Louisiana State Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 19th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The eighth-ranked Louisiana State University spent the majority of their previous game against Ole Miss attempting to battle back from a deficit, ultimately emerging victorious with a 29-26 overtime win thanks to a 25-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Nussmeier to Kyren Lacy.

After such an exhilarating triumph over then-ranked No. 9 Ole Miss, the Tigers' next challenge is a road game against the well-rested and formidable Arkansas on Saturday night in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

According to LSU coach Brian Kelly, the game against Ole Miss was one of many in his career where the team constantly felt like they were playing catch-up, always struggling to stay in the game.

The Tigers (5-1, 2-0 SEC) have now won five consecutive games since their season-opening loss to Southern California in Las Vegas. Nussmeier's impressive passing has been a major factor in their success, with 1,989 yards and 18 touchdowns this season and a completion rate of 64.3%.

Tight end Mason Taylor has been Nussmeier's top target with 33 receptions, while Lacy has been the go-to option for touchdown plays with six scores out of his 30 catches. Aaron Anderson has also been a reliable receiver with 30 catches, a significant increase from his 2019 season total of 12.

The Tigers' diverse offensive options and their ability to protect Nussmeier have caught the attention of Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman. Nussmeier has only been sacked twice this season, both times during their September 14 victory against South Carolina.

Pittman expressed his concern, saying, "They're really strong at tackle. They have good protection for (Nussmeier) to step up because their guards and center are big. He also has a quick release and knows how to read the field."

On the other hand, Arkansas (4-2, 2-1) has had an extra week to prepare for this challenging matchup. Their most recent game was on October 5, where they became the first team to slow down Tennessee's explosive offense in a 19-14 upset against the then-fourth-ranked team in the nation.

Under the guidance of coordinator Travis Williams, the Razorbacks have made significant improvements on defense, holding opponents to an average of 19.2 points per game. They have also shown their adaptability by switching to a six-defensive back formation against Tennessee, which proved to be successful with four sacks and limiting the opposing quarterback to 158 passing yards. It wouldn't be surprising if they utilize a similar approach against LSU.

However, injuries may impact Arkansas' performance. Jaylon Braxton, their top cornerback, may miss his fifth consecutive game due to tendinitis. Quarterback Taylen Green also sustained a bone bruise in their last game and his status for the upcoming game is uncertain.

Green has completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,502 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. The main threat in their running game is Utah transfer Ja'Quinden Jackson, who has rushed for 566 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In the all-time series, LSU holds a 44-23-2 record against Arkansas. The Tigers have won seven of their last eight matchups, including a 34-31 victory last year.

PREDICTION

Louisiana State Tigers

Arkansas Razorbacks

Louisiana State Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Recap NOV 12TH 2022

Josh Williams rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown to help No. 7 LSU record a 13-10 win over Arkansas 13-10 on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark.

The Tigers (8-2, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) won their fourth consecutive game to move to the brink of the SEC West title. They can clinch by winning at Texas A&M in two weeks.

Arkansas (5-5, 2-4) played without starting quarterback KJ Jefferson, who has been hampered by a shoulder injury. Malik passed for 24 yards and ran for 37 before being replaced by Cade Fortin, who completed 8 of 13 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.

Hornsby slipped and fell for a 12-yard loss while trying to avoid three LSU defenders on a 4th-and-2 play, giving the Tigers a first down at the Razorbacks' 40.

Jayden Daniels' 26-yard completion to Kayshon Boutte set up Williams' 1-yard touchdown run that gave LSU a 13-3 lead with 5:25 left in the quarter.

Fortin drove the Razorbacks 94 yards, the last 40 of which came on a touchdown pass to Matt Landers that cut the lead to 13-10 with 13:17 left in the game.

Freshman linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. ended Arkansas' final chance when he recorded his fourth sack of the game, forcing Fortin to fumble the ball that the Tigers recovered at the Arkansas 44.

The Razorbacks took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when they drove 46 yards to set up Cam Little's 28-yard field goal.

On the second play of the ensuing possession, Latavious Brini recovered Daniels' fumble, setting up Arkansas at the Tigers' 10.

On a 4th-and-goal from the 3, Hornsby was stopped for no gain, leaving the Razorbacks with a 3-0 lead at the end of the quarter.

Hornsby fumbled and BJ Ojulari recovered for LSU at the Arkansas 37. The Tigers gained one first down before Damian Ramos kicked a 38-yard field goal to tie the score early in the second quarter.

John Emery Jr.'s 32-yard run and Williams' 9-yard run on 4th-and-1 led to Ramos' 29-yard field goal that gave LSU a 6-3 halftime lead.