The battle for the Golden Boot is a rivalry game for Arkansas, for LSU it’s an SEC game. The Razorbacks always get up for this game, which is a reason why the last four games in this series have been decided by three points.
Will we see another close one in Fayetteville on Saturday? Here’s what to look for in this pivotal SEC matchup.
1) How Healthy is Arkansas QB Taylen Green?
Green is not an accurate passer, but what makes him dangerous is his mobility. He’s six-foot-six, so he can present problems for defenses because he’s hard to get down. Green suffered a knee injury in the win over Tennessee two weeks ago and did not finish the game. He’s not listed on the injury report for the LSU game, but that doesn’t mean his knee is 100%.
2) A more efficient LSU passing game with CJ Daniels back
CJ Daniels missed the Ole Miss win with a knee injury. Garrett Nussmeier still threw for 337 yards, but he still missed Daniels. Nussmeier completed only 43% of his passes against the Rebels. Ole Miss did a good job of keeping Mason Taylor out of the game until the end and Nussmeier also didn’t have Daniels, who has been the perfect possession receiver for this offense.
3) LSU’s bend but don’t break defense should work against Arkansas
Arkansas will likely have a couple of huge running plays against LSU. That seems to happen against this LSU defense. But the Tigers were outstanding last week and good all season with their red zone defense. This is a bad matchup for Arkansas, as the Razorbacks rank 114th in the country in Red Zone offense, scoring just 76% of the time when they get the ball inside the 20. LSU is 18th in the country in Red Zone Defense, allowing just nine touchdowns on 19 trips inside the 20-yard line by their opponents.
4) Can LSU muster up a rushing attack?
If LSU lost to Ole Miss, a lot of the talk this week would be about LSU’s ineffective ground attack. LSU ranks 100th in the nation in rushing offense at 123 yards a game. The Tigers faced a stout defense last week against Ole Miss, Arkansas is not as good, plus Caden Durham might be healthier this week. Durham suffered two dislocated toes in the South Alabama game.
5) Garrett Nussmeier’s clutch gene
Seven career starts for Nussmeier and in three of those games, he’s led LSU to fourth quarter comebacks. Considering the series history between these two teams and the number of close games they’ve played recently, it’s good to know you have a quarterback who can deliver in the big moments.
I don’t think it will be that close; I like LSU to win 30-20. Maybe a late touchdown pass from Nuss to seal the game.