LSU will host the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday in its first SEC home game of the season.
The Razorbacks are coming off their first loss of the season against BYU, and the Tigers will be a step up in competition.
LSU is entering this game with confidence after dominating Mississippi State, but the Hogs have some formidable talent on both sides of the ball. Here’s a look at key Arkansas players LSU must contain.
Offensive Players:
KJ Jefferson
Veteran quarterback KJ Jefferson leads the Arkansas offense is in his last season with the Razorbacks. He made the All-SEC Preseason Second Team and has already put up solid numbers in the first three games, with six passing touchdowns and 629 yards.
Many questioned this Arkansas offense after losing its top four receivers in the offseason and introducing a new offensive style in Dan Enos’, who’s in his first year as Razorback offensive coordinator. However, Jefferson adjusted quickly and has connected well with his wide receiving corp.
Andrew Armstrong
This breakout wide receiver is a transfer from Texas A&M Commerce and already leads the team in receiving yards. Armstrong has recorded 18 receptions for 197 yards. He has three touchdowns and seems to be a favorite target for Jefferson.
As a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, Armstrong is a red-zone threat for the Razorbacks. He can’t be given too much room near the endzone, or Jefferson will likely find him for a touchdown.
AJ Green
With starting running back Raheim Sanders recently injured, Green has adapted well as the main ball carrier. Last week against BYU, he had two touchdowns, with one being a 55-yard scamper to the house. He averages 6.8 yards per rush and has 190 total yards this season.
With Sanders out for the game this Saturday, Green will be an aggressive rusher against the Tigers defensive line. He’s able to find holes and take off with speed.
Defensive Players:
Jaheim Thomas
On the edge, Thomas has shown speed is his biggest advantage. He can stop plays when coming around the edges and will likely be the biggest threat to the Tigers’ offensive line and running backs.
Thomas has a total of 30 tackles, 14 solo and 16 assisted. He has the ability to follow the ball throughout plays, including creating pressure on the quarterback. He leads the Arkansas defense in sacks at 2.5.
Landon Jackson
Jackson is a defensive lineman in his second season with Arkansas after transferring from LSU in 2022. He’s a defensive end rusher with two sacks for 24 sack yards this season and 10 tackles, with 70% of them being solo.
Jackson can break through offensive lines and rush the quarterback. Jayden Daniels’ speed will come in handy against this Arkansas defense and hopefully allow the Tigers to get those key extra yards.
Hudson Clark
After Daniels’ outstanding passing game last week, Clark will aim to stop big plays. He’s positioned at safety and is the Razorbacks leading returning tackler.
In last year’s defensive-heavy game against LSU, Clark had nine total tackles and two pass breakups. He had 11 pass breakups last year and will look to get in the middle of big passing plays, as well as helping out on run support.
Chris Paul Jr.
Similar to Thomas, Paul is a linebacker who has the ability to sneak around the edges. He’s second to Thomas in tackles with 17.
Also putting up four sacks last year, Paul is always a blitz threat to get to the quarterback. A key to success on run and pass plays for LSU will be knowing where he is.
Dwight McGlothern
When looking at Arkansas’ pass defense, cornerback McGlothern is one of their best in coverage. He promises to be a defensive threat on Saturday. Last season, he had 10 pass breakups with four interceptions. McGlothern is another player who transferred to Arkansas from LSU, and Saturday will be his first time back in Tiger Stadium
