When it comes to 2023 college football, guarantees practically donāt exist. That said, as coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers get set to face Arkansas this Saturday, theĀ spread sits around 17.5, and things look good for the purple and gold. Here areĀ three reasons LSU footballĀ should come out on top vs. the Razorbacks, with Jayden Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr playing a big part in it.
Three reasons LSU football will win vs. Arkansas
1. Winning in the trenches
WhenĀ coach Brian KellyĀ was hired on as the head coach at LSU football, he made one thing abundantly clear. The line of scrimmage will be priority number one. Itās how heās always coached, and when it comes to this weekend in particular, it could be a reason the Tigers come out on top.
Heading into week four, one of the biggest concerns for Arkansas is offensive line play. While the potential is undoubtedly there, injuries have completely derailed things for the Razorbacks.
In 2023, coach Sam Pittmanās team ranksĀ No. 79 in FBS in sacks allowed per game (2.33), while running the ball for just 3.78 yards per carry. Interestingly, LSU football has also allowed 2.33 sacks per game, but the rushing stats are where the differences start to show.
So far, in 2023, the Tigers have averaged 5.07 yards per carry. Out of all the FBS opponents the Razorbacks have played in 2023, the best rushing offense they have faced wasĀ Kent State, who averages 3.3 yards per carry.
This will, by far, be the best offensive and defensive line Arkansas has faced in 2023. I expect to see coach Brian Kelly use this against them early and often, leading to a relatively comfortable victory.
2. The man, the myth, the legend: Harold Perkins Jr
For any and all Arkansas fans out there, Iād like to apologize ahead of this next point.Ā Harold Perkins JrĀ absolutely disrespected the Razorbacks in 2022 and did so in Fayetteville, AR.
In the matchup last season, the now sophomore linebacker was electric. He totaledĀ eight tackles on the day, three of which came in the form of a sack. Additionally, he forced two fumbles on the day, helping to give his offense another chance to score.
While 2023 hasnāt been quite as explosive for the former five-star, itās not hard to see that heās just waiting for his opportunity. Who knows, maybe this weekend is said opportunity.
So far on the year, heās totaled 10 tackles, one sack and two passes deflected. However, Harold Perkins Jr seemsĀ more comfortable in his new hybrid position each week. Donāt be surprised if we see a big day from him on Saturday.
3. Jayden Danielsā ability to avoid pressure
One of the most dangerous parts of the Arkansas defense is its ability to create pressure. On the year, the Razorbacks rank No. 4 in rushing defense (55.7 yards allowed per game) andĀ No. 7 in team sacks (4.0 per game).
For last yearās LSU football team, this would have been much more of a concern. In reality, it was, and the final score was telling, as the offense scored just 13 points in the Tigersā 13-10 victory in 2022.
However, 2023 is a whole new year, and this is a much more experienced offense. Last season, Brian Kellyās squad was breaking in two new offensive tackles and aĀ quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who was learning the offense.
Now, Jayden Daniels is a seasoned veteran who knows the offense like the back of his hand. Additionally, while still young, theĀ offensive line is no longer surviving but rather thriving.
If the LSU football offense as a whole can avoid pressure on Daniels, it could do wonders for the final outcome.
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