BREAKING : Auburn RB Sends Bad News To Head Coach

After Auburn’s disappointing 24-14 loss to Arkansas, head coach Hugh Freeze spoke to the media about the team’s struggles. This defeat marked a rough start to their Southeastern Conference play, leaving the Tigers at 2-2 for the season. Key issues included turnovers, penalties, and a scrambling quarterback.

Pro Football Focus evaluated all players who participated in the game. Here are the highest and lowest graded performers:

**Offensive Top 5:**
1. QB Payton Thorne – 81.2
2. WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith – 71.9
3. WR Malcolm Simmons – 70.8
4. RB Jarquez Hunter – 70.2
5. C Connor Lew – 65.8

**Analysis:** Thorne, who replaced redshirt freshman Hank Brown at halftime, threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, although his interception wasn’t his fault. Lambert-Smith was the standout, catching five passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Auburn made a concerted effort to involve Simmons more in the offense, which paid off as the freshman showed promise.

**Offensive Bottom 5:**
1. QB Hank Brown – 41.6
2. RB Damari Alston – 50
3. WR Sam Jackson V – 52.4
4. LG Dillon Wade – 53.7
5. WR Perry Thompson – 54.3

**Analysis:** Brown struggled, throwing three interceptions before being benched, while Alston’s costly fumble near the goal line contributed to his low grade. Jackson and Thompson had limited snaps and made no major errors, while Alston’s low rating came from his brief appearance.

**Defensive Top 5:**
1. DB Champ Anthony – 93.3
2. DB Sylvester Smith – 79.1
3. CB Jay Crawford – 77
4. CB Kayin Lee – 74.3
5. DL Isaiah Raikes – 71.6

**Analysis:** Anthony’s standout grade is notable despite him only playing 12 snaps due to a leg injury. Overall, the defense performed well, particularly in the secondary, with both Smith and Lee recording interceptions. Crawford had a key pass breakup despite limited playing time.

**Defensive Bottom 5:**
1. LB Robert Woodyard Jr. – 53.1
2. DL Quientrail Jamison-Travis – 53.8
3. BUCK Keyron Crawford – 56.9
4. CBs Keionte Scott and Antonio Kite – 57.5
5. LB Eugene Asante – 59.1

**Analysis:** Auburn struggled against Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, especially when he made plays outside the pocket, which contributed to the lower grades. This marks the second consecutive week the Tigers have had difficulty containing a mobile quarterback, a challenge they will face again this season.