Arkansas Razorbacks (5-4 SU, 5-4 ATS) vs. No. 9 LSU Tigers (7-1 SU, 4-4 ATS)
College Football Week 10
Date/Time: Saturday November 14th, 7:15PM EST
Where: Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, L.A.
TV: ESPN
by Jay, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: ARK +8.5/LSU -8.5
Over/Under Total: TBA
The LSU Tigers once again fell at the hands of Alabama last week 30-16. I say once again not because LSU had suffered a loss previously this season but rather for the fact that once again it happened at the hands of the Crimson Tide. It was the 4th straight year that LSU has lost to Alabama and last weeks loss could have been the biggest of them all. LSU no longer controls their destiny in the SEC West and they need some serious help to get back in the College Footbally Playoffs discussion. This week the 9th ranked LSU Tigers look to rebound when they host the Arkansas Razorbacks at night inside Tiger Stadium.
Meanwhile Arkansas was on the other end of the emotion pole last week. The Razorbacks scored their 2nd straight overtime victory in conference play in a wild 53-52 outcome in Oxford. If you happened to miss the highlights, it took a miracle lateral play on 4th down in the first overtime to pick up a first down. After scoring the touchdown to potentially tie the Rebels, coach Bielema decided that he would try to win the game. Arkansas first attempt was actually stopped but a facemask penalty provided the Razorbacks with a 2nd opportunity. An opportunity that would not be denied as quarterback Brandon Allen ran in the two point conversion for the victory.
It was the 2nd time in recent weeks that Arkansas found their selves in a wild game. Arkansas survived 4 overtimes at home against Auburn just two weeks prior to last weekends fiasco. The question this week becomes does Bielema and company have any more magic? One thing that is for sure is that Arkansas is playing pretty well despite their tough start to the season. In their last 5 games, they have won 4 times capturing wins over Tennessee, Auburn, and Ole Miss in the process. The Razorbacks only loss during that period was a hard fought 27-14 loss to Alabama who clearly looks like the best team in the nation at this time.
Speaking of losses to Alabama, LSU looks to bounce back from last weeks loss to Alabama this Saturday. Leonard Fournette who looked to be well on his way to the Heisman Trophy was held to just 31 rushing yards on the ground. However, Fournette can still win the Heisman and LSU can still do some big things this year if they can avoid any further losses. I am not sure if Fournette will be held in check for a 2nd straight week especially considering the fact he was averaging just under 200 yards per game. The sophomore running back will look to bounce back this week against an Arkansas defense that has defended the run fairly well.
If Arkansas does find a way to bottle up Fournette again, I think last weeks game against Alabama shed some light on LSUs inability to throw the football. Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris hit just 6 of 19 passing for just a 128 yards with a score and a pick. Even when they were down by a good margin, LSU was very hesitant to throw the football with Harris. If Fournette can continue to carry this team, LSU may continue to roll like they have all year.
However, I have concerns for LSU if they are forced to play from behind or to simply throw the football. Surprisingly, I think Arkansas could be a team to push the Tigers to their limit this week despite the fact they are playing in Baton Rouge on a Saturday night. If Brandon Harris, Alex Collins, and company can continue to keep things rolling on offense, I believe they will have the opportunity to contend for this victory. I know going against LSU at home is basically blasphemous, but I am rolling with the underdog here.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Take Arkansas +8.5!
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