Arkansas vs. LSU: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

Of all the marquee matchups in college football this weekend, the biggest takes place in Baton Rouge as the LSU Tigers host the Arkansas Razorbacks in a game that will determine who wins the SEC West.

The Razorbacks have flown under the radar for most of the season, but all that changed during “Chaos Week” last week. They moved up to third in the BCS and a victory in this game will certainly move them up to the top spot.

The Tigers have been the best and most dominant team in the country this year. They have won games in every way imaginable, and now find themselves just two victories away from completing a perfect regular season and playing in the National Championship game for the third time since 2003.

Where: Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

When: Friday, Nov. 25 at 2:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS

Betting Line: LSU (-12)

That is a lot of points to be giving to the third-best team in the country. Arkansas’ defense has been suspect at times this season, but it is not like LSU’s offense is anything to brag about.

The Tigers average almost 38 points per game, but looking at their competition it is not like they were playing a murderer’s row. Their best game came against Mississippi last week, a team that ranks 96^th in points allowed.

LSU should be favored, but don’t underestimate how good Arkansas is or how close this game will be.

Over/Under: 52

I want to meet the bookie that set the over/under for this game, because there is no way that these two teams get close to 52 points.

The Razorbacks have a quick-strike offense, but this is the best defense they have played since Alabama back in September. Ironically those two teams combined for 52 points on that day, but ‘Bama’s offense is much better than LSU’s.

The Tigers are more efficient on offense than precise and dominant. They can put up points against bad teams, but will not have much success against Arkansas in this game. The defense does not allow anyone to do anything, so this game will fall well short of 52 total points.

Arkansas Injury Report

Doubtful: RB Knile Davis (Ankle)

Out: RB Kody Walker (Leg), RB Broderick Green (Knee)

LSU Injury Report

Questionable: S Eric Reid (Undisclosed), S Craig Loston (Undisclosed)

Out: G Josh Dworaczyk (Knee)

BCS/Top 25 Implications

This game is going to determine a lot of things: SEC West champion, No. 1 team in the BCS and Top 25 Polls. There is no way to undersell just how important this game is to both of these teams and also Alabama.

The Tigers stand to lose more because this is their moment. They were supposed to be competing for a championship, and now they have a chance to seal the deal with a victory.

The Razorbacks were supposed to be good, but no one really knew how good they could be after losing Ryan Mallett. They have exceeded all expectations and are one win away from becoming the No. 1 team in the country.

Keys To Arkansas Win

We need to see how the defense responds early in this game. They allowed Trent Richardson to run all over them en route to a 38-14 beatdown against Alabama. They have to do something big early to build up their confidence and show LSU that they can match them on the defensive side.

The offense has to strike early. That was their problem against Alabama, they had no big plays and were unable to get anything going with the run or pass. They need to find a way to get the raucous crowd out of the game and prove to themselves that they can put up points against this defense.

Keys To LSU Win

At the risk of sounding too obvious, just keep doing what they have done. The defense has been lights out all season. In fact, they have not allowed more than 11 points in a game since September 24.

Because the defense has been so good, the offense has not had to do much. The reason they average almost 38 points per game is because they are always in a good position on the field. The running game is really starting to take off, and we have seen other teams jam the ball down Arkansas’ throat.

Prediction

It would make for a more chaotic situation at the top of the BCS if Arkansas wins, but I don’t think they are can go into Baton Rouge and pull off the upset.

Tigers 24, Razorbacks 16