Welcome everyone to the latest game preview for the LSU Tigers! This week, we break down the Tigers matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Last Week: LSU had a rough Saturday in Tuscaloosa with a 24-10 loss to Alabama. Arkansas was a little too close for comfort last Saturday against Coastal Carolina with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give the Razorbacks a 39-38 victory.
Last Meeting: The last time these two teams faced off, LSU came away with a 38-10 victory in Fayetteville. LSU holds the overall series lead 38-22-2, but Arkansas has won two of the last three matchups.
Storylines to Watch:
Avoiding the Hangover: When LSU lost to Alabama while Les Miles was at the helm, it seemed like the Tigers gave up for a couple of weeks. Last year showed that Orgeron isn’t going to allow that to happen and his track record as the coach of the Tigers shows that they’re not letting losses affect them.
One of the biggest keys is to have this team up for a game like Arkansas. Sure, they’re very much eliminated from the College Football Playoff, but this team has a chance to play in a good bowl game if things shake out a certain way.
Etling Needs to Bounce Back: Danny Etling had one of his worst showings last week against Alabama, going 12-26 for 137 yards and an interception. He has been the starter all season long and may be playing for that job the rest of the way depending how you take Ed Orgeron’s statement on Monday.
“We’re going to play Danny, but if Danny doesn’t do the things we want him to do, we’ll play Myles, just in the last game.” Ed Orgeron said to the media when asked about possibly playing Myles Brennan in this final stretch. If you read between the tea leaves, it seems like Etling’s job is on the line and if he can’t do what is asked of him, then Brennan could be the guy going forward for LSU. However, it’s all about how Myles does if he can be the starting QB to wrap up the season.
Homecoming of Sorts: Looking at the Razorbacks, the most interesting storyline is that former Teurlings Rebel quarterback Cole Kelley will be returning to Louisiana to play against the Tigers. The Lafayette native has filled in nicely for Arkansas after initially being used only in certain packages.
Just last week, Kelley wound up giving the Razorbacks the win with a run into the endzone. It’s going to be nice to see him play in his home state and show what exactly he can do on the field.
LSU Will Win If:
LSU can get the win on Saturday if Derrius Guice can go off on some big runs. While Danny Etling needs to be solid this weekend, having that run game go off really helps open up the passing game.
Arkansas Will Win If:
Arkansas can get the upset on Saturday if the defense can bring pressure to Etling. Just last week, he was sacked four times by one of the best defenses in the nation. If that happens on Saturday, it could be time for Brennan to get in and could help Arkansas get a much-needed win.
-Clint Domingue