Razorbacks DC Squares Off Against Alma Mater Saturday

Travis Williams returns to alma mater for the first time since leaving Tiger coaching staff

Author:
Daniel Shi
Updated:
Nov 9, 2023 10:54 AM EST
Original:
Nov 8, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Where would Arkansas be this year without first-year defensive coordinator Travis Williams? It's a harrowing thought. Although the defense has been far from perfect, his unit has been routinely called on while the offense was mired in one of its worst stretches in recent memory.

Fresh off an overtime win over Florida, the Razorbacks look to take advantage of their momentum in a home clash against Auburn. It will also be the first time Williams will be on the opposite sideline against his alma mater where he was both a player and a coach.

Williams spent his college days in the blue and orange playing linebacker from 2001-05. He racked up a team-leading 80 tackles in Auburn's undefeated 2004 season. The four-time letter winner spent 2009-2011 as a graduate assistant and returned to the Auburn staff from 2014-20. Pittman knows that this game means more to Williams.

"I’m sure there is [extra motivation]," Pittman said. "We haven’t spoken about it, but I’m sure there is. Any time you play someone you obviously went to school there, coached there, whatever that may be, you want to do well."

Williams has spearheaded a remarkable defense relative to last year. The unit has made steps in the right direction in major categories including scoring defense (101st nationally to 57th), total yards allowed (124th to 40th), and is currently tied with Michigan for the most defensive touchdowns. All of this has led to constant praise from the unit as a whole.

"I would say just having energy and having a passion every week," linebacker Jaheim Thomas said. "Being able to run around and make plays with us, with our players, I feel like that’s really the key, honestly. And just using the scheme he gives for us every week."

Williams must quell an Auburn offense that has slowly started to find its groove over the past two games, posting over 400 yards of total offense in both. Michigan State transfer Peyton Thorne has taken over full-time starting duties at quarterback.

"He’s throwing the ball well," Pittman said. "He’s a good quarterback. Obviously, he’s got a lot of experience coming in for them, but the thing I can say most about him is he’s really, really competitive. You can kind of feel it through the film, to be honest with you."

The Hogs will look to silence the Auburn offense 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network and fuboTV .