Arkansas’ road win over Auburn could define its 2024 season

Going into Saturday’s Southeastern Conference opener against Auburn, it felt like the tone of Arkansas’ final eight games would be determined on the Plains. 

It certainly wasn’t a pretty affair, but Arkansas came out on top with a 24-14 victory that moved the Razorbacks’ record to 3-1. 

Sam Pittman’s squad led 7-0 at halftime, but it was a first half marred by poor quarterback play by Taylen Green. For the second consecutive week, Green finished the game with a completion percentage under 50%. Only a strong effort by running back Ja’Quinden Jackson gave Arkansas the slim lead at the break. 

After Auburn quarterback Hank Brown threw three interceptions in the first half, he was benched for Payton Thorne, who led the Tigers on a game-tying drive midway through the third quarter. A touchdown toss from Thorne to KeAndre Lambert-Smith tied the game at 7-7 and all of a sudden, all the momentum in the world was on Auburn’s side. 

With a raucous Jordan-Hare Stadium crowd against the Hogs, Green — who had himself been pulled for a series in favor of Malachi Singleton — threw up a prayer on third-and-19 to receiver Isaiah Sategna, who came down with the football in the end zone. Just as quickly as it had swung in Auburn’s favor, the momentum pendulum was suddenly on the visitors’ sideline.