In preparation for Saturday’s showdown between LSU and Arkansas, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the game between the Tigers and the Razorbacks.
Arkansas run game vs. LSU run defense
Saturday night’s game between Arkansas and LSU will be in wintry conditions in Fayetteville, and LSU head coach Les Miles said it’s setting up to be the type of game in which both teams have 50 runs.
It’s no secret that Arkansas’ run game has struggled in SEC play, averaging nearly 100 yards per game less than its season average in conference play. A LSU run defense comes calling this weekend that had success against Alabama last week, surrendering just 106 rushing yards to the Crimson Tide.
Korliss Marshall returns from his suspension this week, and the fresh legs seemed to have made a difference already in practice, taking some of the reps from Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins. That duo has become dinged up from carrying the load over the past several weeks.
The Bayou Bengals enter this week ranked ninth in the SEC in rush defense, allowing just under 155 yards per game. It will be interesting to watch and see how much of a factor the potential inclement weather will have on play-calling, though Arkansas offensive coordinator Jim Chaney took the bye week to reevaluate the Hogs’ approach offensively.
If the Razorbacks hope to have any success on Saturday night, establishing the run in messy conditions will be key.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
