Saturday’s 11:45 kickoff between LSU and Arkansas is the 71st meeting between the two teams, and it’s one of three SEC rivalries for the Tigers that will continue to be played on an annual basis through the 2029 season.
This is probably the first time these two teams have met, and each has an interim head coach. Frank Wilson is set to lead LSU for a second time this season, while Bobby Petrino will lead Arkansas for a fifth time this year after taking over for the fired Sam Pittman.
LSU leads the all-time series 45-23-2 and the Tigers have won eight of the last nine meetings. Four of the last five meetings ended in one-score games. Another close game is expected Saturday as LSU is a 4.5-point favorite.
Here are five things to look for in this year’s version of the Battle for the Boot.
Two QB system for LSU
Wilson said on Thursday, Garrett Nussmeier will start at quarterback against the Razorbacks, but the Tigers' temporary leader also said Nussmeier reaggravated that pesky abdominal injury that bothered him earlier in the season.
Nussmeier is listed as probable on the availability report.
Wilson said earlier in the week that the plan was to also play Michael Van Buren, who came off the bench in the third quarter against Alabama.
There’s been talk among media members that Van Buren should not play to preserve his redshirt season. Van Buren has appeared in three games this season, and if he plays in two more games, it will count towards his four years of eligibility.
But based on Wilson’s statements this week, he plans on using Van Buren this week as the Tigers still need one more win to be bowl eligible.
Can LSU score more than 25 points?
LSU has yet to score 25 or more points against an FBS opponent. This is a game for the Tigers to eclipse 25 points.
Arkansas is 123rd in scoring defense, allowing 33 points a game.
Arkansas is 123rd in total defense, allowing 430 yards a game.
Arkansas is 116th in rush defense, allowing 184 yards a game.
Arkansas is 109th in pass defense, allowing 246 yards a game.
You get the point; this is a bad defense as their portal acquisitions did not help. They are thin on the defensive line and have only six interceptions on the season.
There are a couple of decent players on defense
Arkansas has a couple of good players on defense, and you’ll hear their names called. Xavian Sorey leads the team in tackles for a second straight season. Quincy Rhodes Jr has 14 tackles for a loss and eight sacks.
Can LSU stop Arkansas’ run game?
LSU’s defense once again faces the challenge of trying to stop a mobile quarterback. Razorbacks QB Taylen Green stands at 6-6, 235 pounds, and the redshirt senior from Lewisville, Texas, has rushed for 649 yards and six touchdowns.
Green also has six 300-yard passing games and has thrown for 2,372 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
His decision-making has been questioned, but he’s a terrific athlete, and when healthy, he can be a dynamic quarterback.
Arkansas is 17th in the nation in rush offense, averaging nearly 210 yards a game. Running back Mike Washington is a big part of their ground game as he’s rushed for 828 yards and six touchdowns.
Related
LSU could get its emotional leader back. Junior linebacker Whit Weeks is questionable with a bone bruise on his ankle that has forced him to miss the last three games.
Will Tiger Nation be out to support?
An 11:45 kick-off and a five-win team in November is not a good combination. It could result in many LSU fans sleeping in and just watching this game from their couch.
To get fans fired up, Wilson plans on driving around campus Friday night in a golf cart to greet fans in the tailgating areas.
Arkansas has lost three games by three points or less this season. They win a close game on Saturday as I see the Hogs taking it 34-31.