going to say we fall short on the road.
I think last week was a wake up call for the O-line.
Bobby really got in their grill at practice and this will be the game where they finally put it all together.
I think, as been our historical norm on the plains, someone breaks loose for a HUGE game on the ground (predicting #7 goes Hog Wild) and it opens up the field for Mallett bombs.
In the end, the defense has to make a stand against an outstanding QB in the 4th quarter, and they do.
Hogs win.
Hogs 38
Tigers 31
This game is a lot like last year's scenario for Auburn – putting up big numbers on offense and giving up big numbers on defense. This game last year put Auburn up against a team that had it's confidence crushed by Bama then built up a bit by the A&M win. Auburn had all the confidence in the world until they took the field in Fayetteville.
Auburn's offense has improved a bit in one dimension, while it's defense is the same. The Hogs defense has improved A LOT, and the offense is more or less the same.
The wild card to me is the home field advantage – the Hogs have confidence they can win on the road, but the Auburn fans will be crazy.
The Hogs will silence the crowd by picking apart Auburn's defense, and a few big hits on Newton by Bequette and Leon will deflate the sails a bit. The Hogs will finally score a couple touchdowns in the second half, and this turns into a shootout.
Hogs 42
Tiger Cubs/War Parakeets/Whatever they call themselves: 35
Hogs offense shows up, knocks the wind out of Auburn (and the fans) early.
Still, nailbiter.
Hogs 34, Auburn 28.
Once SEC play starts I get nervous before every game. I think Saturday's game will be the defining game for the Hogs this year. This game will deternine whether the Hogs can make a run nationally or if they will become major underachievers once again. I do think that we have Auburn's number and that is an advantage for us going into Saturday. After watching Auburn I just don't see them having a championship type defence. I think we can exploit their weekness on D. Our D is so much better than last year and I think we have what it takes to slow Newton down enough to win. If we can cut our penalties to less than than 6 with NO procedure calls we will win.
Hogs 36
Tigers 17
Hogs 34
Tigers 21
The season finally begins. The defense plays great while the offense finds some balance. Willy has Gus' number. Arkansas 44-17 and back in the National discussion.
It's coming together. The SEC is long season. Can you plan your peaks? If so, this is a game to peak.
Hogs 41 (one TD is a pick six by Crim)
Plainsmen 27
Hogs 38
Tigers 35
HOGS 38
Tigers 24
This team should have lost to USC East, Kentucky, and Clemson…. Cat's only have 3 lives… or is it 9….
Even when we were horribly defensively, we still faired well against the spread offense. Auburn and Newton will get their yards, but I think we limit them to FGs on several drives, and that will be the difference.
This Saturday, around 6:00 or so, Auburn fans finally come out of denial and realize that we own them.
Hogs 41 – 33. One for the ages.
Expect Auburn to challenge Arkansas the same way Alabama won the second half against the Hogs. I fully expect them to suck it up and put their DB’s on an island in man coverage or a single safety at most and bring 4 or 5 at Mallett every down. No doubt Rocker has their D-line ready to party in the Razorback backfield. I hope Petrino has the O-line and wideouts ready with their hot reads and a couple screens to take advantage.
I will also be surprised if Robinson doesn’t play mostly cover two again, rush 3 and sometimes 4, and leave the middle of the field open for big running lanes as he seems predisposed to do every game. Gus has to be smackin’ his lips planning Newton for lots of delay draws and QB keepers in the WildChicken or whatever they call it.
Arkansas is going to have to come out and prove they deserved the preseason hype because Auburn is going to come out to prove their ride up the rankings is no fluke.
It’s going to be a wild one.
Hogs win in dramatic fashion… 38-34.
Good analysis, but I think that Willy's strategy in this one will be to stop Newton's runs and make him beat you with his arm. In the A & M game the strategy was to take advantage of Johnson's inconsistencies in the passing game but did allow him some room to run. Johnson is not as elusive as Newton and so even more emphasis will be placed on spying the Auburn QB. Newton is still relatively inexperienced and hopefully he can be pressured into some poor judgement. Michigan State slowed down Robinson's running and converted his inexperienced arm into victory.
The key will be in the red zone. Auburn will not be stopped between the 20s because of both Newton and Dyer and Willy knows this. Stop Newton in the zone and hope the offense can outscore the Tigers.
Offensively, Mallet sprinting out, swing passes, and screens will be key to avoidng the worst aspects of a rush. Most importantly get Adams, Hamilton and Childs in space. These guys are amazing as to what they can do after the catch. Is it just me, but Mallet seems to focus on one receiver rather then seeing the field. This could be due to his nervousness because of the rush. Add to that his safety valves are dropping the ball. Auburn's run defense is excellent so don't expect much there. It's all about the Arkansas passing game versus Newton and Dyer. Let's hope that Arkansas' secondary rises to the occasion and comes of age (and that the refs will call interference on both teams for a change – important if fades are thrown to Childs in the corner of the end zone.)
First blowout of the year- Jake the Snake gets in and Cam Newton gets bit- 4.5 sacs for Jake-
Hogs roll- 48 Auburn 6
Hogs only play 3 qtrs but still manage to get the win.
