As Week 4 of SEC football approaches, the conference has unveiled its first availability report for the much-anticipated Arkansas-Auburn matchup. This is the first season the SEC has implemented the mandatory availability report for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball games, with schools required to submit updates leading up to 90 minutes before game time. Failure to comply could lead to fines between $25,000 and $100,000.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, during the SEC coaches’ teleconference, mentioned that the Razorbacks had already been preparing for these reports by compiling mock reports for the first three games. Dave Polanski, Arkansas’ associate director of sports medicine, is tasked with processing and entering the availability information for the Razorbacks.
Key players from Arkansas will be missing for this important SEC opener. Offensive lineman Patrick Kutas, who has been dealing with a back injury since preseason, is confirmed out. Safety Hudson Clark, also suffering from a back injury sustained in the Oklahoma State game, is listed as doubtful. Additionally, standout cornerback Jaylon Braxton, who dressed but did not play in last week’s game against UAB due to a bone bruise, is now ruled out for Auburn. Other key names absent include tight end Andreas Paaske, defensive back Miguel Mitchell, and wide receiver Khafre Brown.
On the other hand, Auburn will also be without several key players. Defensive back Tyler Scott and tight end Brandon Frazier have been ruled out, while defensive lineman Amaris Williams is listed as doubtful. Notably, wide receiver Cam Coleman, along with defensive back Antonio Kite and kicker Alex McPherson, are all questionable. Auburn’s defense will see a boost, though, with probable returns from defensive back Kayin Lee and Champ Anthony.
As both teams aim to begin their SEC campaigns with a win, all eyes will be on Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Central, where fans can expect a thrilling contest broadcasted on ESPN.
