LSU Seeks to Avoid Upset Alert, Previewing Week 8 vs. Arkansas

10/18/2024

Photo By: Corey Perrillioux

Da Boot Sports
10/18/2024
By: jason Watson Jr.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR- LSU travels to Arkansas for a Week 8 contest versus the rival Razorbacks in what should be a hostile environment. The Battle for the Golden Boot is a matchup that is always sure to provide fireworks. Saturday’s game will be the second Top-10 ranked opponent that Arkansas hosts in as many weeks.

Last Week (W7):

LSU made a big time statement against the Ole Miss Rebels in a thrilling final resulting in
an overtime win. The Tigers trailed for the duration of the game until taking their first lead on the game-winning touchdown pass from Garrett Nussmeier to Kyren Lacy. With the victory, LSU moved to 5-1 (2-0) on the year. They also jumped from 13th to 8th in national polls. LSU 29- Ole Miss 26

Arkansas is coming off of a bye week after hosted and defeated the fourth-ranked team in the country, Tennessee Volunteers. The Razorbacks stifled the Vols’ high-powered offense en route to a gritty low-scoring affair. Arkansas overcame a 14-3 deficit midway through the second half, and eventually scored the winning touchdown with a little over a minute remaining in the game. Arkansas 19- Tennessee 14

Series History:

The Tigers lead the all-time series versus the Razorbacks with a record of 44-23-2. LSU has won the previous two games, but five of the last six contests have finished with a one-score difference. Arkansas’ last victory came in 2021 when they left Baton Rouge with a 16-13 final.

Injury Report:

Brian Kelly expects LSU to have wideout CJ Daniels back in the lineup on Saturday after he was sorely missed in the short-passing game last week versus the Rebels. As for Chris Hilton, he remains sidelined and has yet to play this season for the Tigers. Another injury worth noting is that of Tyree Adams (OL.) Adams is LSU’s top backup lineman, but went through a surgical procedure recently.

The Razorbacks have a nearly spotless injury report. Only two players were listed on the Razorbacks’ most recent availability update. Defensive back Jaylon Braxton and running back Rodney Hill were noted as out and doubtful respectively. Quarterback Taylen Green is expected to play against the Tigers after suffering a knee injury in the matchup with Tennessee.

Keys to Victory:

* Limit the Turnovers
Although capable of showing flashes of greatness, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier continues to struggle with interceptions. Nuss has thrown at least one INT in four of the Tigers’ six games this season, including two in each of the last two games. Arkansas does not want to get into a shootout with anybody on the field. Their offensive mindset is to drive the football methodically down the throat of the defense, and keep the opposing offenses on the sideline as long as they can. The Tigers can ill afford to give the Razorbacks free possessions if they expect to win Saturday.

* Rankings are Not the Full Story
Arkansas is not ranked. They’ve already had two losses on the season, but that is not to say the Razorbacks do not have a talented group of players and coaches. Arkansas beat a top-five team two weekends ago, and they’d love nothing more than to beat another ranked opponent this week. Arkansas also played a very talented Oklahoma State team to a one-score loss in OT earlier this season. The Razorbacks should not be taken lightly. They have momentum, but so do the Tigers. LSU is facing a trap game, one that would all but gash any hopes at the CFB playoff this postseason.

* Get Arkansas Behind the Chains
I spoke on it earlier, and I’ll say it again. Taylen Green and the Razorbacks are going to try moving the football methodically down the field. They want to dominate the time of possession for the best opportunity to knock off the Tigers. If LSU can attack early and force pressure on Green, knocking the offense back on their heels, they stand a good chance at escaping the road test. Blake Baker’s group cannot allow positive yardage gains every down.

Where to Watch:

Fans can watch LSU v. Arkansas live on ESPN when the game kicks off from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 6:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

Predictions and Final Thoughts:

Brian Kelly and LSU are well aware of what is at stake in Saturday’s bout with the Razorbacks. Although the Tigers are trending in the right direction, I believe Arkansas can smell a Tiger’s Blood snow-ball on the horizon. I expect a close, tightly-contested game between the rivaled SEC foes, but LSU is too talented to lose this one. I’m not sure I’d narrow this one to just one score like recent matchups allude to. However, LSU will need to pull this one out late. I’ll take the Tigers in this Battle for the Boot, 34-23.

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