Paschall's Picks: Hogs, AU in another shootout?

There will be no lacking for defensive motivation Saturday night when Auburn visits Arkansas.

The Tigers had one of the nation's worst defenses statistically in September but opened this month with a 16-13 win last week at South Carolina. Auburn coach Gene Chizik said his defense has more confidence now but the Razorbacks pose the stiffest challenge yet.

Arkansas has scored 44 and 43 points against Auburn the past two seasons, joining the 1995-96 Florida Gators as the only teams to hang 40 or more on the Tigers in consecutive years. Hogs quarterback Tyler Wilson threw for 510 yards against Texas A&M last week and had 322 last year at Auburn in a little more than a half.

"We played against him last year when he came into our game, and he really did a good job against us," Chizik said Wednesday. "We have an idea of what's good and what's not good when it comes to trying to defend the quarterback in this offense, but we always start with being able to stop the run, and that's what we aim to do."

Arkansas defeated Auburn 44-23 two years ago in Fayetteville, and the Tigers won a 65-43 shootout last season. The 65 points are the most the Hogs have allowed to an SEC team since joining the league in 1992.

"That game motivated last year's defense the rest of the year, and we improved because of it," Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said, "but this is a new team and a new year."

Pasquali's Pix

Kentucky at South Carolina: When it comes to memorable SEC East quarterbacking matchups, Morgan Newton vs. Connor Shaw falls just short of Danny Wuerffel vs. Peyton Manning. Gamecocks 19, Wildcats 10.

Oklahoma vs. Texas: If anything ails you, blame ESPN and the Longhorn Network. Sooners 24, Longhorns 17.

Maryland at Georgia Tech: The quick-stinging Yellow Jackets are outscoring foes 80-14 in the first quarter. Jackets 35, Terrapins 16.

UTC at Georgia Southern: The SEC on CBS and the SoCon on PBS. Has anyone seen that cuddly Snuffleupagus? Eagles 30, Mocs 19.

Florida at LSU: It was at this point last year when Les Miles began his image makeover. Tigers 23, Gators 20.

Auburn at Arkansas: The Razorbacks would have won 14 consecutive regular-season games if they didn't have to play Alabama or Auburn. Razorbacks 34, Tigers 21.

Vanderbilt at Alabama: The Crimson Tide have graced 12 Sports Illustrated covers since Nick Saban became coach. The Commodores are seeking their first under James Franklin. Tide 34, 'Dores 3.

Georgia at Tennessee: After 25 consecutive meetings in which at least one team was ranked, this rivalry is pitting unranked teams for a third straight year. Vols 31, Bulldogs 24.