Coming off of the LSU loss last week, there was some curiosity about how Auburn would respond this week against a struggling Arkansas team. The Tigers got the win, but it was a struggle at times.

In what continued a theme for Arkansas, the Razorbacks struggled to avoid mistakes. They had some positives, such as an early yardage edge, 122-76, but then had five penalties, a fumble and a missed field goal in the first half alone. They also had poor field position, inside their own 30-yard line in the first half, while Auburn’s average starting position was near midfield. And the Tigers had three possessions begin inside Arkansas’ 20-yard line.

Auburn got 10 fourth-quarter points in a 34-3 win.

Special teams also contributed mightily for Auburn, most notably a 96-yard kickoff return for Noah Igbinoghene in the third quarter. Both offenses struggled most of the night, but Auburn put together a solid drive in the fourth quarter to ice the game. JaTarvis Whitlow capped an eight play, 72-yard drive with a 15-yard score with 8:18 remaining, his second TD in the game. Whitlow finished with 13 carries for 49 yards and two TDs.

The defenses controlled the night as Auburn was just 4-for-13 on third down, and Arkansas was 3-for-17. Auburn managed just 93 rushing yards.

Arkansas’ defense had its moments in the first half, but the Razorbacks still trailed, 17-0. Arkansas held Auburn scoreless on drives that began in Auburn territory, but too often, the Tigers got the ball on the Arkansas side of the field.

Auburn appeared to bust it open just before halftime when Javaris Davis appeared to return an interception 80 yards for a touchdown. But the Tigers were flagged for a block in the back, a call Gus Malzahn was visibly upset about. The Tigers then missed a 50-yard field goal attempt to close the half.

Earlier in the first half, Auburn got the ball at Arkansas’ 2-yard-line, but had to settle for an 18-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Auburn was stopped on downs after a nine-play drive when Whitlow couldn’t convert a fourth down and one.

Auburn will play host to Southern Miss next week, while Arkansas will travel to Texas A&M.