Five predictions for Arkansas football vs LSU
It’s easy to say from Fayetteville as a base that Arkansas needs Saturday’s win more than LSU.
But the Tigers want a spot in the College Football Playoff. No team with two losses is higher ranked in the those standings than LSU and winning out, including an SEC title, would probably see Brian Kelly’s bunch playing for a shot at the national title.
In other words, LSU might actually want Saturday’s win more.
But Arkansas needs it. Desperately. The Hogs can clinch a .500 record and bowl eligibility with a victory. And it’s easier to get it at home than on the road. The last time Arkansas’ faithful want is to play literal must-win games against Ole Miss next week and on the road at Missouri in the finale.
If KJ Jefferson is healthy and not just healthy enough, Arkansas has a shot. The Razorbacks’ offense is one of the best in college football, but only if he’s at the helm.
LSU 41, Arkansas 35 (Contributor Connor Goodson)
Quarterback Jayden Daniels scores a touchdown as the LSU Tigers take on the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. Saturday October 22, 2022
Lsu Vs Ole Miss Football V2 7606
LSU 41, Arkansas 30 (Contributor Kendall Hilton)
Sep 10, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball against the Southern Jaguars at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause-USA TODAY Sports
LSU 35, Arkansas 24
Dec 1, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers football head coach Brian Kelly speaks to the fans at halftime between the LSU Tigers and the Ohio Bobcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Brooks Jr or Joe Foucha will make a big play
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 13: Tyrion Davis-Price #3 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Joe Foucha #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks defends during the fist half of a game at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The former Arkansas defensive backs transferred to LSU to play closer to home their final year of eligibility. Both have been good for the Tigers this year, too. Familiarity with DWRRS should come in handy and at least one is likely to have a major play. Let’s say a forced fumble or an interception or big hit.
KJ Jefferson won't play the whole game
Nov 5, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) passes in the second quarter against the Liberty Flames at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Who knows what Jefferson’s health is. Coach Sam Pittman has been mum on details for most of the season. The junior was taking pre-game snaps Saturday, at least, but that means little. Arkansas needs him to play, regardless, to have much of a shot.