Hogs – 27
tiggers – 17
All year long I have predicted big wins for the Hogs because I know we have and explosive offense and our defense is much improved. However all year long the Hogs have managed to make every game close with collapses in the second half. The definition of insane is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results well guys I am insane because I don't think this game will be close I think BP will have theses guys ready to finish the game and they will in impressive fashion. Hogs 43-17 this score could easily be flipped for Auburn but the game want be close either way.
Arkansas' second half "collapses" were due to Petrino playing safe and trying to sit on a lead. Getting away from what got you there.
Didn't work for Alabama but the Hogs were still in the game until Mallet's lazy throwaway. Worked for A & M although the Aggies were hoping for another pass interference at the end. I don't expect Petrino to change. He has faith that Mallet and the passing game can come back if needed. Sitting on a lead does reveal a greater confidence in his defense than was expressed by the general fan base at the beginning of the season. If Arkansas gets off to a 14 to 17 point lead watch for "burning the clock".
Arkansas 30
Auburn 24
The defenses of both teams will be put to the test in this one.
Auburn 30
Hogs 27
War Eagle – 27
Go Hogs – 20
UA: 41
AU: 38
Hogs in a shootout in Jordan-Hare.
I believe the key to Arkansas winning this one – is to force Cam to beat us through the air. If he gets loose, we could be in for a long day. As much as I hope I'm wrong, I believe the law of averages catches-up to us (as we've had Auburn's number the last couple of years).
The Gus Show 27
Hogs 24
Go Hogs!
I say it's a blow out again this year. They might have Newton, but our defense is up for the task. I think Petrino will make sure the offense doesn't collapse this game.
Hogs 35
Them 17 late touchdown makes it seem closer
Will the offense suddenly "put it all together" for four quarters? Will Bobby run more than five times in the 2nd quarter and actually match his playcalling with his words, calling for a better run-game? Can Newton and the other Tiger weapons be taken care of on the road by Willy and the D?
I say all of those are possible "yes's", but not likely. Auburn's hot, we're not. This could be L number two of three.
Tigers 27
Hogs 21
43-22 Hogs!
Where did THAT score come from?
Isn't this situation similar to last year? Wasn't Auburn undefeated when they came to Fayetteville. For some reason I am not afraid of this game. I think the Hogs are hungry and Auburn is basking in the glow of all the adoration they are receiving right now. Auburn's defense still doesn't have depth. Their secondary has not seen someone like Mallet this year. Here is what will happen: Arkansas will score on an opening drive that takes all of 48 seconds and that will take the crowd out of the game. Mr. Newton . . . . meet Mr. Leon. Anthony Leon will be assigned to keep his eyes on Newton and will make him pay every time he runs. Oh sure, Newton will get some big runs, and may get 100 yards, but he won't run wild. I think Arkansas will expose Auburn's faults. Auburn will make a run in the 4th until Adams scores on a punt return. Arkansas 38 Auburn 21.
Both of these teams seem to love close games. I can't see anything but another close one but Newton will get his and Mallett will get his. Hocker is the difference.
Arkansas 31
Auburn 28
Arkansas 34
Auburn 31
Go hogs!!
Hogs "AIR IT OUT" and learn to score in the 2nd Half – Stop doubting!
Arkansas 52 – Auburn 24
Not feeling good about this week and I hope it turns into a blow out but after last week I have my doubts. I cant call a loss for the Hogs just yet!!
Hogs 24
Tigers 21
Hope I have the winner right and the score wrong. Make me believe again HOGS!!!! Blow em out!!!!
The conventional wisdom is that defense wins championships. I like ours better than theirs. Willy and the boys will force Newton to throw more than he likes resulting in turnovers.
Pigs 27
Can't pick a mascot 20
Hogs 27 Tigers 24 Still think we could put more points up, but until we start executing better, I'll say we only score 27. We will not lose this game. We have Auburn's number. GHG!
38-36 in OT, with the Tigers failing to make their 2 point conversion.
Go Hogs, Go!
The Tigers play ball control. Hogs D bends but doesn't break(much).
Hogs score 3TD's and 1FG: 24
Tigers score 2TD's and 3FG's: 23
This should be a close, back-and-forth kind of game. I expect some mistakes and turnovers by both teams to keep the score from getting as high as some might think.
Hogs hang on in the final minute. . .
Ark 33
Aub 28
A good season takes a turn for even better…and sends the Gus Bus in reverse for a week.
Hogs 48, Tigers 20
Hogs sputter, defense wins one.
Hogs 21
Tigs 17
I predict Hogs win in a struggle 31-30.
I was thinking of the same score, but what the heck; Hogs win in a blowout. It gets ugly early!
Hogs = 49
Tigers = 28
Razorbacks play all 4 quarters.
Hogs – 38
Tigers – 27
Arkansas 37
Auburn 31
My fingers are crossed. We need this win to stay in the West divisional race.
Interesting to review predictions after the game is played. Progosticating is a tough thing to do with soooooo many variables from team to team, matchups, etc. Interesting anyway.