Auburn vs. Arkansas: Coaching Histories and Stakes

Auburn (3-4, 0-4 SEC) travels to Fayetteville on Saturday, Oct. 25 to face Arkansas (2-5, 0-4 SEC) and interim coach Bobby Petrino, with both programs desperate for a win. Petrino returns after serving as Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2002 and amid lingering scrutiny from a clandestine 2003 meeting that still colors his reputation. The matchup pairs Arkansas' explosive offense and poor turnover margin against one of the SEC's weaker defenses, while Auburn aims to slow the game, emphasize the run and force turnovers to limit Arkansas' big plays. Forecasted rain could accentuate a ground-game, short-drive approach that favors Auburn's strengths. Coaching stakes are high: a loss would further imperil Auburn coach Hugh Freeze's job, while Petrino's bid for the permanent role is already being debated.