LSU vs Arkansas: Preview, predictions, betting odds and live stream

No. 9 LSU Tigers vs Arkansas Razorbacks

The LSU Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks are set to clash at Tiger Stadium this Saturday, and that means one thing: the “Golden Boot” is on the line.

It may not be the most illustrious rivalry game in college football, or the SEC West for that matter. But make no mistake, when these two teams meet on the field, fans are almost guaranteed to be in for high-stakes matchup with more than just bragging rights at stake.

2015 is no different.

LSU is coming off a devastating loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, but the Tigers are still very much in the race for both the SEC West title and a College Football Playoff appearance. They must win on Saturday to keep those hopes alive.

Related: Breaking down LSU’s College Football Playoff chances

In order to do so, LSU must find the multidimensional offense that disappeared last weekend in Tuscaloosa. That begins with running back Leonard Fournette delivering a Heisman-worthy performance, but just as crucial will be quarterback Brandon Harris getting back on track.

Meanwhile, Arkansas has an opportunity to wrap up a bowl berth with a victory over the Tigers. The Razorbacks will face an uphill battle, but with a potentially dangerous offense led by senior quarterback Brandon Allen and junior running back Alex Collins, nothing is out of the question.

Details for LSU vs Arkansas are below:

Date: Saturday, November 14th
Start Time: 6:15 p.m. CT
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Stadium: Tiger Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
Radio: LSU Tigers Radio Network, Arkansas Razorbacks Radio Network
Ticket information: For LSU ticket info click here. For Arkansas ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

LSU:

• Find balance on offense. Alabama showcased how to shut down LSU’s offensive attack that had looked dynamic before last Saturday, and it was not entirely due to the Crimson Tide’s elite front seven. Alabama did not load the box frequently, but they did stack the line and often brought down a safety in run support. Arkansas has nowhere near the talent as Alabama on the defensive side of the ball, but if the Tigers remain predictable on offense, they could be in trouble again.

• More solid play from the secondary. While LSU did not force Alabama quarterback Jacob Coker to make mistakes last week, they continued to show an increased consistency that coincided with the return of senior safety Jalen Mills. The Tigers must keep up this level of play against one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC in Brandon Allen.

• No arm tackles. Derrick Henry is a premier running back, there is no questioning that. But LSU made Henry appear legendary by failing on countless arm tackles and allowing him to pick up large chunks of yardage at a time. Arkansas’ Alex Collins is a talented back who will pose a serious threat on Saturday if the Tigers do not improve their tackling.

Arkansas:

• Brandon Allen must deliver a big-time performance. Allen made his case as a first-team All-SEC candidate last Saturday, throwing for 442 yards and six touchdowns with zero interceptions during an overtime victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. LSU’s secondary has improved in recent weeks, but Allen might be the most talented passer that the Tigers face this season.

• Get off the field on third down. The Arkansas defense has struggled tremendously on third downs this season, ranking 117th in the country with a 47.5 percent third down conversion rate against. This could kill the Razorbacks’ chances, as Leonard Fournette and the LSU rushing attack will wear down the Arkansas defense if they are able to keep long drives alive.

• Win the turnover battle. When it comes to an underdog looking to pull off an upset, this is always a crucial factor. Both offenses do a solid job of protecting the football, but if the Razorbacks can force LSU to commit turnovers, they will have an opportunity to win this game.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: LSU -7.5

O/U: 54

Money Line: LSU -300

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Prediction

LSU suffered a major setback last weekend, while Arkansas is on an emotional high from its thrilling overtime victory over Ole Miss.

Expect a close game, per usual for this rivalry. But Leonard Fournette will get his Heisman Trophy campaign back on track, and the Tigers will hold off a late comeback attempt by the Razorbacks to reclaim the “Golden Boot”.

Final Score: LSU 31, Arkansas 24