I hate using the term “must win” when referring to critical games in sports.
It’s so cliche. But then again it’s also cliche to say I hate the term “must win” when referring to critical games in sports so I guess it doesn’t matter either way.
But Arkansas’ game against Auburn this Saturday is a “must win” for the Razorbacks.
When the Hogs started 4-0 on the season, there was no other team that was talked about more in college football. Most people couldn’t believe that a program with back to back 2-10 seasons in 2018 and 2019 could turn it around this quick. To be considered one of the toughest teams in college football.
But after getting smoked by Georgia 37-0 and losing to Ole Miss in a wild shootout 52-51, those same people are wondering if Arkansas was feeling themselves a little too much.
That’s why this Auburn game is a must win for the Hogs. They have to prove that they weren’t just a cute story at the beginning of the year only to lose three straight games to drop to 4-3 on the year. All that good publicity from the beginning of the season will start to fade and fans will wonder if Arkansas is actually good or not.
Auburn is a decent team. Not good enough to win the SEC West but not bad enough to finish last. Which is pretty similar to what Arkansas is in this conference right now. The game is being played in Fayetteville on homecoming on a beautiful October Saturday. KJ Jefferson has a lot of confidence after the showing against Ole Miss and the defense will have a chip on their shoulder after giving up 52 points to the Rebels.
This is the perfect setup for the Razorbacks to bounce back and get the country’s attention once again. If they take care of business against the Tigers, they get a very winnable game against UAPB in Little Rock next weekend then have their bye week following that. That would put the Hogs at 6-2 (2-2) heading into the final four games of the 2021 regular season.
That’s a whole different feeling than 5-3 (1-3) heading into November. Especially knowing that Arkansas still has Mississippi State, LSU, Alabama, and Missouri left on the schedule.
The Razorbacks can feel really good about themselves if they can just take care of Auburn on Saturday. I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy game, but it’s one Arkansas should win.
Or should I say, “must win.”