A very interesting SEC West clash will take place this Saturday — as the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks go on the road to take on the No. 21 Auburn Tigers. It marks the first road game in conference play for Bret Bielema’s team this year.

After a slow start, Gus Malzahn’s team has won three-straight contests — including a 38-14 victory over Mississippi State two weekends ago.

As for the Razorbacks, they sit at 5-2 after a tough 34-30 win against Ole Miss at home.

During his Thursday radio show (via WholeHogSports), Bielema spoke about how Arkansas practiced with loud noise all week — hoping it will help to compensate for the expected loud noise in Jordan-Hare Stadium:

“TCU might not be as big (of a stadium) numbers wise, but it was loud. We have a lot of guys who have been on the road, though. That’s what we do each time we play at Auburn. We work with the noise level high so we should be prepared (for communication).”

Heading into this game, Arkansas (as of Thursday night) is also a nine-point underdog (per Odds Shark). This doesn’t seem to phase Bielema or his team:

“Obviously, I don’t look at that number. But my wife usually tells me about it. She told me Tuesday night this week. I don’t mind. It actually plays into our hands. We are not overly sexy or a ready built team. I think it helps us in the long run with the way we recruit and play.”