PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Justin Jefferson leads the team with 36 catches for 552 receiving yards and two touchdowns. LSU needs him to continue to produce if the offense is going to bounce back and have the balance necessary take pressure off the running game. The Tigers’ passing game has been inconsistent; the talented but young receiving corps has failed to live up to expectations with the exception of Jefferson.
–OL Saahdiq Charles is one of the Tigers’ most important offensive linemen, but he has had an inconsistent season. He, like the line as a whole, had a difficult time against the Alabama defensive front. The line needs to rebound with a strong performance against the Razorbacks and Charles will be one of the keys to the unit being able to do that.
–LSU Devin White had a much ballyhooed suspension against Alabama. By the time he was reinstated to start the second half, the Tide was rolling with a 16-0 lead and the team and the crowd were deflated. But it’s a new day against Arkansas, and White will be on the field from the get-go as he returns to his role as the defensive leader. He can set the tone for a bounce-back effort by the defense and the team as a whole.
–DB Todd Harris made a name for himself last week by becoming the first opposing defender to intercept Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa this season, and he played a pretty solid game overall. The Tigers are kind of banged-up in the secondary, so he’ll probably get some more playing time this week at Arkansas.
SERIES HISTORY: LSU leads the series 39-22-2 and has won the last two, prevailing 33-10 last season in Tiger Stadium and 38-10 in 2016 in Fayetteville.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve got to learn how to run the football against them. Obviously only 12 yards rushing, that’s not going to win any football game. And that’s been our strength.” — LSU coach Ed Orgeron on the Tigers’ inability to run the football against Alabama.
