After a big-time win in Baton Rouge on Saturday night, LSU (7-2)will now turn their attention to a road test in Fayetteville against the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-4). The ‘Battle For the Golden Boot’ has always been a trap game for the Tigers after the Alabama game, so LSU can’t afford to overlook the Razorbacks this weekend as they look to clinch the SEC Western division crown.
LSU @ Arkansas Game Information:
Current Records: LSU (7-2) @ Arkansas (5-4)
Date/Time: November 12th @ 11:00 a.m. CT
Where: Razorback Stadium; Fayetteville, AR.
Where to Watch: ESPN (Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Analyst Greg McElroy, Reporter Katie George)
Spread: LSU (-3)
LSU vs. Arkansas Series History:
LSU leads the all-time series against Arkansas, 42-23-2. The Razorbacks claimed the victory last year in Death Valley, 16-13. The last meeting between the two teams in Fayetteville came during the 2020 season where LSU edged out Arkansas, 27-24.
Previewing LSU Heading into Week 11:
It was a step in the right direction for Brian Kelly’s first year as the head coach for LSU by taking down the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide 32-31 in overtime in Tiger Stadium. Tiger fans will remember that game for a long time, but the players have to be ready for a tough Arkansas team on the road.
There will be a cold front that will be sweeping through the region and that will bring the temperatures down into the 40s come kickoff. LSU has had some experience in playing with the cold during practice in the offseason as that was held in the months of January and February.
Though that LSU will have to deal with the cold conditions, the Tiger’s offense will look to remain hot. Jayden Daniels and the offense are finding their identity at the right time of the season where the month of November is where we find out who are the pretenders and the contenders. Daniels remains effective through the air and the running game.
LSU’s offensive line continued to create open running lanes for Josh Williams and John Emery coming out of the backfield. Not only was the Tiger offense clicking on Saturday night, but LSU’s defense has been able to improve week-by-week.
The Tiger defense has come together as the season goes on. We are starting to see Harold Perkins becoming a menace in the middle of the LSU defense. LSU’s secondary had question marks as they had to bring in transfers to try to fill a gap, but they have shown confidence against tough competition.
There are storylines that are within the matchup against Arkansas as Joe Foucha and Greg Brooks will return to face their former team.
Scouting LSU’s Opponent: Arkansas:
Arkansas came into the 2022 season with aspirations to compete for the SEC West after having a successful season in 2021. The Razorbacks started off the season with big wins against Cincinnati, South Carolina and Texas A&M to begin the year. Ever since their hot start, Arkansas has gone on a skid that is creating questions from the Razorback fanbase.
Arkansas will be looking to get back on track after a 21-19 loss to Liberty at home. Liberty was able to get out to a 21-0 lead as the Razorbacks faced adversity in the second quarter. Arkansas was able to fight their way back in the second half to make it a close game, but in the end it was too late to pull off the comeback victory over the Flames.
K.J. Jefferson’s status heading into the matchup against LSU still remains uncertain. Jefferson was able to play through an injury in last week’s game against Liberty that he has been dealing with. Sam Pittman spoke on the availability of Jefferson this weekend:
“That’s still a few days away. KJ threw some on Monday. Not much at all yesterday. I don’t know exactly what he’ll do today. That’s still a fluid situation. I will say this–Malik Hornsby has had a really good week of practice. The team is confident in him.”
Jefferson’s injury status is still in question, but the Razorbacks have other weapons that can pose a challenge to LSU’s defense. Raheim Sanders has been effective in the runnin game and has established himself as one of the best running backs in the SEC. Arkansas has talent in their wide receiver room with Matt Landers, Trey Knox and Jadon Haselwood.
On the other side of the ball, Arkansas’ defense got off to a strong start to the season, but ever since they have shown inconsistency. Even with the struggles, the linebacking core has been able to keep them in check. Bumper Pool and Drew Sanders have been the leaders of the second level for the Razorback defense.
Prediction for LSU @ Arkansas:
The line heading into the annual rivalry game between LSU and Arkansas should be a sign of that this game is always a tricky one to predict. It always comes after a physical game against Alabama the week prior. The Tigers will be tested early on in the day as they will need to keep their emotions in check and have their focus set on their matchup against the Razorbacks.
LSU’s rush defense will have to play their A-game against Sanders and the Arkansas running game. If Jefferson were cleared to play in this game, he has shown that he can have success against the Tiger defense. He is tough to get down with his stature, so LSU will have to make sure to be able to complete their tackles.
The 2022 version for the ‘Battle for the Golden Boot’ should be another classic in this annual rivalry game between the two teams as it will be a fourth-quarter battle. In the end LSU will be challenged by a pesky Arkansas team and come out with a narrow victory.
Prediction: LSU 31, Arkansas 27
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