LSU vs Arkansas Prediction, Picks, Spread, Odds for Football Matches, Where to Watch, TV Channel, Live Stream

No. 8 LSU travels to face Arkansas on Saturday night in one of the SEC’s most intriguing clashes during a loaded Week 8 schedule. The Tigers are coming off a big win over Ole Miss, which was a huge boon to their College Football Playoff hopes (according to Fanatics Sportsbook, the Tigers are currently given betting odds of +135 to make the CFP), while the Razorbacks had a bye to prepare for one of their biggest conference rivals.

LSU has won seven Golden Boot battles in the last eight years and is on a two-game winning streak, but each of the modern installments of this historic feud has been extremely close. The last four games between the two have ended in one possession, including Arkansas’ 16-13 overtime win in 2021 – its only win in the series since 2015.

That 2015 season was the last time LSU lost to Arkansas as an AP ranked team. The Razorbacks also stand in the way of LSU’s first 3-0 start to conference play since the historic 2019 season. Avid fans will remember that the Tigers were 15-0 that year en route to their first College Football Playoff National Championship in program history.

The Razorbacks are a major obstacle. They played close games against ranked teams like Oklahoma State and Texas A&M that season and finally broke through in Week 6 with a win against then-No. 4 Tennessee.

LSU vs. Arkansas: Need to know

LSU’s explosive passing attack by the numbers: Hey, did you know that LSU is really good in the passing game? If you haven’t, you’ve certainly missed the last few years. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the latest in a long line of great signal callers to wear the purple and gold. He currently ranks at or near the top of the SEC in several key categories:

• Matching touchdowns: 18 (1st in SEC)
• Pass yards per game: 331.5 (2nd)
• Setbacks: 254 (1st)
• Consecutive games with more than two pass TDs: Seven

So this shows us that he is given a lot of opportunities and he is making the most of them. But he also gets help. LSU’s offensive line has given everything so far. Of Nussmeier’s 254 dropbacks, he was sacked just twice, making him the fewest among quarterbacks in the SEC. He also throws the ball to some pimples.

• Kyren Lacy: He is currently tied for the lead in the SEC with six touchdowns
• Aaron Anderson: Has three-plus receptions and 60-plus yards receiving in all six games this season
• Mason Taylor: His 33 receptions lead all SEC tight ends

The only concern with LSU’s passing offense is that Nussmeier has been a bit careless with the ball lately. He has had back-to-back games with two interceptions and has thrown at least one pick in four of six starts so far, including both of LSU’s SEC games.

Sam Pittman turns things around: Pittman entered the 2024 season on the hot seat and has delivered surprising results so far that may have just changed his tune. Under Pittman, the Razorbacks are now 1-5 against top-10 opponents, but that one win came two weeks ago at home against No. 4 Tennessee. This was the program’s first win against an AP Top 5 team since 2007 against LSU and it ended a seven-game home losing streak against AP Top 5 teams.

Arkansas has never beaten two top-10 teams in a row, despite having 17 chances to do so throughout program history. This would certainly be a huge achievement for Pittman, who has the chance to achieve a few other things that haven’t been achieved in a long time. Arkansas hasn’t started 5-2 at home since 2016 and hasn’t started 4-0 at home since 2011.

Fascinating trench battle: LSU boasts one of the best offensive lines in the country, anchored by two All-American-caliber offensive tackles in Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. In fact, Campbell did it CBS Sports Midseason All-American Team. But these two will have their hands full against the Razorbacks. Defensive players Eric Gregory – who plays more interior defense and therefore may not be able to keep up with the tackles as often – and Landon Jackson have terrorized opposing backfields all season. The two combined for five sacks, nine total quarterback pressures and 8.5 tackles for a loss.

How to watch LSU vs. Arkansas live

Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium – Fayetteville, Arkansas

TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
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LSU vs Arkansas Prediction, Tips

Looking at each team’s offensive performance in conference play, one might shy away from the over. But looking at the match it shows that a decent number of points should be scored in this game and I didn’t want to go for the spread as it is extremely tight and I think the final score will go both ways could. LSU’s defense was good against Ole Miss, but overall it wasn’t great. Of particular concern is the fact that the Tigers have the fourth-worst rush defense in the SEC, which bodes well for Arkansas’ pairing of quarterback Taylen Green and running back Ja’Quinden Jackson. Conversely, this will be the best passing attack Arkansas has seen all year, and the Razorbacks’ secondary has looked suspect at times this year. Expect points. In fact, there are more of them than sports betting apps predict. Selection: Over 55.5 (-110)

All odds via Fanatics Sportsbook. Check out the latest Fanatics promo code to get in on the game.