Arkansas vs. LSU: Arkansas Defense Must Have Performance of the Season

The Arkansas Razorbacks have a lot more going for them against LSU than most people think, but it won't matter if the defense doesn't deliver.

In said defense, the Razorbacks are a much different team, getting back defensive end Jake Bequette (who's been on fire) and defensive end Tenarius Wright.

But despite holding Mississippi State to 17 points last week, the Razorbacks are going to have to be even better against LSU. This has nothing to do with LSU's offense and everything to do with the Tigers' defense.

Arkansas is averaging 39.3 points per game this season and certainly has the ability to score more than Alabama did in the Crimson Tide's 9-6 defeat to LSU.

But Arkansas needs to limit LSU's high-powered rushing attack if the Razorbacks have any chance of outscoring LSU. The Tigers have racked up 29 rushing touchdowns this season, compared with 14 touchdowns from quarterback Jarrett Lee. While Spencer Ware and Michael Ford have been the main rushers, they've also gotten solid contributions from Alfred Blue and even quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

The biggest challenge for Arkansas headed into Friday's clash may not even be LSU's defense but rather the fact that the Razorbacks are giving up 4.3 yards per carry and a middle-of-the-road 17 rushing touchdowns this season.

The Razorbacks limited Mississippi State star running back Vick Ballard, allowing him to rush for 54 yards and no touchdowns on 13 carries.

They are going to have to hunker down even more to stop LSU's rushing attack.

Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson lit up the No. 2-ranked pass defense in the nation against then-No. 9 South Carolina on Nov. 5. He has the ability to still put some points on the board against LSU.

But the Arkansas defense has to follow suit or it will all be for naught.