Ashton Daniels enters at QB for Auburn, replaces Jackson Arnold vs. Arkansas

Ashton Daniels has replaced Jackson Arnold at quarterback during Auburn‘s Week 9 matchup against Arkansas. Daniels was expected to see playing time on Saturday, and he’ll now get the opportunity to prove himself in-game.

There was debate over whether a QB change would be made during the game, and head coach Hugh Freeze said that he wouldn’t hesitate to get Daniels “a series or two” during the matchup to see how he does against the Sooners’ defense.

Arnold completed all six of his passes and a touchdown during the first quarter, but completed just one pass during the second. He ended his second quarter with a pick-six deep in Sooners territory.

Daniels entered the game for the final drive of the first half with 40 seconds left in the second quarter. The Tigers weren’t able to score in that short time, but completed his first pass of the game for eight yards during the drive.

“He’s a really good runner,” Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said of Daniels at halftime. “He’s got a lot of experience so we have to understand what they want to do when he’s in the game.”

It remains to be seen how long Daniels remains in the game, or if “a series or two” turns into the entire second half. After all Auburn decided to make the change under center after out-gaining Arkansas 212-198 in offensive yardage.

131 of those yards for Auburn came on the ground, as Jeremaiah Cobb took 12 carries for 79 yards rushing during the first two quarters. Arnold finished the first half 7-12 passing for 73 yards, one touchdown and the pick-six.

The touchdown pass came on one of the most impressive one-handed grabs you’ll see during Week 9. Star wide receiver Cam Coleman jumped over an Arkansas defender to haul in the 23-yard touchdown catch.

Coleman would leave the game with an injury toward the end of the opening quarter and did not return with a high ankle sprain. The departure of Arnold’s favorite receive was apparent during the second quarter with his 1-for-6 passing finish.

Fans can watch the second half live on the SEC Network as Auburn looks to work its way back from a 21-10 deficit. Auburn will receive the opening kickoff to begin the third quarter out of the halftime break. All eyes will be on Daniels and what he can accomplish in the second half.