3 reasons why Arkansas Razorbacks could beat Brian Kelly's LSU during Week 8 showdown
The Arkansas Razorbacks have gotten off to a strong start to the 2024 college football season as they are sitting at 4-2, including a 2-1 mark in SEC play. While they remain unranked, they did receive some recognition from voters, landing in the others receiving votes. They began the year by blowing out the FCS-level Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in their season opener.
Arkansas suffered its first loss of the season in Week 2, falling 39-31 in double overtime on the road against the then-No. 16 Oklahoma State Cowboys. It returned home in Week 3, beating the UAB Blazers by 10 points. The Razorbacks opened their SEC play with a 24-14 road victory over the Auburn Tigers the following week.
They suffered a deflating 21-17 loss against the then-No. 24 Texas A&M Aggies in a neutral site meeting at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Arkansas returned home against the then-No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers in Week 6 and pulled off an upset 19-14 win.
After a Week 7 bye, it will host the 5-1 LSU Tigers on Saturday, who are ranked No. 8 in the nation.
Here's a closer look at three reasons why the Razorbacks could win their second consecutive game against a top 10 ranked opponent.
3 reasons why Arkansas Razorbacks could beat Brian Kelly's LSU during Week 8 showdown
#1. They have been good offensively
Arkansas has been strong offensively this season. They have averaged 33.0 points per game and 484.8 yards per game, ranking No. 39 and No. 8 out of 134 teams, respectively. Arkansas has also done a strong job of moving the ball both through the air and on the ground, averaging 285.3 passing ypg and 199.5 rushing ypg, ranking No. 24 and No. 33, respectively.
#2. Their defense has been equally as strong
The Razorbacks' defense has been just as good as their offense this season. They have allowed just 19.2 ppg and 321.5 ypg, ranking No. 29 and No. 34 in the nation, respectively. Arkansas has also defended both the pass and run well, allowing just 215.0 passing ypg and 106.5 rushing ypg, ranking No. 69 and No. 28, respectively.
#3. LSU has looked vulnerable in SEC play
The LSU Tigers' only loss this season came in their season opener when they suffered a 27-20 defeat to the then-No. 23 USC Trojans. While they are 2-0 in SEC play, both wins came by just three points. Furthermore, the Tigers were on the receiving end of a controversial call that helped them beat the unranked South Carolina Gamecocks 36-33 in Week 3.
LSU needed overtime to beat the then-No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels 29-26 last weekend. While the win was impressive, their opponents beat themselves with 12 penalties for 110 yards and terrible situational defense. If they continue to struggle against conference opponents, Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers will be on upset watch in their Week 8 visit to Fayetteville.
Who do you think will win when the Arkansas Razorbacks face the LSU Tigers this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.