5 keys for Razorbacks to down No. 8 LSU

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas is coming off a bye week and will once again face one of the top ranked teams in the nation with No. 8 LSU coming to Razorback Stadium.

Arkansas’ last outing was a 19-14 win over No. 5 Tennessee prior to the bye week. If the Hogs beat LSU that would be wins over two of top teams in the nation according to the polls.

Sam Pittman’s teams have never lost coming out of a bye week. That will get tested this Saturday and if the Hogs win certainly will talked about prior to No. 1 Texas coming to Arkansas. Arkansas gets a second bye week prior to playing Texas. The Longhorns are No. 1 now, but host Georgia this week. Like Arkansas, Texas has some other tests before facing the Hogs.

Here’s five keys to defeat LSU.

Protect the Football, Limit Penalties

Arkansas had three turnovers against both Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. They also had 10 penalties against A&M. In the win over Tennessee, the Hogs had no turnovers. If the Razorbacks play a clean game they can beat any team in the nation. If they turn it over three times then any team can beat them. If Arkansas makes LSU beat them without help of turnovers and penalties then the Hogs could get that fifth win.

Slow Down LSU Offense

Garrett Nussmeier is a very good quarterback. Also unlike some of the other signal callers the Hogs have faced in recent weeks he’s experienced. LSU always has great skill position players and this year is no different. LSU wants to pass the football, but the Hogs must stop the run. If LSU can run and throw when they want the Hogs are in trouble.

Get Points When Opportunity There

Matthew Shipley has replaced Kyle Ramsey as the kicker due to an injury. Shipley made his only field goal against Tennessee. Ramsey was inconsistent, but still held the job until the injury. Shipley was good at Hawaii last season, but didn’t look good in the spring. The Hogs need Shipley to make field goals when sent out to attempt one.

Win Line of Scrimmage Battles

Arkansas’ offensive line played much better against Tennessee and the defensive line will face a very talented LSU offensive line this week. Arkansas has to hold its own on both sides of the ball and win more battles in the trenches than they lose. The Hogs need a big game from Landon Jackson and Fernando Carmona as well as others.

Run, Pass Both on Offense

The Hogs couldn’t run the football in 2023, but that hasn’t been an issue this season. If the Hogs can run and pass with success they should be able to put a very good LSU defense in a bad position.

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