The Arkansas Razorbacks host the LSU Tigers on Saturday in a game that puts both programs in an unusual spot this season. Both the Razorbacks and Tigers are having a down year, with the Hogs sitting at 3-4, while the Tigers are 2-3. Sam Pittman‘s team is coming off a 63-35 loss last weekend at Florida in Feliepe Franks‘ first game in Gainesville after he transferred to the Razorbacks following the 2019 season.
The Razorbacks have the upper hand in this game since they have played seven games. LSU hasn’t played in three weeks. They had a bye week after the Tigers’ 48-11 loss to Auburn and then an unexpected bye last week after positive COVID-19 tests postponed their game with Alabama.
For Arkansas, this is a must-win game. The Hogs could use a season-changing win, and this could be it. Despite LSU having a losing record, Arkansas has lost four straight to LSU. Their last win came in 2015 in Tiger Stadium.
The game could be in jeopardy due to COVID-19 concerns within the Razorbacks football program. But as of now, the game is still scheduled to be played Saturday at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Arkansas Razorbacks-LSU Tigers preview
The Razorbacks and Tigers have met 65 times in their history. LSU leads the series 41-22-2. Although, Arkansas has the talent to pull off a big win and it starts with Franks at quarterback.
On the 2020 season, Franks is 138-of-202 passing for 1,678 yards with 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. The senior leader has played exceptionally well this season. Arkansas is 2-1 at home this season with Franks under center.
If the Razorbacks are going to win, their senior signal-caller has to overachieve in the pocket. LSU’s defense has struggled in defending the pass and Franks could pick apart the Tigers’ defense.
Arkansas Defense Must Play Well
The Razorbacks defense has 13 interceptions this season as a team. LSU will likely start freshman TJ Finley at quarterback with Myles Brennan out due to injury.
The last time Finley played, he threw two interceptions as the Tigers lost 48-11 on the road at Auburn. Arkansas can take advantage of the young quarterback’s mistakes and convert the turnovers into points. The defense is led by senior linebacker Grant Morgan, who has 85 total tackles with one interception and one pass deflected. Morgan is a crucial part of the Razorbacks getting stops on third down and turning the ball back to their offense.
The defense is allowing 428.9 yards per game and 31.84points. LSU is averaging 35.8 points per game but the Tigers scored just 11 in their last game.
Prediction
Despite not playing for three weeks, LSU will come out fast and ready to find the end zone. Arkansas will have to adjust defensively for the quick motions that LSU will run on offense. However, the Razorback defense is in need of a solid outing. They gave up 63 points and 593 yards of offense to Florida last week.
With a freshman under center for LSU in a hostile environment, it will be interesting to see how Arkansas adjusts and whether the offense can outscore LSU before halftime.
If the Hogs can take advantage early, they can pull away in the second half and get their fourth win of the season.
LSU will keep it close, but the Arkansas Razorbacks will score two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter to win 45-31 and get to .500 for the year.
