LSU has the most momentum it’s had all season heading into its matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Tigers to find their groove, as the challenges ahead do not get easier.
Arkansas is coming off a bye week, but despite that, it has positive momentum of its own.
In a defensive shootout, Arkansas knocked off the, at the time, No. 4 ranked Tennessee Volunteers on Oct. 5. A week prior, they fell to Texas A&M in a game that was ultimately decided in the fourth quarter.
Regardless of wins and losses, the Razorbacks have gotten much better over the past three weeks of the season.
Here’s what they bring to the Tigers on Saturday.
Mobile and aggressive backfield
Arkansas ranks fourth in the SEC in total yards of offense per game, one spot above LSU. The Razorbacks are the only team ranked inside the top six in that category that isn’t ranked inside the AP Top 25.
But the offense they bring is balanced; it ranks fifth in the SEC in passing yards per game, and fourth in the conference for rushing yards per game.
Much of that revolves around quarterback Taylen Green, who has 1,502 passing yards and five touchdowns through the air, and 326 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Not to mention, he’s 6-foot-6, 230 pounds.
However, Green suffered a lower body injury against Tennessee, which held him out in the latter part of the game. But with a bye week to use to his advantage, Green is likely to play against the Tigers.
Along with Green, Ja’Quinden Jackson and true freshman, Braylen Russell, have been effective on the ground.
Jackson is Arkansas’ go-to back, leading the team with 99 carries for 566 yards and 10 touchdowns. He ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing yards, and third in the conference in rushing touchdowns.
The Razorbacks like to give him the ball on early downs, but he’s most effective in the red zone. Of his 10 touchdowns, six of them have come in the red zone.
In addition, although the magnitude of carries is smaller, Russell has a playstyle that could pose a threat toward the Tigers.
Standing at 6-foot-1, 253 pounds, Russell ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries so far this season. Against Tennessee, he ran for a team-high 62 yards on eight carries.
If Arkansas is starting to trend more toward a two-back system to partner with the mobility of Green, LSU’s run defense will be on its toes.
Struggling offensive line
So far this season, Green has been sacked 13 times, which is the fourth most in the SEC.
The offensive line only let up one sack in the win over Tennessee, but allowed three in Arkansas’ last four games prior.
Most of the Razorbacks’ weaknesses on their offensive line are against opposing edge rushers rather than the interior.
Now, why is this especially good for LSU? Because Bradyn Swinson is playing some of his best football of the season.
Over LSU’s last four games, Swinson has had multiple sacks in three of them. In addition, Sai’vion Jones has had a sack in two of LSU’s last four games, along with a half sack against South Alabama.
Protecting Green is more important than ever for Arkansas on Saturday, not only because of LSU’s momentum on its defensive line, but also because Green may not be 100%. So the Razorbacks would need to protect him not only to limit negative plays, but also to keep him in the game.
T.J. Metcalf and the secondary
Razorbacks’ defensive back T.J. Metcalf is part of a four-way tie for leading the conference in interceptions with three.
Against Auburn, Metcalf picked off two passes and broke up two more. He also forced a fumble against the Tigers.
Along with Metcalf, Jayden Johnson and Doneiko Slaughter both intercepted passes against Auburn.
While the secondary thrived most against Auburn, the Razorbacks are tied for fifth in the SEC with six interceptions.
In addition, the secondary is effective in getting around the field and making hits.
Metcalf ranks second on the team with 35 tackles, Slaughter is third with 33 and Johnson is fifth with 25. Slaughter also picked up a sack against Auburn.
Not especially effective in getting to the quarterback
Arkansas is tied for sixth in the SEC with 14 sacks as a team.
In arguably its best defensive game collectively, the Razorbacks racked up four sacks against Tennessee. Eric Gregory led the team with 1.5 sacks against the Volunteers, and Larry Worth III, Stephen Dix Jr., and Landon Jackson each had a half sack.
Gregory and Jackson both lead the team with just 2.5 sacks each, and Dix is right behind with just 1.5.
LSU’s offensive line has only allowed two sacks this season. So they will naturally pose a threat to Arkansas’ defensive front which has already struggled at getting to the quarterback.
