It seems like it was last week, when LSU was gearing up for the season opener against Washington. Another college football season has flown by, but this last week has been a long one for Coach Les Miles.
A week ago, Tiger fans were looking at the possibility of a 10-win regular season and a trip to the Capital One Bowl. But an unforgettable final minute against the Rebels has LSU fans furious.
A negative environment could be in store for the Tigers on Saturday night. Can LSU overcome the negativity and put together a great performance against the Razorbacks? If they can, it would be one of the bigger wins in Miles' head coaching career.
Here are five things to look for when the Razorbacks and the Bayou Bengals meet in Death Valley.
1. LSU's Mindset
Will the Fighting Tiger players rally around their embattled head coach or is their confidence shaken? Many times it takes a couple of weeks to overcome a difficult loss. Look at Arkansas. They nearly beat Florida on October 17th, and played one of their worst games the next week in a loss to Ole Miss.
2. Can Stevan Ridley Carry the Load at Running Back?
LSU is down to its fourth string at tailback. Ridley has shown flashes that he could be a productive running back, but the Tigers didn't hand him the ball when they got into field goal range against Ole Miss on that infamous final drive. Ridley has something to prove, but will he get any help from an offensive line that has struggled to provide running room. LSU may use more of Russell Shepard to take some of the pressure off Ridley.
3. Ryan Mallett vs. LSU's Secondary
The sophomore quarterback has put up some big numbers. Mallett has thrown for 3,195 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. But against Alabama, Florida, and Ole Miss, he completed less than 40 percent of his passes, so he's not superhuman. The key will be pressure. If he's allowed to set his feet, Mallett usually makes opposing defenses pay.
4. Jordan Jefferson is No Longer a 1st Year Starter
A year ago Jefferson made his first collegiate start against Arkansas and gave LSU fans hope by throwing for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 50 yards. Jefferson's progression has slowed in the month of November. He is injured and his offensive line is not giving him much help, but Arkansas' defense ranks last in the SEC in total defense, so the Tigers should be able to put points on the board.
5. An Entertaining Game
LSU fans always look forward to the match-ups against Auburn, Florida, and Alabama, but the last four games between the Tigers and the Razorbacks have been very entertaining.
In 2005, LSU held off a second-half rally to beat Arkansas 19 to 17. The 2006 game featured nearly 700 yards of total offense and a 92-yard kickoff return by Trindon Holliday as LSU won. No one will forget the 2007 triple-overtime thriller and last season Arkansas came back from a 16 point deficit to beat LSU 31 to 30.
Earlier this week, I picked Arkansas to win. But I've changed my mind. No one is giving LSU a chance, and I'm expecting an emotional effort from the Tigers. LSU is the better team on paper and Arkansas isn't the same team offensively on the road.
My prediction: LSU 31 - Arkansas 28
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