LSU is back on the road this week as it travels to face Arkansas. LSU is riding high after upsetting Ole Miss, but the Tigers are favored by just a field goal against an unranked Arkansas team.
These games have a knack for being close. The last four meetings were decided by exactly three points. LSU won three of those contests with Arkansas’ victory coming in 2021.
LSU has won seven of the last eight against the Razorbacks and hasn’t lost in Fayetteville since getting shut out in 2014.
Tiger fans should expect another close one. LSU is good, but this 2024 team struggled to assert control against South Carolina and Ole Miss. Both games were wins, but LSU had to work hard for it.
At 4-2, Arkansas is one win away from exceeding its preseason win total of 4.5. LSU bought some room for error with the Ole Miss win, but with tough games against Texas A&M and Alabama on the horizon, the Tigers can’t afford a loss here.
Here are five things to know about the Arkansas Razorbacks prior to their Week 8 meeting with LSU.
How Arkansas got here
Both Razorback losses were by one possession. The first one came in week two at Oklahoma State. Arkansas jumped out to a lead, but an Oklahoma State comeback forced overtime.
Arkansas had several chances to put the game away, but Oklahoma State won 39-31.
The second loss was by four points to A&M in week five. That same Texas A&M team blew out Missouri the next week so that loss doesn’t look all that bad for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas is coming off a bye, but it picked up a massive win its last time out — a win over top ten ranked Tennessee.
Head coach Sam Pittman began the year on the hot seat, but Arkansas has momentum now.
Taylen Green is dangerous at QB
At SEC media days, Pittman offered a glowing report of Boise State transfer QB Taylen Green. Pittman said the Razorbacks “hit” landing Green.
So far, so good. Green isn’t afraid to let it fly and has 12 completions with 20+ air yards. Green’s overall passing numbers could be better, but when he’s in rhythm, he’s an SEC-level passer.
Green has been pressured on 95 dropbacks, the most in the SEC. LSU’s pass rush will look to take advantage of that and make Green uncomfortable.
But it’s with his legs that Green stands out. His 17 carries for 10+ yards lead all SEC QBs and rank fourth overall among SEC rushers. LSU’s had a tendency to allow explosive plays on the ground this year, so its critical the Tigers contain Green.
Petrino will lean on the run game
With Green being the threat he is on the ground, Arkansas OC Bobby Petrino wants to lean on the run game.
Green is joined in the backfield by RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, a Utah transfer. Jackson is tough to bring down. He leads the SEC in forced missed tackles and averages 3.76 yards after contact per carry.
Petrino can spread it and out and run it or he can put Green under center and get Jackson going downhill. The diversity of this rushing attack makes it tough to stop.
LSU’s best bet will be getting aggressive and forcing negative plays, even if that comes with the trade off of some explosive plays allowed.
Defense is a strong unit
Travis Williams is in his second year coordinating the Arkansas defense and the unit has taken another step forward.
Up front, DT Eric Gregory Jr. is having a strong year leading the Razorbacks sturdy rushing attack that ranks 17th nationally in EPA/rush allowed.
There’s some bend but don’t break elements with Arkansas ranking 62nd in yards per play allowed but top 20 in points per scoring opportunity allowed. When offenses are threatening, this defense buckles down.
Players to know
Outside of Green and Jackson, these are the Razorbacks to watch on Saturday.
- DE Landon Jackson: After beginning his career at LSU, Jackson transferred to Arkansas. He’s emerged as one of the SEC’s best defensive ends over the last two years and is putting another good campaign together in 2024.
- WR Andrew Armstrong: LSU faced one of the SEC’s best receiver in Tre Harris last week. The Tigers will see another one this week in Armstrong. With 552 yards, Armstrong is third in the SEC.
- CB Marquise Robinson: According to PFF, Robinson is the 11th best graded CB in the SEC. The Razorbacks struggle against the pass at times, but Robinson isn’t to blame.
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