3 reasons why Arkansas wins at LSU (and one why they won’t)

After a disappointing loss to BYU, the Arkansas faithful are already starting to question the 2023 season. Some are giving up on it all together and moving onto basketball. On social media, you even get the feeling that all hope is lost.

But the season is still young, problems can be fixed, and (mathematically) Arkansas could still win the west. All that matters not, however, if they can’t refocus towards LSU. Here are some reasons Arkansas will go into Death Valley and bring home the Golden Boot (and one reason they won’t).

KJ Jefferson

If there is anyone I’d trust with the game on the line, it would be KJ Jefferson. Yes, last week against BYU was an… uncharacteristic performance to say the least. But time and time again, Jefferson has shown the ability to put the entire team on his back and carry the Hogs to victory.

Just look at the last time Arkansas played a night game in Baton Rouge. It was a defensive battle all game long. Neither side gave an inch. Late in the third quarter, Jefferson and Arkansas’ offense marched down to the LSU 43 on one of the only successful drives of the night. On first and ten, Jefferson spins out of a would-be tackler to find Dominique Johnson wide open down field for Arkansas’s only score of the game. With Jefferson at the reigns, anything can happen.

QB KJ Jefferson se défait de la pression défensive des Tigers avant de trouver WR Dominique Johnson pour un TD de 43 yards ! 🔥

Arkansas égalise à LSU, 10-10.pic.twitter.com/zTen9Zcl2b

— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) November 14, 2021

Arkansas’ Front Seven

Arkansas’ front seven on defense might become one of the best in Arkansas history by the end of the season. The pass rush has hardly taken a step back from last year’s historic performance, even with their two leading push rushers leaving.

Arkansas had a field day with LSU’s offensive line in 2022. The Tigers started two true freshman tackles and their youth showed on the field. Those same tackles are back with a whole season under their belts, but Arkansas’ depth upfront might mean more trouble for the younger lineman.

Also, Arkansas has only allowed 167 yards rushing, total, in three games. The Hogs should be able to keep LSU under their season average.

LSU’s youth

As mentioned previously, LSU has played a lot of youth since Brian Kelly was named head coach. This year is no different. LSU listed 11 offensive players , and 10 defensive, on their depth chart for Mississippi State that are either a true freshman or redshirt freshman.

LSU listed six of those eleven freshman on offense, and four of ten on defense, as second team players. At Will linebacker, Will Weeks was the only freshman starter for the Tigers. All 21 freshman listed are good players (they play for LSU after all), but Arkansas should be able use their seniority as an advantage—especially on defense.

One reason Arkansas loses

The one glaring weakness Arkansas has is it’s offensive line. Arkansas’ top 10 rushing attack from 2021 and 2022 has been nonexistent. I’d argue that their game against BYU showed some progression, but it’s still not to the level it needs to be to compete in the SEC.

For the amount of youth that LSU is playing, surprisingly little of it is on the defensive line. The youngest starter is redshirt sophomore Maason Smith. To make matters worse, upper classmen backup all four starters. The offensive line will have a huge obstacle to overcome come Saturday at 6:00pm.