LSU at Arkansas – Preview and Prediction
LSU 7.5 ARKANSAS (46)
MEGALOCKS LINE – LSU -3.5 Sagarin ratings – LSU -8
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: LSU 26.75 Arkansas 19.25
Massey Ratings Projected Score: LSU 24 Arkansas 19
The Game
Here we go ! Another great SEC West match-up. LSU went toe to toe with the best team in college football last week but could not get any offense going in a 10-0 loss to ROLL TIDE. All three of their losses are forgivable but the reality is that their main goals for the season were buried last Saturday night. The Hogs look to be peaking late in the season once again and are coming off a home blasting of the Gators. A 10-win season is still in the cards for the Fighting Bielemas.
The Match-Up
LSU offense vs Arkansas defense
This is where the opinions are going to differ on this game. We cannot rule out either side of the argument. You could say that the LSU ground game is going to have a huge game against an Arkansas D that got comically shredded by Auburn on October 22nd. And a defense that has given up its share of yards and points during the season. We all know how great Leonard Fournette is at RB. Here is thing thing. He is a bit banged up. He did not dominate last year vs Arkansas (who fields a very similar scheme and roster this season). And with the NFL is his future, can we expect the best this week ? More importantly, can we expect the best from the LSU offense after the ROLL TIDE loss ?
Arkansas matches up well. Looking at the numbers, it appears as though their defense is horrible, but the fact remains that they struggle against spread offenses, and in particular, spread offenses with mobile QBs. We expect LSU to hit some big plays in the passing game but do not think that Etling is consistent or mobile enough to cause major problems for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas offense vs LSU defense
The LSU defense is excellent. Yet again. We just wonder if the intensity will be there after last week. And let’s be honest. Their defense is very similar to a Gators’ defense that Arkansas had no problem with last week (466 yards). How many good passing teams has LSU faced this season ? Check out their schedule and come to your own conclusion. We were yuuuuge fans of QB Brandon Allen last season and really like Austin Allen as well. Maybe we are brainwashed ? The point is, with a solid running game a good QB, it seems to us like Arkansas can stay within a TD.
MEGA-MAZING MENTIONS
Arkansas has done well in recent times facing LSU….They have covered the last four games and won the last two straight up.
Summary
This appears to be a great spot for Arkansas. And LSU is a team that they match up very well against.
Conclusion
Official play: Arkansas +7.5 -110 (do not play lower than +7 -125)