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Auburn looks to focus on McFadden, Arkansas

Oct 13, 2007 - 10:49 AM No. 22 Auburn (4-2) at Arkansas (3-2) 7:45 pm EDT

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (Ticker) -- Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville knows his team cannot afford to look ahead.

With a matchup with top-ranked Louisiana State looming, Tuberville's 22nd-ranked Tigers visit Arkansas on Saturday night in a Southeastern Conference contest.

Next week, the Tigers host LSU in a game that will go a long way in determining the SEC West champion. But first, Auburn (4-2, 2-1 SEC West) has to tackle the Razorbacks, who are led by arguably the most talented player in college football.

Razorbacks junior Darren McFadden has been brilliant for his flawed team, rushing for 155.8 yards per game - third in the country - and seven touchdowns despite being less than 100 percent physically.

Suffering from sore ribs, McFadden needs 32 yards to set a new school career record.

Last Saturday, the Heisman Trophy candidate ran for 122 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in a 34-15 triumph over Football Championship Subdivision squad Chattanooga, the Razorbacks' second straight win following consecutive SEC losses to Alabama and Kentucky.

Powered by McFadden and Felix Jones, Arkansas (3-2, 0-2 West) possesses the nation's No. 2 rushing attack at 338.4 yards per game, but the team is 105th in passing (169.2).

Auburn has won three straight contests since losing back-to-back road games to South Florida and Mississippi State. The Tigers are coming off a 35-7 home win over Vanderbilt in which they limited the Commodores to 221 total yards.

Last year, Arkansas posted a 27-10 road win over Auburn. The Tigers won here two years ago, 34-17.