Auburn Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win at Arkansas

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Nov 11, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah McAllister (11) tackles Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The defense was dominant again

Ron Roberts’ unit has been strong in 2023, and that was the case yet again on Saturday. Arkansas had very little space to operate all afternoon, and the Tigers completely shut down an offense that had plenty of playmakers.

KJ Jefferson was held to under 200 total yards, including just 116 through the air. No Razorback receiver had more than three catches or more than 35 yards.

Arkansas had 120 yards on the ground, but half of that came on a 60-yard Jacolby Criswell carry. It was the one huge mistake that Auburn made all day. All in all, it was a forgivable one.

Jalen McLeod was the star for the Tiger defense, registering six sacks and four tackles for loss. Marcus Harris added 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss, and Eugene Asante had another exemplary day as well.

As the Tiger offense has figured itself out in 2023, it’s the defense that has kept Auburn in games. On Saturday, they didn’t just keep them in it, they led them in dominating it.

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