Arkansas vs. LSU: Death Valley Crowd & Swarming Defense Will Lead Tigers to Win

You never want to look too much at common opponents when forecasting a game. Just because Team A beat Team B, and Team C beat Team A, it doesn't necessarily mean that Team C will beat Team B.

But when Team C is LSU, who is the best team in the country, you can apply that logic. The reason is that LSU is just better than anybody.

Both in and out of the SEC, LSU has played a brutally tough schedule this season. They have managed to go undefeated and were only seriously tested against Alabama. 

They are so dominant because their defense is amazing. The speed that their defense has completely neutralizes the big play ability of the SEC opponents. Trent Richardson is the only player that's really given them any trouble this season. 

Arkansas doesn't have Trent Richardson. So, when they have the ball, don't look for Arkansas to do much.

But that's not the only reason they will win. After all, LSU is the top team in the country, but they're certainly not that good because of their offensive punch. Arkansas' offense won't need to do a lot to win.

But that's where the other factor in this game sets in. LSU has perhaps the greatest home field advantage in all of college football. 

The crowd noise will make it hard for Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson to communicate with his team. 

Now, one thing is true. Arkansas has won three out of the last four games in the rivalry. Included in that was a 2007 road win when LSU was the No. 1 team in the country. But that team had Darren McFadden.

The last time Arkansas won in LSU without McFadden on its team was 1993. Don't look for that to change this year. 

The Razorbacks will give a good game, but the Tigers will prevail. Look for Jordan Jefferson to make enough big plays, and the defense to do the rest. When LSU needs help, the Death Valley crowd will provide it.

Prediction: LSU 24, Arkansas 14