On a Veteran’s Day trip to Fayetteville, Auburn finds itself a key inflection point of its season.

Auburn will kickoff against Arkansas at 3:00 p.m. with the chance to get to bowl eligibility. Auburn is on a two-game winning streak to reach a 5-4 record, but on Saturday will face an Arkansas team far better than its 3-6 record indicates.

Auburn has largely struggled on the road this season, but this week marks a moment for head coach Hugh Freeze to reach his goal for the remainder of the season. And with a win in Fayetteville before facing New Mexico State next week, Auburn could set itself up with the most momentum its had in years going into an Iron Bowl.

The game will be broadcast on SEC Network. Follow along here for updates.

Pregame

– Auburn center Avery Jones has not played since Auburn’s game against Ole Miss but he is in pads for warm ups today. It is still Connor Lew snapping to Payton Thorne, though. It will likely be a shared day at center for them per Hugh Freeze’s comments Monday.

1st Quarter

– Connor Lew starts for Auburn. Looks like Jones is still available so if he plays, it will be in a rotational role. That probably is as expected.

– After an opening penalty, Auburn’s scripted opening drive was excellent. Caleb Burton picked up 45 yards on a catch-and-run slant over the middle and Auburn goes down to score a touchdown. And Payton Thorne absolutely ran over a potential tacker on his way into the endzone. Stared the Arkansas defender down too. Don’t think we’ve seen Thorne run with that much authority this year. A six-play, 75-yard drive and Auburn leads.

Auburn leads 7-0 with 12:37 to play in the quarter

– Auburn has gotten the absolute best possible start it could ask for. After the touchdown drive, Auburn’s defense allowed one yard in forcing a three-and-out. Then Keionte Scott just casually goes down and returns a punt 74 yards for a touchdown. Auburn leads by two scores less than five minutes into this game. This is a dream start in such a crucial game.

Auburn leads 14-0 with 10:44 left in the quarter

– Another three-and-out forced by Auburn’s defense. Whoever game the pregame speech today did quite the job. Auburn knows what it has on the line today and is coming out with as much energy as it has all year, especially in a difficult road game. It isn’t particularly loud in Fayetteville today, but still not an easy road game. Auburn has played like this is the Iron Bowl.

– Auburn hasn’t looked this good to start a game all season. The game isn’t even 10 minutes old and Auburn leads by three scores. Auburn cruised down the field without much resistance on its second drive of the game. It scored as Rivaldo Fairweather broke a tackle on a screen pass and ran on in easily from there. Auburn has just looked incredible in every facet early on.

Auburn leads 21-0 with 6:28 left in the quarter