Arkansas vs. LSU: 5 Keys to Arkansas Upset

When the Arkansas Razorbacks travel to Baton Rouge to face off with the LSU Tigers, they will be a decided underdog. But if they can dominate in a few key areas, the Razorbacks could pull off the upset.

Much will be at stake on Friday. 

Both teams are playing for a shot at a national championship.

LSU controls its own destiny—win and they’re in.

Arkansas will certainly need a win against the No. 1 team in the country, but also some help from the BCS.

Arkansas could make this game one of the biggest of the season. LSU may look unbeatable, but the Razorbacks have all the tools needed to make the improbable happen.

Here are five ways in which Arkansas could upset LSU.

Tyler Wilson

The emergence of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ quarterback has been key to the team’s success this season.

Tyler Wilson has done his part to make up for the loss of running back Knile Davis by having a great season. He has thrown for 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions while completing more than 60 percent of his passes.

Wilson will have his hands full with LSU’s secondary, but if he can make a few big plays and gain confidence, the quarterback could turn the tide (no pun intended) in favor of Arkansas.

LSU has a fantastic defense, but they have not faced a great passing team yet this year. Wilson will be by far the best quarterback to attack the Tigers defense, and he could expose some holes.

Rattle Jordan Jefferson

Since the LSU Tigers’ game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU has turned into a one-quarterback team.

Jarrett Lee has not attempted more than four passes in a game since the No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown. It seems that Les Miles has decided that Jordan Jefferson is his team’s only quarterback. 

However, Jefferson has not taken a huge number of snaps this season. His passing attempts have increased in the past few games, but the fact still remains that he simply does not have much experience throwing to this team.

If the Razorbacks can rattle Jefferson and force him into a few mistakes, it will be interesting to see how he responds. Furthermore, if Miles has to insert Lee, how will the benched fifth-year senior play? 

Arkansas should try to force LSU into some mistakes and hope their quarterbacks are not quite as composed as they have appeared so far.

Keep It Close

An important key for Arkansas that can be easily overlooked is keeping the game close. LSU has only had one game with a margin of victory of less than 13 points, and they have been winning games by closer to 30 points.

Even if they are down, if Arkansas can hang around and keep within striking distance, LSU could get tight. 

Arkansas has nothing to lose. If they do not win the game, they will be no worse off than they are now.

LSU has a national championship at stake. Any team could get nervous under those conditions, especially a team that has not been in many close games.

The Razorbacks should just try to stay in the game and hope that as the clock winds down, LSU will start to make mistakes that they can capitalize on.

Turnovers

The Razorbacks cannot afford any slip-ups. Furthermore, they must try to win every small battle they can.

Arkansas must win the turnover contest. There is no way in which they can win the game otherwise.

The Razorbacks must not give up the ball. The offense cannot afford momentum-killing interceptions or fumbles. The Tigers are an opportunistic team and will make Arkansas pay for any mishaps.

Furthermore, the Razorbacks have to force LSU to turn the ball over. A takeaway would give their defense confidence and would provide a boost for the offense.

One turnover could change the entire course of the game. Arkansas needs to make sure that change is to their advantage.

Running Game

For Arkansas to pull out a win, they must be successful running the ball. 

A successful ground attack will allow the Razorbacks to control the clock, keep LSU’s defense on its toes and open things up for Tyler Wilson.

Dennis Johnson, Ronnie Wingo Jr. and Broderick Green should get a lot of touches. Whether they can find holes among LSU’s front line in another question.

Even if they are not successful at first, though, Arkansas must keep pushing and hope to wear down the Tigers over the course of the game.