True or False: LSU

Since 1996, the Battle for the Golden Boot has been one of the most electric games in college football. No matter where each team is ranked, the game is almost always close and hard-fought. Memories like Miricle on Markham, “I got that wood”, and even the defense-dominant games of 2021 and 2022 fill the minds of all Razorback fans on LSU game week.

With trouble on the Arkansas offensive line and the Tigers’ resurgence since falling to FSU, fans and the media are speculating on how the game will play out. Here, we will go over what’s true and what’s false.

True: Luke Hasz finds more opportunities

Against BYU, Luke Hasz had a breakout game. He brought in 4 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. What popped out was his willingness to be physical after the catch and his ability to get open as a 6’3, 242-pound true freshman.

KJ Jefferson is looking for some consistency in the passing game. Armstrong has been relatively consistent, but Hasz could be his next-best target. Look for Hasz to get even more opportunities against LSU.

False: LSU will cover the spread

This is not saying the Tigers lose to Arkansas, but the spread is ridiculous. According to Bet Saracen, LSU is favored by 17.5 points. The guys in Vegas don’t get rich by being wrong, but one can’t help but think it’s an overreaction to the game against BYU.

Arkansas’ defense is actually really good. Sure, they gave up 38 points to BYU, but Arkansas’ offense/special teams gave the Cougars short fields all night. Right now, Arkansas is giving up 201.7 passing yards per game and just 55 yards rushing. That’s good for No. 55 and 5 in the nation, respectively. The Hogs are also tied for seventh in sacks, averaging four a game.

LSU, on the other hand, is middle of the pack with the No. 74 rushing and No. 61 passing defense. Arkansas should be able to score and stop LSU more than expected.

True: Total game sacks will be in the double-digits

The last time Arkansas and LSU met, their respective pass rushers did whatever they wanted. The Tigers had five sacks, and the Razorbacks had seven.

Arkansas’ OL will have an enormous task dealing with the front seven of LSU, especially Harold Perkins Jr. He alone had three sacks and probably still haunts Malik Hornsby’s dreams. For Arkansas, they return all but two of the sacks from 2022 and add even more firepower in Trajan Jeffcoat and Jaheim Thomas.

False: Arkansas holds 300 yards passing

Arkansas’ secondary is by far the most improved position on the team. They were nationally dead last in passing defense in 2022 at No. 130. Now, they are ranked No. 55 three games into the 2023 season. But that won’t matter with LSU’s passing attack.

Jayden Daniels is separating himself as one of the best passers in the country. He’s No. 4 in the nation in yards per game at 325.33. He also has one of the best receivers in the country in Malik Nabers. Nabers is averaging 131 yards receiving per game and is one of the best route runners in the SEC. Arkansas’ secondary has made tremendous strides since 2022, but LSU’s passing attack will be too much to handle.

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