Auburn Pulls Quarterback as Pressure Builds Ahead of Arkansas Clash

AUBURN, Alabama — Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze made a bold move during the first half of Saturday’s game against Arkansas, replacing starting quarterback Jackson Arnold with Stanford transfer Ashton Daniels. This decision came after Arnold threw a pick-six that extended Arkansas’ lead.

The Tigers, now on a four-game losing streak, are struggling to find their footing in the SEC. Freeze’s decision signals a shift as both teams seek their first conference victory this season, with Auburn sitting at 3-4 and Arkansas at 2-5.

“We are going to play to win. He’s prepared to play the last few games,” Freeze said regarding Daniels. “Jackson was playing at a high level, but we have to get that consistency throughout the game or find a spark.”

Auburn’s struggles have been compounded by poor performance in rushing offense against Arkansas’ weak run defense, which allows an average of 5 yards per carry. The weather forecast also suggests heavy rain and wind, possibly favoring a more run-oriented approach.

According to statistics, Auburn ranks No. 21 in the country for expected points added per rush attempt, while Arkansas’ defense ranks last. Both teams are facing mounting pressure; Freeze is on a warming hot seat in his third year, while Arkansas recently made an in-season coaching change.

Auburn’s offensive strategy will be critical this week. Despite their struggles, they have the chance to exploit Arkansas’ weaknesses on defense, which has allowed 17 rushing touchdowns. Defensive improvements will be necessary if Arkansas hopes to put an end to their three-game losing streak while Auburn aims to avoid a fifth consecutive loss.

With kickoff set for 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, anticipation is building for what many consider a must-win scenario for both teams.