The LSU Tigers follow-up their grudge match against the Crimson Tide with another SEC showdown in Fayetteville against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The contest between the to schools is set to go off at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on the ESPN Network. At he mid-way point in the week, the Tigers are a -7.5 point favorites and the game’s total sits at 46.
In last years battle between the two clubs, the Razorbacks took a 14 point lead in at half time and held on for a 31-14 victory in Death Valley. Arkansas’ defense sacked LSU’s quarterback five times and running back Alex Collins racked-up 141 yards rushing on only 16 totes of the rock.
#24 LSU (5-3):
The Tigers faced the defensive juggernaut called Alabama last weekend, losing 10-0 and never really got anything going offensively. In fact, LSU only gained 125 yards of total offense. Quarterback Danny Etling threw for only 92 yards and an pick. All things considered, Danny Etling did go up against the best defense in the country so judging the youngster on that game alone is a mistake.
The up-and-comer has shown some improvement over the prior few weeks and will look to get that fire lit once again. In 2016, Etling has completed 100 balls for a little over 1,200 yards with seven touchdowns and four picks.
Leonard Fournette was shut down by the Crimson Tide once again, rushing for just 35 yards. The bruising runner will look to get back on track against the Razorback’s 91st ranked rushing defense (198.1 ypg) on Saturday. All totaled, Fournette has rumbled for 705 yards on 100 carries with five trips to the back of the end zone.
Three wide receivers share about the same amount of catches and yards and scores for the LSU Tigers. As a whole, they have caught 63 passes for over 800 yards and six scores. Unfortunately, it might be too little too late, as LSU ranks 108th in the nation in passing offense.
LSU’s defense certainly did its part in last week’s showdown against Alabama. Holding an opposing school to just ten points is about all you can ask for. One reason for their success is the Tigers are especially tough against running backs in 2016.
The Tigers rank 7th in the nation against the run (104.1). LSU also defends the pass well, allowing teams just over 200 yards through the air (42nd). This front seven will be the best that Jalen Hurts has seen thus far.
#25 Arkansas (6-3):
Sure, the Razorback’s aren’t playing in the SEC title game this season , but this feisty team just won’t give up the ghost. After being completely throttled by Auburn two weeks ago 56-3, they bounced back at home and man-handled the Gators 31-10.
Banged-up quarterback Austin Allen did throw a pick-six against the Gators, but he finished the game with 243 passing yards and a score. Now, it appears the young gunslinger is 100 percent for this SEC battle. In 2016, Allen has tossed the pigskin around for almost 2,300 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight picks.
Rawleigh Williams III pretty much handles all the running responsibilities out of the back field for the Razorbacks. The talented back has amassed 955 yards on 179 yards and seven trips to the promise land. He hopes to reproduce his predecessor’s game against the Tigers last year.
Austin Allen has four wide outs that he loves to toss the ball around with. All four have twenty or more catches and all four have found the end zone at least three times. Receiver Drew Morgan is Austin’s possession guy, and could see a lot of action against an athletic LSU front seven.
Arkansas’s defense has a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde quality about them recently. Especially, when the Razorbacks are facing the run game of opposing schools. Against Auburn two weeks ago, they surrendered over 260 yards rushing. The next time they squared-off against Florida last week, the unit limited the Gators to only 12.
Trends and Notes:
The Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
The Razorbacks are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
The Under is 10-1-2 in the the Tigers last 13 games overall.
The Under is 5-1 in the the Razorbacks last 6 home games.
The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Arkansas.
Game Predictions:
This game is a tricky one to predict. LSU will be motivated after being shut-out against the Crimson Tide. Arkansas should be full of confidence after dismantling the Gators after a huge loss to Auburn.
Both of these scenarios will collide and fortunately for Arkansas it will be their home turf. Arkansas only has one loss at home this year (5-1) and that was against Alabama. Austin Allen will have to play better than he did against Bama’ but the defense could be the real hero in this one.
Leonard Fournette will get his yardage and the Tigers should produce a lot more offense in this one. The Tigers defense will come to play and that should be enough for LSU to squeak out a victory. The key word being squeak. Take the home dog with the half point and don’t worry if the defenses dominate this game. Put your cash on the Razorbacks +7.5.
