The “Battle of the Boot” has never been more important or anticipated. The season boils down to a No.1 LSU vs. a No. 3 Arkansas. This is the highest-ranked match up in Tiger Stadium since 1959. If the Tigers win, they will seal the deal for a one-way ticket to the BCS National Championship. However if the Razorbacks win, the BCS rankings would become more confusing than the morning after a Vegas bachelor party. An Arkansas victory would make it so that the top three teams would all have one loss to each other. This would be a sports analysts dream because it would give them something to talk and speculate about for weeks. Let’s hope this is not the case. Nevertheless, the Razorbacks are a quality opponent and have given LSU troubles in the past. In fact, the last game LSU lost was to Arkansas last season and a combined total of 21 points has been the difference in the past six games.
Past match ups beside, let us look at the present game at hand. Here are some key factors in LSU vs. Arkansas.
Tyler Wilson
Call it a curse or call it a blessing, but LSU has faced a number of quarterbacks fresh off the bench this year. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson is not one. Wilson is debatably the best quarterback LSU will face in the regular season. He leads the SEC in passing yards (3,215) and completions (243). He is comfortable in the pocket and gets rid of the ball quickly. This is a pass happy offense and has no problem with their quarterback throwing the ball 30 times a game, and with the talent they have at wide receiver, who would?
The Crocodile Punter
Australian punter Brad Wing has been somewhat of a campus sensation this year. He had a touchdown called back for an early celebration. Aside from the “s
wag” he adds to the team, Wing has been a phenomenal punter. He averages 43 yards a punt, but the real amazing stat is out of his 40 punts this season 21 have been inside the 20-yard line. This will be crucial against Arkansas. If Tyler Wilson and his high powered passing attack get good field position, the points will start racking up. In addition, Wing will be punting to Joe Adams who is the number one return man this season.
John “Chief” Chavis
With every great defense comes a great defensive coordinator. Chavis is the mastermind behind LSU’s mean defense. He has seen everything an offense can throw at a defense. “Chief” Chavis is known for being strictly business on the field. Since joining the Tigers back in 2009, he has lived up to his expectations and has crushed high powered offenses. This game will be no different.
Prediction: Arkansas has an above average passing attack, but will be no match for the LSU defense.
LSU 28-Arkansas 13
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