Each week we asked the crew at 1045 ESPN Baton Rouge to pick the game and give us a little insight. Last week Hunt, Pauly, Moscona and Musso all picked the Rebels. They were the first to go against the Tigers. How’d that work out? This week LSU heads to Fayetteville to take on an Arkansas team riding high off of a big win over Tennessee. It’ll be up to LSU to answer the bell following a dramatic win against the Rebels. Here’s what everyone had to say
Alondra Villarreal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: I think the key to the game this week is LSU stopping the run game from Arkansas with Ja’Quinden Jackson being their biggest threat. Whit Weeks has been a proven playmaker in my opinion, and think he needs to solidify himself as one on Saturday. LSU 27, Arkansas 21.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: I know that this game has come down to the wire many times in recent years, but I just have a feeling LSU rolls in this one. Garrett Nussmeier was shaky for most of the game against Ole Miss, but he really impressed me with his ability to elevate his level of play with the game on the line. This defense continues to get better. If the offense can avoid another slow start, I like LSU’s chances in this one. LSU 38, Arkansas 20
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench: LSU has the biggest advantage in this game. It’s the Tiger wide receivers against the Arkansas defensive backs. It’s also not 30 degrees. LSU 28, Arkansas 17
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: This score doesn’t make sense. I think LSU has a distinct advantage at the most important position on the field, quarterback. I think Arkansas’s secondary is VERY BAD, and the receivers should be ready to feast. I trust this defensive staff to be able to put together a gameplan to confuse Taylen Green and push him into mistakes that he has been all too willing to make this season. BUT… this is the Arkansas game. At Night. In Fayetteville. Coming off a massive win and a bye. This series always has a way of throwing logic out the window. So, I will throw my own logic out the window and just accept this is going to be a four-quarter battle in which I believe LSU will edge out a close victory. LSU 28, Arkansas 24
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: This is the Tigers biennial trip to the dentist…the average margin of victory in the last three games in Fayetteville is just over four points…that sounds about right. And promise not to tell anybody, but this defense is getting better. LSU 24, Arkansas 20
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: The last four LSU-Arkansas games have each been decided by three points. Arkansas has won 11 conference games over that span compared to LSU’s 20. Arkansas isn’t in LSU’s weight class, but Sam Pittman’s teams have consistently gotten up for this game. I expect that trend to continue. Sans the South Alabama game, LSU has not come out of the gates hot all season; they’ve scored 16 points in 1st quarters. I think LSU holds serve early and the offense comes around later in the game, but it won’t be a comfortable win. LSU 31, Arkansas 24
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: This is a great matchup for LSU. Arkansas loves its pass rush, but that won’t get home against this LSU offensive line. LSU’s weakness has been in coverage. Taylen Green completes less than 60 percent of his throws. Small prediction. I think Arkansas backs the defense up, and LSU finds a little ground game. Josh Williams and Caden Durham combine for over 175 yards in this one. If this game were in Tiger Stadium, I’d take LSU by 20. If it were in rural Minnesota, I’d take LSU by 17. It’s not. It’s going to be in a raucous environment in Fayetteville. So, I’ll take LSU by 11. LSU 31, Arkansas 20
Matt Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: I would love to see LSU start fast in this game to try and neutralize the crowd, but that hasn’t been a thing this year consistently on both sides of the bal. So, I’m not counting on it. The Tigers do need to weather the early storm here. And there will be one. You do that, and I like your chances. Garrett Nussmeier has shown time and time again this season the ability to lead you back when you need it most. Give him that opportunity. Add in that this is the best quarterback and offense the Hogs have faced, and his chances only increase. On defense, I worry about fatigue. A lot of guys played every snap of the game versus Ole Miss. Going up against a physical offense with a mobile quarterback makes me nervous there. Again, just hold the line. This will be a fight because it always is, but I like Nuss to make the plays when needed most. LSU 27, Arkansas 24.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: This could be another hard-fought battle per usual with these two teams. LSU could have a slight letdown after coming off the overtime win against Ole Miss. The Tigers have the better team, but Arkansas has always been a tough matchup. I’m interested to see if the LSU defense can repeat its dominant performance from a week ago. I have no doubt the offense will continue to roll under QB Garrett Nussmeier. LSU 31, Arkansas 23
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: This game is terrifying when Arkansas stinks. This year, they’re average-to-good and coming off an open date while LSU is in a prime letdown spot. There’s just no way this is easy. It never is. Close your eyes, hold your nose and just get out of there with a win. LSU 27, Arkansas 24
