We’re just a few days away from the annual battle for the Boot, and as has been the case each of the last few seasons, there’s little doubt that we could be in for yet another showdown on Saturday. Here is everything that LSU coach Brian Kelly had to say about what he expects to see from the 2024 version of Arkansas.
There are no easy games in the SEC, and Arkansas is just another example
When it comes to an SEC schedule, especially in the calendar year of 2024, there truly are no cupcakes.
This season alone, top-10 ranked Alabama and Tennessee have each lost games to unranked foes – falling to Vanderbilt and Arkansas, respectively. Even just last week, the formerly No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs struggled to pull away from the Mississippi State Bulldogs, even despite being at home.
What makes things even more difficult is when you have to take to the road, and that’s exactly what LSU coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers are set to do this weekend for the second time of their SEC schedule.
“Now we’ve gotta go on the road against a very solid Arkansas team,” the Tiger head coach said on Monday. “A team that historically, over the past four years, we’ve played games that have been decided by three points or less. I have a great deal of respect for Sam Pittman, what he’s done and the way his team is playing.”
As we stand in 2024, coach Kelly is 2-0 against the Razorbacks as a part of the purple and gold, but it certainly hasn’t been easy. Beating them by a total of six points over the last two games combined, the battle for the Boot always finds a way to be closer than expected, and it wouldn’t surprise if this season is no different.
“This is going to be a great challenge for us, and one where we’ll have to play well on the road at Fayetteville.”
LSU coach Brian Kelly shares initial thoughts on the Razorbacks
While speaking about the upcoming week eight matchup, Kelly didn’t waste any time before getting into what very well may be the most dangerous aspect of this Arkansas roster: quarterback Taylen Green.
“This football team is led by Taylen Green, the quarterback – big, physical, can run, makes plays with his arm and legs.”
While it’s still unconfirmed whether Green will even be available on Saturday, as he deals with a knee injury suffered vs. Tennessee, it’s hard to deny that the former Boise State transfer has been a special addition for Sam Pittman and his squad in 2024. Logging 1,502 yards and five touchdowns passing, while adding 326 yards and four touchdowns on the ground through six games, he’ll likely need to be priorities number one, two and three for the purple and gold defense.
With that said, he’s not the only playmaker on this offense, and LSU coach Brian Kelly sounded particularly impressed with the balance they have as a whole.
“I think the balance on offense – 480 yards in total offense, rushing, passing, they lead the SEC in third down conversions. I love the tight end – Luke Hasz. The big offensive line, they work well together, and again, that’s coach Pittman’s specialty.”
Having put up 70 points in one game earlier this season, there’s no doubt that the Razorbacks can light up a scoreboard. Still, something that’s often forgotten is the fact that they also allowed 0 points in that same game.
“Defensively, to me, I think they’ve done a great job defensively,” Kelly continued. “They’re physical up front – big and physical. Landon Jackson – he played here at LSU – great motor. I mean, the guy just plays hard. He’s a three-year starter there, and he is kind of the energy on that defense. But again, they’re really well designed, fundamentally sound, they run to the football, play with a lot of energy.”
The purple and gold will now take things on the road, as they get set for a Saturday matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville, AR. The game will take place on October 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. CST, and will be available to watch live on ESPN.
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