LSU football returns home to continue SEC play with a 6 p.m. matchup versus Arkansas in Tiger Stadium. LSU enters coming off a blowout win over Mississippi State while Arkansas is playing its first SEC game after losing to BYU.
Here’s how The Reveille Sports Staff predicted the matchup:
Peter Rauterkus | @peter_rauterkus
LSU seems to have found its rhythm following a 41-14 win over Mississippi State. The offense looks like the best in the SEC and the defense made strides after a shaky start to the season.
On the other side of the field, Arkansas is moving in the opposite direction. The Razorbacks lost at home to BYU last week and have a concerning weakness on the offensive line. LSU’s defensive line dominated against Mississippi State last weekend, creating a bad matchup for Arkansas.
As a 17.5-point favorite, LSU is expected to keep rolling. Given the matchup, that expectation is reasonable.
Prediction: LSU 42-21 Arkansas
Mackay Suire | @macthetiger
LSU is back in Death Valley to take on the Razorbacks with what is arguably the most confidence it has had thus far in the season. LSU’s dominating win against Mississippi State solidified that Jayden Daniels and his offense were more than capable of putting together a successful pass performance.
With a strong offensive line performance and consistent and accurate connections from Daniels to the receiving room, there should be no reason for the Tigers to fall in this game. The Razorbacks are coming off of a tough loss to BYU and will be playing in what LSU fans have deemed a true “Saturday night in Death Valley.” LSU takes the game in Baton Rouge.
Prediction: LSU 38-21 Arkansas
Jason Willis | @JasonWillis4
LSU’s offense has been near unstoppable this season, ranking in the nation’s top 10 in total yards, points scored and passing yards. However, Arkansas is the best defense the Tigers have seen. That makes for an interesting matchup of strengths, particularly as Arkansas’ productive pass-rush goes against LSU’s offensive line.
Barring a resurfacing of LSU’s defensive breakdowns, I don’t see Arkansas scoring too many points in this one. Game script will likely favor LSU’s style, and Arkansas is not a team built to play from behind. The Razorbacks’ most likely path to victory is by containing the LSU offense and making the game a defensive battle, much like last year. I think that’s too big an ask for Arkansas. As good as its defensive front is, LSU’s big play ability through the air will really test its secondary.
Prediction: LSU 31-17 Arkansas
Tyler Harden | @ttjharden8
Arkansas comes into Saturday’s matchup fresh off a 38-31 loss to BYU. When it comes to having momentum, the ball is in LSU’s court.
The Razorbacks run a very balanced attack centered around quarterback KJ Jefferson. Their star running back, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, suffered an injury in the season opener and won’t be available against LSU, so Arkansas has found more consistency in its throwing game.
But for how balanced they’ve been, the Razorbacks can’t seem to find any long-term consistency with either phase of the game. With the potential for Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers to continue their connection, I think the Tigers capitalize yet again.
LSU 38-24 Arkansas
Tre Allen | @treday0314
After coming off a win in dominating fashion over Mississippi State, LSU is set to take on Arkansas Saturday night in Death Valley.
LSU offense has been one of best in the country and there is no doubt that it is looking to continue from where it left off last week. Meanwhile on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers have to continue their pass rush. They were able to quiet Will Rogers and Jo’quavious Marks but now they have to slow down KJ Jefferson, one of the best mobile quarterbacks in the country.
I think LSU will be able to contain Jefferson, forcing him to make tough passes in order to move the ball. The secondary showed a lot of improvement last week but being consistent is key. I have LSU winning this and having control for most of the game.
LSU 38- 23 Arkansas
Cabe Bond | @PrezBond
Arkansas has not looked great. After its loss last week to BYU one of two things are certain: The Razorbacks will either come out with all of their issues fixed and stomp LSU, or they will continue to perform poorly. I currently have the latter being the case.
LSU exited week three after blowing out Mississippi State in Starkville. Meanwhile, Arkansas lost to BYU while playing in Fayetteville. Now the Razorbacks have to face a much tougher opponent in the most hostile environment in college football. Maybe Arkansas gets it all together for this game, but probably not. I have LSU continuing its offensive dominance as it roasts the Razorbacks.
LSU 45-17 Arkansas
Connor Barney | @theconnorbarney
LSU enters this game with a fresh look after its dominant win in Starkville. The offense is in full swing and the defense has improved tenfold since the beginning of the season. LSU’s defensive line continues to be the strength on the defensive side, and matched up against a problematic offensive line, the Tigers should keep KJ Jefferson on the move throughout the game.
Playing in Death Valley has its benefits, and with this LSU team looking good following last week’s win, it’s hard to bet against them. The Razorbacks aren’t going down without a fight, and this battle in Baton Rouge is going to be closer than people think.
Prediction: LSU 38-31 Arkansas
Ava Hebert | @avahebe4
LSU’s quarterback Jayden Daniels proved his strength against Mississippi State. The Tiger’s offense executed a very successful passing game, so Daniels should have the confidence to take advantage of the Razorbacks defense.
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson might hesitate against the Tigers, making it hard for him to complete passes against LSU’s pass rush.
With LSU coming off of a win and Arkansas a tough loss, the Tigers should take the win in Death Valley, furthering their record to 3-1.
Prediction: LSU 38-21 Arkansas