FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- John L. Smith's positive outlook has never wavered this season, even as Arkansas' preseason hopes crumbled under the weight of a four-game losing streak.

The Razorbacks coach's eternal optimism spread to his players on Monday, two days following the team's streak-snapping 24-7 win over Auburn.

A win, any win, was exactly what Arkansas (2-4, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) needed in the worst way. That it was the Razorbacks' first this season against an FBS opponent didn't matter in the least for a team that's fallen from the preseason top 10 to one just hoping to earn a bowl berth.

That belief came in the face of more disheartening news: Smith said leading tackler Alonzo Highsmith is out for the season with a foot injury sustained against the Tigers.